A Guide to ACCOMMODATION 2013/2014
WELCOME
get in touch with us AND LET US LOOK AFTER YOUR ACCOMMODATION NEEDS
Starting at university is a new and exciting time and we realise the importance of finding the right place to live. Living in Robert Gordon University residences allows you to meet a diverse mix of students from different backgrounds on a variety of courses. We have designed this guide to provide you with all the information you require before you apply for accommodation in University residences. If you have any queries, please contact us (details opposite) by e-mail, telephone or fax. CONTACT DETAILS:
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES: Central Services Building, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7FY UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION: +44 (0)1224 262129/262131/262143 INFORMATION ON PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION: +44 (0)1224 262130 GUEST ACCOMMODATION: +44 (0)1224 262134 ACCOMMODATION FINANCE ISSUES: +44 (0) 1224 263017 FAX NUMBER: +44 (0)1224 263456 E-MAIL ADDRESS: accommodation@rgu.ac.uk WEBSITE: www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation APPLY ONLINE: www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
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MINIMUM RULES AND MAXIMUM
MINIMUM RULES AND MAXIMUM
INDEPENDENCE
what we offer
At Robert Gordon University we are committed to providing safe, secure and affordable accommodation for our new students. We know that there is more to University life than studying and our residences have been designed to meet all your requirements. Each study bedroom is equipped to provide a private place to relax or revise and every flat contains a communal living area where flatmates and friends can socialise. If you are resident in Halls then you will have the benefit of 24 hours a day access to staff or Residence Assistants (RAs) who can offer help and support. We also offer advice and assistance to students leaving Halls or those living in the private sector.
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Wide range of accommodation Standard and ensuite rooms in Halls One bedroom self contained flats 40 & 50 week tenancies Internet access Security entry systems Car parking and bike storage facilities (at most sites) Convenient public transport links
WHAT WE OFFER YOU:
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ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 3
university residences EASY UNI
LIVING 1 Our flats offer competitively priced accommodation at various sites, large and small, throughout Aberdeen. The inclusive rents at our properties * mean that you don’t need to budget for utility bills. Please see section “Your Questions answered” on pages 16-19 for additional costs information. YOUR RENT INCLUDES: • Utilities* - heating, lighting and hot water (heating is not normally available overnight) • Cooking facilities • Personal contents insurance (limited – top ups can be purchased if required) • Cleaning of external communal areas (some sites offer cleaning of communal areas inside flats) • Internet access *Except Craigievar Development – please note the cost of the utilities at this complex will be the responsibility of the tenant(s)
1 WOOMANHILL FLATS LOCATION: City Centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 736 ROOM TYPES: 600 standard rooms and 136 ensuite rooms CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies 2 ROSEMOUNT HALLS LOCATION: City Centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 146 ROOM TYPES: 48 standard rooms and 98 ensuite rooms CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies 3 ST PETERS HALLS LOCATION: Off King Street, 15-20 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 149 ROOM TYPES: 78 standard rooms and 71 ensuite rooms CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies
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4 LINKSFIELD HALLS LOCATION: Off King Street, 25 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 128 ROOM TYPES: 44 standard rooms and 84 ensuite rooms CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies
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ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 5
5 GARTHDEE FLATS LOCATION: Garthdee - in close proximity to all Faculties NO. OF RESIDENTS: 49 ROOM TYPES: All have ensuite shower and sink with shared toilet facilities CAR PARKING: Permits available from Transport Manager, charge applies 6 ARDMUIR TRINITY COURT LOCATION: Off King Street, 20 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus NO. OF RESIDENTS: (with Robert Gordon University lease): 198 ROOM TYPES: Standard CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies
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7 ARDMUIR KING STREET LOCATION: King Street, 15 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 26 ROOM TYPES: Standard CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies
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10 CRAIGIEVAR DEVELOPMENT LOCATION: 8-10 Craigievar Crescent, 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 8 X 1 bedroom self contained flat c/w washer/dryer, suitable for single or double/twin occupancy ROOM TYPES: Standard CAR PARKING: Limited resident parking 11 75 CRAIGIEVAR CRESCENT LOCATION: 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 5 (3 single rooms and 1 double/twin) ROOM TYPES: All standard rooms with 2 shower/bathrooms CAR PARKING: Permits available for roadside parking from council 12 137 GARTHDEE ROAD LOCATION: 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 5-8 ROOM TYPES: All standard rooms with 2 bathrooms CAR PARKING: Limited parking, charges may apply
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Artists Impression
8 CRATHIE STUDENT VILLAGE LOCATION: Holburn Street, 20 minutes walk to Garthdee campus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 96 ROOM TYPES: All ensuite rooms CAR PARKING: Limited resident parking
9 RAMSAY DEVELOPMENT LOCATION: Ramsay Gardens, 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus NO. OF RESIDENTS: 28 ROOM TYPES: Ensuite CAR PARKING: Limited spaces available
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Ardmuir properties 15
Ardmuir properties provide quality accommodation fitted to a very high standard. The flats include all the benefits of University Halls with the addition of washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers as standard within each flat at Trinity Court. At King Street there are dishwashers in each flat and a separate laundry facility which is free of charge. Communal areas are cleaned weekly. Ardmuir Properties would suit students looking for a living experience resembling a private flat rather than typical student residences.
TRINITY COURT All flats at Trinity Court have 3 bedrooms with standard facilities. All rooms are single occupancy and wireless broadband is included. Car parking is available for a charge in secure grounds.
207 KING STREET Flats vary between 2 and 5 bedrooms and are located next door to a major supermarket. All rooms are single occupancy and wireless broadband is included. Phone lines are available in each flat, however, it is the responsibility of residents to arrange their own service provision with an appropriate provider. Wireless broadband is included.
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 9
quick guide to our residences
Residence
Location
Number of Rooms
Lease Length (weeks)
Room Types
Weekly Price (per person)
Annual Amount
Non-Refundable Booking Fee**
Woolmanhill Flats
City Centre
600 136
40 40
Standard Ensuite
£92.00 £107.00
£3680.00 £4280.00
£120.00 £120.00
Rosemount Halls
City Centre
48 98
40 40
Standard Ensuite
£104.00 £113.00
£4160.00 £4520.00
£120.00 £120.00
St Peters Halls
15-20 minute walk to City Centre
78 71
40 40
Standard Ensuite
£104.00 £113.00
£4160.00 £4520.00
£120.00 £120.00
Linksfield
25 minute walk to City Centre
44 84
40 40
Standard Ensuite
£104.00 £113.00
£4160.00 £4520.00
£120.00 £120.00
Garthdee Round Tower
Within Garthdee Campus
30
40
Ensuite *
£97.00
£3880.00
£120.00
Garthdee Square Tower
Within Garthdee Campus
19
40
Ensuite *
£99.00
£3960.00
£120.00
Ardmuir Trinity Court
20 minute walk to City Centre
198
50 40
Standard Standard
£109.00 £111.00
£5450.00 £4440.00
£120.00 £120.00
Ardmuir King Street
15 minute walk to City Centre
26
50 40
Standard Standard
£109.00 £111.00
£5450.00 £4440.00
£120.00 £120.00
Crathie Student Village
20 minute walk to Garthdee Campus
97
50 40
Ensuite Ensuite
£121.00 £124.00
£6050.00 £4960.00
£120.00 £120.00
Ramsay Development
5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus
28
50 40
Ensuite Ensuite
£121.00 £130.00
£6050.00 £5200.00
£120.00 £120.00
Craigievar Development 1 Bedroom Studio Flats (NB Utilities not included)
5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus
8
50 50
Single Twin/Double
£175.00 £92.50
£8750.00 £4625.00
£120.00 £120.00
50 50
All Standard Single Room Twin Room
£97.00 £65.00
£4850.00 £3250.00
£120.00 £120.00
50 50 50
All Standard Large single Medium single Twin room
£135.00 £115.00 £110.00
£6750.00 £5750.00 £5500.00
£120.00 £120.00 £120.00
75 Craigievar Crescent
137 Garthdee Road
5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus
5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus
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* Garthdee Round/Square Tower – All rooms have ensuite shower and sink with shared toilet **The non-refundable booking fee is payable at the time of accepting the accommodation offer
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Woolmanhill Flats Rosemount Hall St Peters Hall Linksfield Hall Garthdee Flats Ardmuir Trinity Court Ardmuir King Street Craigievar Development Ramsay Development
LIBRARY
Crathie Student Village GARTHDEE CAMPUS
ROAD
STUDENT HELP POINT
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING SCHOOL OF COMPUTING SCIENCE & DIGITAL MEDIA SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & LIFE SCIENCES
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 13
residence assistants online
induction HERE TO HELP! All of our accommodation sites have a dedicated team of Residence Assistants (RAs) who are here to provide you with advice, assistance and support outwith normal working hours. The RA team is made up of students who have already spent at least one academic session living in University accommodation and who have an awareness and understanding of the issues facing students, particularly those who may be living away from home or visiting the UK for the first time. We take care to ensure that our RA teams consist of responsible and mature students who have a genuine commitment to enhancing the experience of our residents. The RA team will introduce themselves to you within the first few weeks of the lease and you will find information in your flat regarding how to call for the Duty RA if you need assistance. Our Residence Assistants are all friendly and approachable, so don’t hesitate to contact them if you need their help.
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Before you arrive to take up residence in your University accommodation, you will be required to complete an online e-induction which is intended to familiarise you with a variety of aspects of student life. The online induction will introduce you to your accommodation and give an outline of what you can expect in many areas ranging from the support provided by the Accommodation Services team to your personal safety and security. The programme is interactive and informative and also allows you to book an arrival date and time so that the accommodation team know when to expect you at your residence. In addition to specific information about the accommodation services provided, the online induction will cover some more general topics such as financial planning, health and welfare. Also, it will give you the opportunity to think about the University activities you could get involved in including sports, clubs and societies. Hopefully, our online induction will help make the transition to independent University living an easy and stress-free experience.
your questions answered
There are probably a lot of questions about University living you need answers to and we hope we have covered most of them in this section but if there is anything else you want to ask us please e-mail your enquiry to accommodation@rgu.ac.uk
Q: What type of accommodation can you offer me?
Q: Do you give priority to any applicants?
Q: What happens if University residences are full?
A: Our accommodation consists of 12 different Halls and houses throughout the city. The majority of Halls complexes are in the form of self-catering flats for 3-8 people. Within the flat each student has their own study bedroom and shares a fully equipped kitchen and lounge. Most rooms are standard (shared bathroom facilities) but we do also provide ensuite (private bathroom facilities). Please note that you will have to provide your own cooking utensils, cutlery/crockery and bedding items. Please visit our “Getting Prepared” section on our website for further information.
A: Yes, we give priority to students who have a serious medical condition. We also take into consideration the distance of your home address from Aberdeen. This means that students from outwith the UK and from outwith the Aberdeen area will be given priority over those who live within commuting distance of the city.
A: We try our best to accommodate every applicant but if this is not possible we will assist you to find suitable accommodation. Further information is available on our website.
Q: Are the flats just for single sex occupancy or mixed? A: You will have the option of selecting a single sex flat on your online application. If you do not state a preference for a single sex flat you will be allocated to either mixed or single sex accommodation. We will try to meet your requirements and remain sensitive to any specific requests made for this option. Q: What washing and toilet facilities are there within the standard flats in Halls? A: Sinks are provided in each bedroom (except Ardmuir properties). At Woolmanhill Flats 1-49 there are two toilets and two showers (1 over bath) in every flat of six. In Flats 60-89 and 100-109 there are two toilets, two showers and a separate bath in flats of eight. At Rosemount, St.Peters and Linksfield Halls there are two toilets and two showers in each flat of seven, and within the three bedroom flats there is one shower and one toilet.
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Q: How do I apply for University accommodation? A: We have an online application system called Roomonline. Please log on to www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline to register and apply for accommodation. In order to be eligible to apply, you must live outwith 18 miles of Garthdee Campus and have firmly accepted an unconditional, conditional or insurance offer of a place on a full-time course. Q: Can I choose which residence I would like to stay at? A: You can tell us what your first four choices are. We will try to accommodate these preferences but cannot guarantee to do so. If we are unable to give you one of your four preferred options, you will be allocated subject to availability. There is a section on the application to make any additional requests you may have and we will try to take these into consideration when allocating you. Q: When will the University tell me that I have been allocated a room? A: We allocate rooms from July onwards to students who have applied for accommodation and have firmly accepted their unconditional offer of a place on a course. When we have allocated you a room we will send an email asking you to log on to the Roomonline website to view your room offer. It is important that you check your e-mails frequently as your offer will only be valid for a specified period of time. You can then accept or decline this offer online.
Q: Is my lease legally binding? A: Yes, you are required to accept a legally binding lease which will be for a period of 40 or 50 weeks (there may be some variation at certain sites). In certain exceptional cases (e.g. overseas exchange students) it may be possible to arrange a different length of lease. Q: How much does the accommodation cost and how do I pay my fees? A: Please see “Paying for Student Accommodation” on page 20 Q: Do I need to pay any booking or registration fees? A: Yes, you will need to pay a non-refundable booking fee of £120 to cover administration charges and reserve a room. Demand for accommodation in Aberdeen is extremely high so it is important that only students with a genuine intention of staying in University accommodation are accepting offers to allow us to maximise our available rooms. You will be asked to pay this booking fee when you accept the offer of accommodation. Q: As a disabled student I have special requirements, can you help me? Any information you wish to disclose to us can be done so in the appropriate section of your online application. If you wish to discuss your requirements please contact us and we will be happy to help and even arrange a site visit. All information relating to medical conditions and disabilities is treated as confidential but may have to be shared with other University departments. ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 17
Q: Can you help me find private accommodation? A: Although we hope that you will choose to live in our University residences, we know that you may be considering looking for your own accommodation in Aberdeen. Accommodation Services are unable to find private accommodation on your behalf however we can provide you with information to help you make an informed decision. For further information, please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation. We always advise students never to rent a property without having seen it first. Please note that most UK landlords will require you to sign a 12 month lease and provide details of a guarantor. Q: Are there any extra costs that I will have to pay? A: Laundry facility charges are not included in the rent* - coin operated washing machines and dryers are provided at each site for your convenience. Car Parking charges apply at the majority of our residences. Charges for any damages not attributable to wear and tear may also be applied during or at the end of the lease period. *Except Ardmuir properties, Ramsay Development, Craigievar Development, 75 Craigievar Crescent and 137 Garthdee Road.
Q: I would like to bring my TV, do I need to buy a television licence? A: If you wish to bring a television to use in your study bedroom then you will be required to have a licence. If a group of students only has a TV in the communal area of their flat, then one TV licence for the flat will suffice. A small number of flats are provided with TV’s and the University has purchased licences to cover this.
Q: Can I invite a friend or family member to stay with me? A: A single overnight guest is allowed at any one time in Halls, but not more often than twice per month. Permission must be granted from site staff at least 24 hours in advance. If in doubt seek out an RA for help and advice. We regret that no guests are permitted during the first two weeks of the lease due to the number of new students arriving at this time. Q: Where do I collect my keys?
Q: What if I want to change my accommodation? A: We regret that we are unable to change your allocation prior to your arrival in Aberdeen. If you are not happy with the accommodation you have been allocated you can apply to transfer to a different site or flat, subject to availability. Transfers cannot be considered within the first 4 weeks of the lease. Application forms will be available from the accommodation website. Successful applicants will be required to pay an administrative fee. Q: Are all student residences non-smoking? A: For the benefit of residents all our student flats are completely non smoking, and smoking is not permitted in any area of the student accommodation.
Q: What will I be provided with and what do I need to bring with me?
Q: Can I share a flat with my friend who will also be studying at Robert Gordon University?
A: A full list if items that you are provided with will be available online at the time of your offer of accommodation. This will help you to plan what you may need to bring with you. Also, during the acceptance stage you will have an opportunity to purchase items and have them placed in your room ready for your arrival. This comes in handy for items you may not have enough room for in your luggage e.g. bedding, cutlery and crockery. Please visit our “Getting Prepared” section on our website for further information.
A: You and your friend should both make a note on your online accommodation applications that you would like to be placed in the same flat. We will try to accommodate your request wherever possible.
A: Keys are available from the appropriate site office on arrival. For unstaffed properties, details of your key collection point will be given to you during your online induction. You will need to bring a copy of your key release form with you, please remember to print this off during online induction. Q: What happens when I go on placement? A: If your course requires you to leave Aberdeen on placement you may be able to apply for a rent reduction, details available on request. Nursing students are not eligible to apply for a reduction due to the way they are funded.
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Additional i n f o r m a t i o n
PAYING FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
DO YOU HAVE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION?
GETTING ABOUT
All leases for Session 2013/2014 will start on 14 September 2013.
Our Halls accommodation only caters for single occupancy. We have one bedroom flats at Craigievar Development, however, if this is unsuitable and you are planning to take your family to Aberdeen you will need to look for accommodation in the private sector. Please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation and look under “Alternative Accommodation” for further information, please be aware that none of our University accommodation is suitable for children. If you intend to bring your family we recommend you to arrive well in advance of the start of your course to allow you time to look for suitable accommodation. You may find it easier to do this on your own rather than with your family. As our accommodation contracts are legally binding we strongly advise you not to accept University accommodation if you plan on having your family with you during your stay.
Aberdeen is well served with a good transport infrastructure. Our students are based at the Garthdee Campus and there are regular buses from the city centre to Garthdee. For up to date transport information please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/transport
40 week leases end 21 June 2014. 50 week leases end 30 August 2014. When accepting an offer of accommodation you will be given the flexibility to choose from the following payment schedules: • Payment of the full amount in advance • Payment in three instalments (or four instalments for a 50 week lease) • Payment in eight instalments (or eleven instalments for a 50 week lease) Further details regarding payment dates and amounts will be given to you with your online offer of accommodation. The non-refundable booking fee of £120 must be paid in full at the time of accepting your accommodation offer. *There may be a variation on the start date/lease length at some sites.
SECURITY MATTERS If you choose to stay in Halls, your security is our priority so we take care to ensure that our accommodation is as safe and secure as possible. Entry to Halls buildings is controlled by security intercoms, and each bedroom has its own lock. In addition, all kitchens are fitted with heat sensors and each bedroom has a smoke alarm. If you are staying in Halls there is always someone available to offer advice and assistance 24 hours a day.
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DATA PROTECTION All information held by Accommodation Services complies with the current Data Protection Act. It will only be used for legitimate purposes and will not be passed to a third party without your consent. Any information about an individual will be available to that person on request. All information correct at time of going to press.
GUEST ACCOMMODATION Guest accommodation costing £30 per single room per night and £52 for the double room per night is available in a ground floor flat at Woolmanhill throughout the year. It consists of 6 single and one double ensuite bedrooms (shower, wc and sink) with a lounge/kitchen area. The double room has been adapted to be suitable for wheelchair users. The flat is fully furnished and equipped to 2 star Tourist Board rating and the kitchen contains all necessary utensils required for self catering. This accommodation is very popular so please book early to avoid disappointment. To book please contact Peggy MacInnes on 01224 262134 or email p.macinnes@rgu.ac.uk
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 21
accommodation services www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation
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