A Guide to Services for Students

A Guide to...

Council Services for Students at University in Swansea

Welcome to Swansea Swansea has a lot to offer students. From the vibrant shopping and entertainment areas in the city centre to the beautiful Gower Peninsula, we are sure you will enjoy your time here.

To help you make the most of life in Swansea the Housing and Public Protection Service has created this guide to services provided by the council.

The information is designed to help ensure a safe and enjoyable time for you, other students and residents of Swansea.

If you need any further advice on the information here you can contact us in person at the Civic Centre on Oystermouth Road The Environment Call Centre on 01792 635600 or email evh@swansea.gov.uk or transportation.engineering@swansea.gov.uk Our website also includes lots of useful information and advice. www.swansea.gov.uk

A Guide to...

Council Services for Students at University in Swansea

Welcome to Swansea Swansea has a lot to offer students. From the vibrant shopping and entertainment areas in the city centre to the beautiful Gower Peninsula, we are sure you will enjoy your time here.

To help you make the most of life in Swansea the Housing and Public Protection Service has created this guide to services provided by the council.

The information is designed to help ensure a safe and enjoyable time for you, other students and residents of Swansea.

If you need any further advice on the information here you can contact us in person at the Civic Centre on Oystermouth Road The Environment Call Centre on 01792 635600 or email evh@swansea.gov.uk or transportation.engineering@swansea.gov.uk Our website also includes lots of useful information and advice. www.swansea.gov.uk

Gower

Parking

Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, Gower was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to be designated in 1956.

For students living in Swansea, residents’ parking permits may be available. You will need to complete an application form available from the Civic Centre or www.swansea.gov.uk/parking.

Information about the AONB can be found on our website, www.swansea.gov.uk/aonb.

‘Walking by Bus’ leaflets cover Langland & Caswell, Felindre & Lower Lliw Reservoir, Rhossili, Penmaen and Llanmadoc. Each walk is approximately 2 miles long and are all linked by a bus route from Swansea City Centre. So even those without a car can enjoy a refreshing walk on Gower!

Copies of the walks can be found at tourist information centre, or downloaded from www.visitswanseabay.com. Gower bus timetables can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/transport.

As well as walking, visitors can enjoy the Gower by bus, bike, horseback or even from their surfboard. With many other activities on offer it is hard not to enjoy yourself here.

 You must own and drive the vehicle that you

intend getting a permit for.

 You must produce the vehicle registration document AND a current

driving licence.

Both these documents must have the applicant’s correct name and address in Swansea where the parking permit is being applied for.

Public Transport The Council operates 3 Park & Ride sites in Landore (near the Liberty Stadium), Fabian Way and Fforestfach (Carmarthen Road).

Our website has more information including maps, www.swansea.gov.uk/parkandride.

Gallery

Swansea Council, Veolia and First Bus all operate services in the area.

Swansea Metro runs from Morriston Hospital via the Liberty Stadium, Rail Station and City Centre to Swansea University and Singleton Hospital.

Langland

Rhossili

Three Cliffs Bay

Worms Head

Lower Lliw Reservoir

Mumbles

Information on Council run services, including those to Gower and links to bus and rail providers can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/transport.

Gower

Parking

Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, Gower was the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to be designated in 1956.

For students living in Swansea, residents’ parking permits may be available. You will need to complete an application form available from the Civic Centre or www.swansea.gov.uk/parking.

Information about the AONB can be found on our website, www.swansea.gov.uk/aonb.

‘Walking by Bus’ leaflets cover Langland & Caswell, Felindre & Lower Lliw Reservoir, Rhossili, Penmaen and Llanmadoc. Each walk is approximately 2 miles long and are all linked by a bus route from Swansea City Centre. So even those without a car can enjoy a refreshing walk on Gower!

Copies of the walks can be found at tourist information centre, or downloaded from www.visitswanseabay.com. Gower bus timetables can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/transport.

As well as walking, visitors can enjoy the Gower by bus, bike, horseback or even from their surfboard. With many other activities on offer it is hard not to enjoy yourself here.

 You must own and drive the vehicle that you

intend getting a permit for.

 You must produce the vehicle registration document AND a current

driving licence.

Both these documents must have the applicant’s correct name and address in Swansea where the parking permit is being applied for.

Public Transport The Council operates 3 Park & Ride sites in Landore (near the Liberty Stadium), Fabian Way and Fforestfach (Carmarthen Road).

Our website has more information including maps, www.swansea.gov.uk/parkandride.

Gallery

Swansea Council, Veolia and First Bus all operate services in the area.

Swansea Metro runs from Morriston Hospital via the Liberty Stadium, Rail Station and City Centre to Swansea University and Singleton Hospital.

Langland

Rhossili

Three Cliffs Bay

Worms Head

Lower Lliw Reservoir

Mumbles

Information on Council run services, including those to Gower and links to bus and rail providers can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/transport.

Taxis

Recycling & Rubbish

Always make sure you use a licensed taxi. In Swansea all hackney cabs are black and have a plate on the back and stickers on the side. All private hire vehicles (which must be pre-booked, not hailed in the street) are white and also have a plate on the back and stickers on the side.

We offer a kerbside collection scheme for recycling and domestic waste.

Collections are split into Green weeks and Pink weeks. Green week is for kitchen waste, paper and card, cans and glass and garden waste.

Drivers must also be licensed with the Council and wear photo ID at all times, when they are working.

Passengers should check that the driver is wearing an identity badge and that the expiry date shown on it has not lapsed. A second badge should be prominently displayed in the vehicle. If you are travelling in a black hackney carriage or white private hire badges will be yellow or white.

More information including current Hackney Carriage fares and location of ranks are available at www.swansea.gov.uk/taxi.

Cycling The National Cycle Network links many areas in Swansea with the city centre. Cycle racks are available at over thirty locations in the city centre and also at the Civic Centre.

Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/cycling or www.visitswanseabay.com for more details.

Cycle security  Always secure your cycle to a fixed object 0 preferably a cycle stand.  Avoid causing obstruction to others.  Ensure that you have a secure lock or locks, and if possible local all

removable parts of the cycle (eg. Wheels, seat) to the cycle stand.

Pink week is for kitchen waste, plastic and domestic waste.

Use black sacks for rubbish, green sacks for glass, cans, paper and card, pink bags for plastic, white bags for garden waste and caddies for kitchen waste. You can collect replacement bags from over 80 locations around Swansea including the Student Union at both Swansea University and Swansea Metropolitan University. Check where your nearest location is at www.swansea.gov.uk/morebags.

Place your bags/ bins outside your house, either on the pavement or kerbside before 7am on your collection day. It must be properly packed in the correct bags and must not be too heavy or contain sharp objects. If you leave rubbish on the pavement it will be regarded as flytipping and you could be fined up to £20,000.

We offer a bulk waste collection for large household items with a charge of £16.50 for up to 3 items. Call 01792 635600 to arrange a collection.

There is lots more information and advice on recycling on our website at www.swansea.gov.uk/recycling.

To find out your recycling and rubbish collection day check on the website at www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingsearch.

Taxis

Recycling & Rubbish

Always make sure you use a licensed taxi. In Swansea all hackney cabs are black and have a plate on the back and stickers on the side. All private hire vehicles (which must be pre-booked, not hailed in the street) are white and also have a plate on the back and stickers on the side.

We offer a kerbside collection scheme for recycling and domestic waste.

Collections are split into Green weeks and Pink weeks. Green week is for kitchen waste, paper and card, cans and glass and garden waste.

Drivers must also be licensed with the Council and wear photo ID at all times, when they are working.

Passengers should check that the driver is wearing an identity badge and that the expiry date shown on it has not lapsed. A second badge should be prominently displayed in the vehicle. If you are travelling in a black hackney carriage or white private hire badges will be yellow or white.

More information including current Hackney Carriage fares and location of ranks are available at www.swansea.gov.uk/taxi.

Cycling The National Cycle Network links many areas in Swansea with the city centre. Cycle racks are available at over thirty locations in the city centre and also at the Civic Centre.

Visit www.swansea.gov.uk/cycling or www.visitswanseabay.com for more details.

Cycle security  Always secure your cycle to a fixed object 0 preferably a cycle stand.  Avoid causing obstruction to others.  Ensure that you have a secure lock or locks, and if possible local all

removable parts of the cycle (eg. Wheels, seat) to the cycle stand.

Pink week is for kitchen waste, plastic and domestic waste.

Use black sacks for rubbish, green sacks for glass, cans, paper and card, pink bags for plastic, white bags for garden waste and caddies for kitchen waste. You can collect replacement bags from over 80 locations around Swansea including the Student Union at both Swansea University and Swansea Metropolitan University. Check where your nearest location is at www.swansea.gov.uk/morebags.

Place your bags/ bins outside your house, either on the pavement or kerbside before 7am on your collection day. It must be properly packed in the correct bags and must not be too heavy or contain sharp objects. If you leave rubbish on the pavement it will be regarded as flytipping and you could be fined up to £20,000.

We offer a bulk waste collection for large household items with a charge of £16.50 for up to 3 items. Call 01792 635600 to arrange a collection.

There is lots more information and advice on recycling on our website at www.swansea.gov.uk/recycling.

To find out your recycling and rubbish collection day check on the website at www.swansea.gov.uk/recyclingsearch.

Tenancy Relations

 Don’t sign an agreement on the basis of improvements being

Renting from a private landlord need not be a bad experience. There are many good landlords in Swansea who offer quality, safe and affordable accommodation for students.

 Once you’ve signed a tenancy agreement you can usually be held

All properties should be in a good state of repair and if there are any gas appliances (boilers, fires, heaters etc.) they must be checked annually. Landlords will be able to show prospective tenants a safety certificate to confirm this.



undertaken before you move in as these promises may not be kept.



 

HMOs Most properties occupied by students are Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This means that people who are not related live together in a property that was originally intended to be occupied by a single household ie. A family.

What do landlords expect of tenants?  Promptly report and disrepair and allow the landlord, or their agent,

Some HMOs, including all HMOs in the Castle and Uplands wards, need to be licensed. You can check the public register at www.swansea.gov.uk/hmos.



Fire precautions in HMOs



The risk of a fire occurring in a HMO is much greater than in a family home so landlords have to take extra precautions against fire such as providing electrically operated smoke and heat detectors, fire resistant doors and fire fighting equipment. This applies to all HMOs regardless of size or location.

Tenancy agreements A tenancy agreement is a legal document so it’s important to understand what it means before you sign it.  Make sure you get a written tenancy agreement.  Don’t sign anything until you’ve seen the property.

liable for the rent for the duration of the contract, even if you move out.

If you are paying a bond ensure your landlord makes it clear in writing what this bond is for (ie. Damage, unpaid rent etc.)

If you are paying a summer retainer check to see if you are allowed to stay in the property. Get whatever is agreed written into, or added to your tenancy agreement.

Make sure your agreement is clear about who is responsible for paying the utility bills.

If you live in the same property as your landlord you will have fewer rights and in most cases the landlord can evict you without having to go to court. You will be a licensee not a tenant.

    

reasonable access for inspection and repair.

Behave in a reasonable and courteous manner with due consideration for neighbours and other residents in the area.

Be aware of the needs of the community in which you live.

Ensure no undue disturbance is caused particularly at night.

Take care of the property, its furniture and equipment.

Treat fire detection and protection equipment responsibly.

Bag domestic rubbish and recycling and leave it for collection in the appropriate place on the appropriate day.

Keep the property in a clean and tidy condition including the garden and yard areas.

For more information or advice contact 01792 635600 or email evh@swansea.gov.uk.

Our website also contains lots of useful information. It can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/privaterentedhousing.

Tenancy Relations

 Don’t sign an agreement on the basis of improvements being

Renting from a private landlord need not be a bad experience. There are many good landlords in Swansea who offer quality, safe and affordable accommodation for students.

 Once you’ve signed a tenancy agreement you can usually be held

All properties should be in a good state of repair and if there are any gas appliances (boilers, fires, heaters etc.) they must be checked annually. Landlords will be able to show prospective tenants a safety certificate to confirm this.



undertaken before you move in as these promises may not be kept.



 

HMOs Most properties occupied by students are Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). This means that people who are not related live together in a property that was originally intended to be occupied by a single household ie. A family.

What do landlords expect of tenants?  Promptly report and disrepair and allow the landlord, or their agent,

Some HMOs, including all HMOs in the Castle and Uplands wards, need to be licensed. You can check the public register at www.swansea.gov.uk/hmos.



Fire precautions in HMOs



The risk of a fire occurring in a HMO is much greater than in a family home so landlords have to take extra precautions against fire such as providing electrically operated smoke and heat detectors, fire resistant doors and fire fighting equipment. This applies to all HMOs regardless of size or location.

Tenancy agreements A tenancy agreement is a legal document so it’s important to understand what it means before you sign it.  Make sure you get a written tenancy agreement.  Don’t sign anything until you’ve seen the property.

liable for the rent for the duration of the contract, even if you move out.

If you are paying a bond ensure your landlord makes it clear in writing what this bond is for (ie. Damage, unpaid rent etc.)

If you are paying a summer retainer check to see if you are allowed to stay in the property. Get whatever is agreed written into, or added to your tenancy agreement.

Make sure your agreement is clear about who is responsible for paying the utility bills.

If you live in the same property as your landlord you will have fewer rights and in most cases the landlord can evict you without having to go to court. You will be a licensee not a tenant.

    

reasonable access for inspection and repair.

Behave in a reasonable and courteous manner with due consideration for neighbours and other residents in the area.

Be aware of the needs of the community in which you live.

Ensure no undue disturbance is caused particularly at night.

Take care of the property, its furniture and equipment.

Treat fire detection and protection equipment responsibly.

Bag domestic rubbish and recycling and leave it for collection in the appropriate place on the appropriate day.

Keep the property in a clean and tidy condition including the garden and yard areas.

For more information or advice contact 01792 635600 or email evh@swansea.gov.uk.

Our website also contains lots of useful information. It can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/privaterentedhousing.

Noise

5. However, if found guilty the Council will make an application to the Court to retain and dispose of the equipment.

There are a number of things you can do to help keep noise nuisance to a minimum.

6. You will also have a criminal record and be liable to a maximum fine of £5000. Possessing a criminal record can have a profound effect on your life. Any prospective employer who carries out a criminal record check will be informed that it exists; it may also affect applications for finance or financial credit amongst other things.

 Do not speakers on walls.  Make sure you can hear the doorbell over

the music or TV.  Keep volume low late at night. Take a listen in your garden or on the street—if you can hear the music it is too loud!  Tell your neighbours if you are having a party.  Do not use your washing machine, tumble dryer or vacuum cleaner late at night.

If you do make a noise and someone makes a complaint this is what will happen: If Council officers witness a noise nuisance an abatement notice will be served upon all parties responsible ie. All members of the household unless you can prove otherwise.

If you comply no further action will be taken.

If you fail to comply then further action will be taken against you.

1. You are likely to be offered a formal caution. Accept this and the matter ends there, unless you re-offend.

2. Reject the formal caution, or re-offend, and you will be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court.

3. Continue to re-offend and the Council has to power to remove all equipment likely to contribute to the nuisance eg. Televisions; DVD/ Blu-ray players; stereos; radios; computer games and computers.

This will then be kept by the Council until the prosecution is concluded.

4. If found not guilty of the offence the equipment will be returned.

Beware the noisy nightclub!

Exposure to extremely loud music for hours every weekend can pose a risk to your hearing. Noise damage is hard to notice until it is too late and damage is permanent.

Remember that sounds are too loud if…  You can’t talk to someone two metres away without shouting

because of background noise. Take a break, go to a quieter area.

Extended exposure to these noise levels will cause damage to hearing.  You can’t hear properly for a few hors or if you have a ringing in your ears after exposure to high levels of noise. This is a sign that the sound was loud enough to damage your hearing.

If you use headphones  Don’t turn the volume up to drown out background noise.  A small reduction in volume can make a big difference to the risk of

hearing damage.

 Give your ears a break and don’t use headphones all the time.

More information can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/noise.

Noise

5. However, if found guilty the Council will make an application to the Court to retain and dispose of the equipment.

There are a number of things you can do to help keep noise nuisance to a minimum.

6. You will also have a criminal record and be liable to a maximum fine of £5000. Possessing a criminal record can have a profound effect on your life. Any prospective employer who carries out a criminal record check will be informed that it exists; it may also affect applications for finance or financial credit amongst other things.

 Do not speakers on walls.  Make sure you can hear the doorbell over

the music or TV.  Keep volume low late at night. Take a listen in your garden or on the street—if you can hear the music it is too loud!  Tell your neighbours if you are having a party.  Do not use your washing machine, tumble dryer or vacuum cleaner late at night.

If you do make a noise and someone makes a complaint this is what will happen: If Council officers witness a noise nuisance an abatement notice will be served upon all parties responsible ie. All members of the household unless you can prove otherwise.

If you comply no further action will be taken.

If you fail to comply then further action will be taken against you.

1. You are likely to be offered a formal caution. Accept this and the matter ends there, unless you re-offend.

2. Reject the formal caution, or re-offend, and you will be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court.

3. Continue to re-offend and the Council has to power to remove all equipment likely to contribute to the nuisance eg. Televisions; DVD/ Blu-ray players; stereos; radios; computer games and computers.

This will then be kept by the Council until the prosecution is concluded.

4. If found not guilty of the offence the equipment will be returned.

Beware the noisy nightclub!

Exposure to extremely loud music for hours every weekend can pose a risk to your hearing. Noise damage is hard to notice until it is too late and damage is permanent.

Remember that sounds are too loud if…  You can’t talk to someone two metres away without shouting

because of background noise. Take a break, go to a quieter area.

Extended exposure to these noise levels will cause damage to hearing.  You can’t hear properly for a few hours or if you have a ringing in your ears after exposure to high levels of noise. This is a sign that the sound was loud enough to damage your hearing.

If you use headphones  Don’t turn the volume up to drown out background noise.  A small reduction in volume can make a big difference to the risk of

hearing damage.

 Give your ears a break and don’t use headphones all the time.

More information can be found at www.swansea.gov.uk/noise.

Food

City Centre Loyalty Card

Many different sorts of bacteria can cause food poisoning. Following these tips can help prevent a nasty experience.

You can save money at more than 100 businesses in Swansea City Centre with our loyalty card.

1. Take chilled and frozen food home quickly.

2. Keep raw and ready to eat food separately—keep raw food (eg.

Meat, fish) at the bottom of the fridge—preferably on a plate.

3. Ensure the fridge and freezer are working properly. Keep food below 5°C in the fridge and -18° in the freezer.

4. Use food by the date marks especially “USE BY” dates.

5. Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food. Hot water, soap and clean, dry towels are essential.

6. Keep your kitchen clean—wash worktops and utensils and ensure they are clean before use. Have a cleaning rota and stick to it.

7. Defrost food thoroughly in a fridge and cook food well, especially eggs, poultry and meat products such as burgers and sausages.

8. Always reheat leftovers until piping hot before eating.

9. Do not leave rubbish in the kitchen.

10.Keep your bathroom and toilet thoroughly clean at all times—but don’t use the same cleaning equipment in the kitchen!

11.See your doctor if you suffer from symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Healthy eating advice can be found on our website at www.swansea.gov.uk/healthyeating.

If you would rather eat out, we publish inspection ratings for restaurants and cafes. Check out www.food.gov.uk/ratings or look for the stickers and certificates at your favourite restaurant, takeaway, café or pub. You can also download the Food Standards Agency app so you can check scores wherever you are.

You can get a card for free from the City Centre Management Offices on Plymouth Street (next to Wilkinson) and the Grand Theatre or at the Evening Post, Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal offices.

You can also download the free Loyalty Card to any Smartphone or Android handset using the Swansea Big Local App. Once downloaded just click on the Big Heart of Swansea logo on the landing page and then ‘Vouchers’ and simply show the image of the Card off your phone screen to an assistant to redeem. For general information on the Card and the list of current offers go to ‘More Info’ .

You can find out more about the loyalty card at www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk or download a full list of offers from www.swanseacitycentre.com/shopping/loyalty-card To download the app straight to your phone or tablet scan these QR codes.

Food

City Centre Loyalty Card

Many different sorts of bacteria can cause food poisoning. Following these tips can help prevent a nasty experience.

You can save money at more than 100 businesses in Swansea City Centre with our loyalty card.

1. Take chilled and frozen food home quickly.

2. Keep raw and ready to eat food separately—keep raw food (eg.

Meat, fish) at the bottom of the fridge—preferably on a plate.

3. Ensure the fridge and freezer are working properly. Keep food below 5°C in the fridge and -18° in the freezer.

4. Use food by the date marks especially “USE BY” dates.

5. Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food. Hot water, soap and clean, dry towels are essential.

6. Keep your kitchen clean—wash worktops and utensils and ensure they are clean before use. Have a cleaning rota and stick to it.

7. Defrost food thoroughly in a fridge and cook food well, especially eggs, poultry and meat products such as burgers and sausages.

8. Always reheat leftovers until piping hot before eating.

9. Do not leave rubbish in the kitchen.

10.Keep your bathroom and toilet thoroughly clean at all times—but don’t use the same cleaning equipment in the kitchen!

11.See your doctor if you suffer from symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

Healthy eating advice can be found on our website at www.swansea.gov.uk/healthyeating.

If you would rather eat out, we publish inspection ratings for restaurants and cafes. Check out www.food.gov.uk/ratings or look for the stickers and certificates at your favourite restaurant, takeaway, café or pub. You can also download the Food Standards Agency app so you can check scores wherever you are.

You can get a card for free from the City Centre Management Offices on Plymouth Street (next to Wilkinson) and the Grand Theatre or at the Evening Post, Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal offices.

You can also download the free Loyalty Card to any Smartphone or Android handset using the Swansea Big Local App. Once downloaded just click on the Big Heart of Swansea logo on the landing page and then ‘Vouchers’ and simply show the image of the Card off your phone screen to an assistant to redeem. For general information on the Card and the list of current offers go to ‘More Info’ .

You can find out more about the loyalty card at www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk or download a full list of offers from www.swanseacitycentre.com/shopping/loyalty-card To download the app straight to your phone or tablet scan these QR codes.