UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION
UNI LIVING MADE EASY
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Contact Us RGU: Accommodation – To contact anyone from the Accommodation services with any issues, queries, concerns, feedback or for information please use one of the options below. By post
Accommodation Services Robert Gordon University Central Services Building Garthdee Campus Garthdee Road Aberdeen AB10 7FY UK
Phone
01224 262130
E-mail Web
accommodation@rgu.ac.uk www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline
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RGU Halls followed by message to 60300
Residential Sites – You may contact site staff regarding any issues within the accommodation on the numbers below. Please only use this number as an emergency contact number for parents/next of kin. Routine enquiries should be addressed through Accommodation Services. Woolmanhill
Daytime: 01224 263091
Out of hours: 07769 726187
Garthdee
Daytime: 01224 263770
Out of hours: 07813 312029
Linksfield
Daytime: 07920 417819
Out of hours: 07779 284689
St Peters
Daytime: 07920 417819
Out of hours: 07917 277879
Rosemount
Daytime: 07920 417819
Out of hours: 07779 261399
Don Street
Daytime: 07920 417819
Out of hours: 07801 793912
Trinity Court
Daytime: 07768134704
Out of hours: 07817 484067
King St
Daytime: 07768134704
Out of hours: 07917277879
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Welcome Welcome to Robert Gordon University and Accommodation Services who manage the halls of residence. Living in halls is, for most, an exciting experience where students create a vibrant community and friendships are made and maintained for a lifetime. Communal living is a new experience for many and most students manage the change extremely well but there are always cases where problems arise. This guide is designed to help you settle into your new community and inform you of the support available to address any issues that arise. We are here for you and aim to make your experience of study and social life an enjoyable one. If you feel we are not meeting your expectations, then tell us about it (see Contact Us and Feedback pages). In recent years we have incorporated many changes to life in halls as a result of the constructive feedback and criticism residents have provided, so get involved, this is your community. We hope you enjoy your stay with us here in the Granite City and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible.
Our Aim Accommodation Services aims to provide secure, safe and affordable accommodation for residents living in halls and to offer support and information to you throughout your University career. We currently provide accommodation for students after first year, however, spaces are limited and you will need to apply early. If you decide to move on we offer assistance to help find you accommodation from other student accommodation providers or in the private market. We offer assistance and advice with accommodation related issues whether you live in halls or not. Our staff are trained in Customer Care and are always willing to provide advice and support, especially to those who are living away from home for the first time. We hope your stay with us is an enjoyable academic and social experience.
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contents The people you will meet on site
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Infozone – Where to go for advice
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Living in Halls – Community Living
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Guide to Halls A - Z
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Your safety and security
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Welfare Support outside the University
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Feedback & comments
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The people you will meet on site RESIDENCE ASSISTANTS (RA’S) RA’s are senior students who live within the residences and are here to help with advice, welfare support, information and disciplinary matters. RA’s can address issues you may be experiencing such as noise disturbance, neighbour problems, kitchen cleaning problems or if you just need someone to talk to. They are students and have been where you are as a new arrival in an unfamiliar city and done that “fresher” thing. They have been chosen for their approachability so don’t be afraid to contact them.
WARDENS Wardens lead the RA teams and are generally members of University staff. Wardens will act on information reported to them by the RA team or residents can go directly to the Wardens for support and advice on any aspect of University life.
FACILITY SERVICES OFFICERS ( FSO’S) (WOOLMANHILL AND GARTHDEE) Provide support on site from 07:30 to 22:00 Monday to Friday. They also work at weekends (check at site office for details) and undertake duties relating to the well being of residents and the fabric and furnishings of the accommodation. FSO’s assist in the running of the halls and carry out minor repairs to make your stay as comfortable as possible. They should also be your first point of contact if a more serious maintenance issue has not been addressed. They have a wealth of local knowledge for you to tap into. At Woolmanhill there is also a handyman based here for minor repairs.
MAINTAINERS (LIBERTY LIVING SITES – DON STREET, LINKSFIELD, ROSEMOUNT, ST PETERS) Provide support on site from 08:30 to 18:15 Monday to Friday and are responsible for the fabric and furnishings of the accommodation. Maintainers assist in the running of the halls and carry out minor repairs to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Your first point of contact if a more serious maintenance issue occurs or has not been addressed is the Liberty Living office. Their e-mail address is libertyhouse-aberdeen@libertyliving.co.uk and their telephone number is 01224 417819.
FACILITIES SERVICES ASSISTANT (WOOLMANHILL, GARTHDEE &ARDMUIR) (CLEANERS) Cleaners work weekdays and will assist you with keeping the communal areas of your flat clean at University and Ardmuir sites. They are contracted to clean flats every 2 weeks, but will try to visit weekly. You can assist them by keeping sink areas, worktops and floor space clear on the day of their visit so they can vacuum and clean. Cleaners will not clean or enter study rooms in order to protect your privacy and security and they will not wash your dishes! Please note Liberty Living do not supply cleaning staff to flats. Remember: This is self-catering accommodation and the removal of rubbish bags from flats is your responsibility. Failure to remove rubbish from flats causes a hygiene hazard.Recycling facilities are available at most sites. Please help the environment by recycling as much as possible. 4
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INFOZONE- Gateway to student services InfoZone is a one-stop-shop environment where students can go to get information and advice on a wide variety of issues. InfoZone can ... Provide information on:
Take payments for:
• Accommodation
• Accommodation Fees
• Student Health and Wellbeing
• Graduation Fees
• Student Finance
• Tuition Fees
• Welfare
• Emergency Loan Repayments
• International Student Issues
• And much more...
• Study Support • Sports and Leisure • Admissions • Student Services 6
Also: • Make appointments for you with appropriate contacts within the University if necessary • Issue new or replacement Student ID cards • Sell bus tickets for the No 9. Unilink bus service • Provide letters proving student status for official purposes • Sell on street parking vouchers for Garthdee www.rgu.ac.uk/faqs • Sell a wide variety of stationery at Garthdee Infozone InfoZone aims to answer your questions immediately or if this is not possible direct you to the most appropriate source of help for your query. If you need help, just ask! You can find InfoZone centres at St Andrew Street and on University Street, Garthdee. The opening hours are 9.00 am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday www.rgu.ac.uk/infozone infozone@rgu.ac.uk
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Living in Halls – Community Living For most students, living in halls is a great opportunity to enjoy the academic and social life associated with University. However, the positive aspects of this can also cause problems due to the numbers of young people living together. This can be easily overcome by showing RESPECT to your fellow residents. The actions you take may cause a reaction in someone else and one person’s pleasure may be another’s nightmare such as noise causing lack of sleep or preventing someone from studying or completing coursework. 8
WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSES OF FRICTION: Playing music too loud, especially after 11 PM – Everyone has the right to sleep or study and at some point during this year that person will be you (quiet hours in all halls are 11 PM–8 AM) Inviting noisy guests who don’t respect residents Shouting, singing and screaming on the way out of or into halls Slamming doors and making a noise in rooms Leaving dirty dishes in the sink and leaving rubbish lying around Taking other peoples food Playing pranks on other people or flats
HOW TO AVOID THE CAUSES OF FRICTION RESPECT – we are all different and unique, it’s not a crime Lay ground rules early on with your flatmates Share the workload fairly - Set up a rota to take out rubbish daily and other chores of communal living agreed by all Talk to the people who are causing you problems Seek help. Speak to the RA’s, Wardens or FSO’s to try and get your problems resolved. If all else fails contact the Accommodation Service (see Contact Us) Remember - There is never a time when you don’t have a course of action to follow so don’t suffer in silence if you are the victim of problems, and please don’t become the cause.
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A-Z
Guide to Halls OK so it’s not really an A – Z but without telling you Zebra’s are not allowed in study rooms... Below you will find (in alphabetical order but not in order of importance) information to help you settle into halls and find out what you can expect and also what is expected from you. Please take the time to read this information. BICYCLES Bicycles should not be kept in flats as they may cause an obstruction in the event of a fire evacuation. Some sites have lockable facilities and you should contact FSO’s or site office staff to see if space is available within these. Unfortunately the University is not able to accept responsibility for any loss or damage. If you require information on insurance, booklets are available from the InfoZone, St Andrew Street and Garthdee.
COMPUTERS All our halls except Ardmuir (Trinity Court) have computer connections within the study rooms. University halls have direct access to the University network. You will need a CAT5 lead for connecting and these can be obtained free from the site office. For more information and assistance about the network in halls visit www. rgu.ac.uk/reslink/home. Liberty Living halls (Rosemount, St Peters, Linksfield and Don Street) are connected via CableCom and site office staff or RA’s will be able to assist you with connection queries and a connection registration CD. At Ardmuir (Trinity Court) residents choose their own provider and pay their provider direct. At Armuir (King Street) there is a wireless facility in the building. Important – Your PC must have virus protection. If you do not currently have virus guard you are advised to visit www.grisoft.com where you can download virus guard software free.
COMPLAINTS Accommodation Services aim to treat all residents fairly. If you feel you have a grievance or complaint to make about any aspect of our service we will be happy to deal with the matter. All complaints should be forwarded to the Accommodation Services via e-mail to accommodation@rgu.ac.uk and entitled COMPLAINT. We will respond immediately to inform you we have received and are dealing with your complaint. Most grievances can be dealt with and resolved informally, however we take every complaint seriously and strive to reach an acceptable resolution as quickly and efficiently as possible. 11
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT In the interest of the safety of all residents, the University requires that all electrical items which are used/ brought on site are compliant with the “Electrical Safety at Work Regulations”. All items which are supplied by the University are tested for compliance and all personal items should likewise be tested.
ENVIRONMENT The residential environments vary between sites. The most influential factor of these environments is you. Our environment and its atmosphere is whatever you make it so we welcome your feedback on ideas for improvements and changes (see Feedback). One of the issues raised in recent years was the lack of recycling facilities in University properties. We have been improving this throughout 09/10, going from 66th to 57th in the Green League Tables, and would appreciate your co-operation. This is a direct result of residents requests so please use the facilities and if successful we will expand the project to other sites. All Liberty Living sites also have recycling facilities.
FIRE ALARMS There are two types of alarms fitted within residences. Kitchen areas are fitted with heat sensors, whilst study rooms and halls are fitted with smoke detectors. The most common causes of fire alarm activation is wedging open the kitchen doors during cooking. Smoke from the ‘succulent’ sausage drifts into hallways and everyone is late for tea! Please ensure kitchen doors are kept closed during cooking.
FIRE SAFETY During academic year 2009/2010, three incidents of real fires occurred within residences. On each occasion residents or site staff used the fire appliances provided to extinguish or contain these fires. It is important for your personal safety as well as that of your property that no fire fighting appliances are tampered with including the fire alarm systems. Remember – Fire alarms and equipment are provided for your safety. It is an offence to recklessly or intentionally misuse anything provided in the interests of safety. Students at other Universities have been successfully prosecuted and in one case a student was imprisoned for maliciously setting off an alarm.
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FIRE DRILLS There will be at least one fire drill in each semester and residents are required to play a full and active part by complying with site staff instructions during these drills. These will be conducted at the beginning of each semester and, once satisfied with the response, there will be no further drills.
HOAX ALARMS Hoax alarms are annoying and extremely dangerous. If there are too many, complacency sets in and people start to ignore them. Due to the height of most of the accommodation, the fire service is required to despatch 2 fire engines to every call-out. Essential emergency services called to deal with hoax alarms are prevented from dealing with real fires or incidents and this can result in lives being placed at risk. Please do not bring the name of Robert Gordon University to people’s attention for the wrong reasons. Remember - Hoax alarms risk lives & tampering with fire appliances is a criminal offence.
INTER-SITE BUS SERVICES For up to date information on bus services please see the University’s transport website www.rgu.ac.uk/transport
INVENTORIES When you arrive you will find an inventory in your room. It is important that you take some time to make a note of any faults, damage or anything missing on the inventory form and that you return it to the site office within 7 days of the start of semester. If you make a note of any damage you cannot be held responsible for it on your departure.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES Laundry facilities are located at all residential sites. Please be courteous and remove washing promptly in order to allow other residents the opportunity to use vacant machines. Faults with machines should be reported to the operating company directly or site office at Ardmuir sites. The laundries close at 9.30pm however you will have a key to re-open the facility but remember for security reasons to close and lock the door when you leave.
MAIL Mail is delivered by the Post Office and FSO’s sort and deliver to flats or mailboxes (see below), not individual rooms. Mail requiring signature (recorded, registered or parcels) is signed for by FSO’s at University properties and a mail slip delivered to flats. The mail slip informs the resident that an item of mail is awaiting them at the site office and residents are required to collect this mail and sign for it. Please note at Liberty Living sites the mail is delivered to centrally located (within the site) postboxes where you will be able to pick up your mail. Liberty Living sign for parcels and you can collect these from site office staff or from RA’s between 7.00 pm and 8.00 p.m.
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Although it may seem an eternity away at the moment please be aware that we cannot redirect mail or hold mail after you have left our accommodation. You will receive information at the end of the academic year to remind you to redirect mail through the post office.
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES Any maintenance works required within residences should be reported to the site offices. If the works have not been completed within a reasonable time-scale, please notify office staff who will hasten the repair. RA’s can advocate on your behalf with the appropriate department, but please remember they are not responsible for the fault. For a list of approximate repair and maintenance time scales please see 2.4.1 of your Conditions of Lease Booklet. Please note at Liberty Living sites works should be reported to Linksfield office at libertyhouseaberdeen@libertyliving.co.uk Ardmuir residents should report faults to 07786 432579 and Unihomes residents should call 01224 262130 or e-mail accommodation@rgu.ac.uk
MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES Residents are strongly advised to register with a local GP during their time in Aberdeen. All emergencies are initially referred through NHS 24 or G-Docs (Grampian Doctors) 08454 242424 who will ask for your GP practice. Not being registered will result in delays during a distressing
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time and is avoidable by a simple registration procedure. Information on registering is available from the InfoZone+ at St Andrew Street and Garthdee and contact addresses can be found at Welfare support outside of the University in this booklet. DO IT TODAY! Dental surgeries with vacancies for patients are extremely hard to find in Aberdeen. We have provided information for emergency treatment so please do not abuse this facility.
OVERNIGHT GUESTS FOR SHORT PERIODS The University operates a guest policy on a pre-arranged booking system. This allows residents to have friends stay with them in their accommodation. Booking forms are available from site staff and must be completed 24 hours prior to the guest’s arrival. Guests are required to sleep within hosts study room so as not to inconvenience other flat residents. Residents are responsible for guests they bring into the accommodation and should respect their fellow flatmates whilst hosting friends. During exam periods and end of lease periods the guest policy is suspended. You will be notified of these dates by email. Persistent use of residence facilities by non-residents is not permitted, e.g. visiting daily to use cooking, kitchen, washing, showering equipment etc. This will soon lead to conflict within the flat and again is about RESPECT. Non-resident guests without a guest form are not permitted in flats after midnight in order to minimise noise levels and provide a quiet environment for those who wish to sleep. As a resident you will certainly at times also be a guest when visiting other flats. During the quiet hours (11:00 PM - 08:00AM) please conduct yourself respectfully and be considerate, bear in mind people may be sleeping prior to important morning lectures work placements/exams etc. and at some time that person may be you.
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PERSONAL SAFETY Aberdeen is no more dangerous than any other city in the United Kingdom however, as in other cities in the UK, precautions should be taken whilst out late at night. Please see Your Safety and Security in this booklet.
PERSONAL SECURITY Nobody can provide a higher level of personal safety for you and your property than yourself. Please ensure study room windows are closed when unoccupied especially on the ground floors to avoid unauthorised access and never use windows to access or egress. Remember access to your room may result in access to your whole flat for an unwelcome visitor. Window restrictors are fitted to prevent intruders and also to prevent accidental falls. The University cannot, under any circumstances, be held responsible for the security of your personal belongings. Insurance is inclusive in your rent through Endsleigh Insurance but you may wish to consider taking out additional insurance or checking your parents’/guardians’ home insurance which may provide cover for you whilst within halls of residence. Insurance information is available from the InfoZone, St Andrew Street and Garthdee, or on the accommodation website: www.rgu. ac.uk/living/accommodation/other-information
SITE SECURITY Measures have been taken on all sites to provide as safe an environment as possible for residents. Site staff, Wardens and RA’s provide cover to deal with incidents 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Although this team has specific responsibilities for security, site security is everyone’s responsibility. This is your environment and you can contribute to it’s security. All residences have key entry, most residences are fitted with security intercom systems and some have CCTV. CCTV within University premises is operated in accordance with the CCTV Code of Practice (2008) and the University’s CCTV System Code of Practice and Operating Procedures. Please ensure the person you are allowing access has a legitimate reason to be wandering around your accommodation. On occasions security staff, employed by the University, are there to protect the site, provide a safe environment and restrict access to unauthorised personnel. This includes those not registered as authorised guests (see Overnight Guests). Residents are requested not to enter into arguments with security staff who deny access. If you see anything you consider suspicious report it to a member of staff immediately, if you consider it suspicious then it is worthy of reporting. Your fears may be reinforced by others and identify a potential or real threat.
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SMOKING In line with University Policy all RGU: Accommodation is non smoking.
SPORTS The playing of ball games strictly prohibited within the grounds of the halls. This is to prevent injury to persons, noise pollution and accidental damage to University property and personal belongings, particularly parked cars. There are some excellent parks and open play areas within Aberdeen and we would encourage you to take full advantage of these facilities as well as the new Sports Centre at Garthdee www.rgu.ac.uk/rgusport/ generalTelephones Public phones can be found at: Woolmanhill– Laundry area Garthdee–
Within faculty buildings
Linksfield–
Laundry area
St Peters–
Opposite C block
Rosemount– Laundry area Don Street– Outside Flats 108 and 128 Any faults discovered should be reported directly to BT on 0800 800 151. Please be aware that BT has a policy whereby persistently vandalised phones are not repaired. These phones often provide essential links for non-UK students and are also emergency contacts with families.
TV LICENCES & REFUNDS Unless you own a television powered solely by internal batteries you are responsible for purchasing a TV licence, for further information please contact InfoZone+ at St Andrew Street and Garthdee. Please be aware that TV licensing board officers do visit the sites and flats occasionally and failure to comply with UK TV licensing laws could result in prosecution and a fine of up to £1000. You could also be entitled to a refund for the last 3 months of the licence fee if you return home and don’t require the licence. For further information on claiming a refund contact 0870 241 5973.
WELFARE The University provides a range of welfare services for students. Residents within accommodation have access to all these in addition to staff who can deal with specific residential issues. FSO’s, Wardens and RAs on sites can offer advice and guidance on a range of matters and steer residents to a more senior member of staff if required. Residents also have direct access to the Accommodation Services Manager, Terry Knight (t.knight@rgu.ac.uk) for more serious issues.
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Your Safety and Security Young people are statistically the most likely category to be involved in thefts, muggings and acts of violence (20% according to the National Statistics). This still reflects a minority and you can make those odds better for yourself by taking a few simple precautions. PROTECTING YOURSELF Try not to walk home alone after dark Even if you are not, try to look confident and that you know where you are going Keep to busy well lit roads and avoid dark secluded short-cuts Walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers Keep your mobile phone hidden unless you have to use it, mobiles are a favourite target Cover or remove jewellery that may become an obvious target MP3’s/MP4’s/IPods will not only be a target but will stop you hearing someone approaching you Consider buying a personal attack alarm If you have a handbag in your hand or under your arm carry, it in the hand furthest away from the road and if someone does get your bag/ wallet let it go – your safety is worth more than the contents Carry your valuables spread out about your person and only take the minimum amount you need to for your night out Remember – Keep a note of the number to call to cancel your credit/ debit cards in your room. This is one of the few occasions when a member of site staff, RA or Warden will allow you to use staff emergency phones to help cancel stolen cards
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Emergency Services Grampian Police Crime Stoppers 18
999 0845 600 5700 0800 555 111
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Welfare support outside of the University You have made it to University and it’s not going to be easy . . . if it was, there would be no point to it so you should not be surprised to hear you are going to be under stress for a good deal of the time. The University acknowledges this and so should you. We have put the services into place for you to use, as many have done before, so don’t be afraid to tap into these vital resources. If you feel you want support there are many services available to you within the University for welfare, counselling and finance. You should speak in the first instance to the InfoZone who will put you in touch with the right people. If however, you don’t want to talk to anyone from the University there are many other external support services available. Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90 Volunteer help group available 24 hours a day to listen to any problems and offer advice.
MEDICAL SERVICES
OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS
To register with a local practice contact the surgery below most convenient to you:
National Drugs Helpline
0800 776 600
National Aids Helpline
0800 567 123
Student Loans
National Meningitis Trust
0800 405 010 01224 569750 (local) 0844 848 9600 (national) 0845 6000 800
Cruse Bereavement Helpline
0845 600 2227
Alcoholics Anonymous
0845 7697 555
Garthdee Medical Group Health Centre Garthdee Road ABERDEEN AB10 7QQ
Victim Support
0845 30 30 900
Tel: 01224 208312
NHS Helpline
0800 22 44 88
Dental Services (Emergencies only)
NHS 24
08454 24 24 24
National Debtline
0808 808 4000
NUS Scotland
0131 556 6598
Shelter Scotland
0808 800 4444
MIND – Mental Health Helpline
0845 766 0163
Drinkline
0800 7 314 314
Smokeline
0800 84 84 84
Eating Disorders Association
0845 634 1414
Citizens Advice
Albyn Medical Practice 30 Albyn Place ABERDEEN AB10 1NW Tel: 01224 586829
David Anderson Building Foresterhill Site Foresterhill Road Aberdeen Tel No. 01224 558470 (day) or 01224 558140 (out of hours) Phone relevant number and listen to the recorded message, it will inform you which dentist you need to contact.
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ve you a h l l a Over n RGU i g n i v i dl enjoye dation? o accomm
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Yes 89% –
Not bad, but we want to do better for the 2010/11 session!
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ACCOMMODATION www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline
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