Students 'In The' Community

STUDENT HOUSING OFFICE WWW.BANGORSTUDENTPAD.CO.UK

HAL L S OFFI C E

STUDENTS

‘IN THE’

COMMUNITY Guide

HELLO,

Our location is not only a beautiful place to study, it is also a beautiful place to call home.

As you make the transition from Halls into your new house, we would like you to consider this as your home and for you to feel like a valued member of the community.

For you to be able to take pride in where you live, you need to be able to take pride in how you live, and to be understanding of those who live around you. As you move into your new home, you may well be joining part of an already established community, populated by both students and non-students.

We have created this handy little guide to help you make the most out of your time here and help you transition from ‘Halls to House’. We’ll tell you what to expect, what is expected of you, and hopefully make it a little bit easier for you to call Bangor your home.

Moving out of University accommodation can be a worrying time but there are lots of people who can help you and we are more than happy to point you in the right direction. This guide has been put together

by Undeb Bangor (your Students’ Union here at Bangor), the Student Housing Office and the Halls’ Office, to ensure you have all the info that you need in this exciting time.

KEY CONTACTS Ba n go r Universit y U n d eb Ba ng o r

01248 351151 01248 388000

St u d en t Ho using O ffice Ca mp u s Po lice O fficer G w y n ed d Co uncil H a l ls O ffice N o n - Emerg ency Po lice

01248 01286 01766 01248 101

(Ba n gor U niv e rsity Stud e nts’ Unio n)

Organisation

Contact

382034 670924 771000 382667

Account Number

Landlord

Letting Agent

UNDEB BANGOR SABBATICAL TEAM 2016 - 17

Internet Provider T.V. Provider

Suppliers Welsh Water Gas Company Electricity Company

Contact

Reading (MOVING IN)

Reading

(MOVING OUT)

FIRST THINGS FIRST THESE ARE IMPORTANT: A COUPLE OF MOVING-IN DAY SUGGESTIONS

INVENTORY

You should have been given an inventory list by your landlord (or letting agent). This will have a detailed list of the contents and visual appearance of your property.

Please check through this list to ensure it is accurate.

TAKE SOME DATED PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PROPERTY YOU’RE MOVING INTO.

TAKE METER READINGS (GAS, ELECTRICITY).

You need to keep a record of the condition or any damage (if any) when you move in. This will make things easier if there is any dispute when claiming back your deposit at the end of your tenancy.

You will need to arrange for the gas and electricity to be set-up in your name(s) (if not provided by the landlord as part of your tenancy agreement). You may need to speak to the landlord first before switching providers, however, you can have a look on line for the best deals. Monthly direct debits are far more manageable than quarterly billing.

ARRANGE CONTENTS INSURANCE TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES.

Endsleigh Insurance have some good deals tailored for students.

ASK FOR YOUR ‘TO-LET’ SIGN TO BE TAKEN DOWN.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOURS

Contact your landlord or letting agent.

This is really important, and they would also love to meet you. Go and say hello and let them know something about you and your housemates.

APPLY FOR COUNCIL TAX EXEMPTION Full time students do not need to pay council tax (certain exceptions apply).

Full information on this here https://www.bangor.ac.uk/ar/main/faq/answers/oq20.php.en

THIS IS YOUR COMMUNITY

BE A PART OF IT!

You should feel part of the community and the more you put in, the more you will get out. Bangor is a community that is a vibrant mix of both students and non-student residents, so make the most of this exciting new chapter in your life. Remember first impressions count, therefore:

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Also, make sure that you keep your address details up to date through MyBangor

STUDENT HOUSING OFFICE You can also use the Student Housing Office Moving-In and Moving-Out checklists which can be found here: www.bangor.ac.uk/studentservices/studenthousing/

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GO AND ‘MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR’

Say hello and exchange phone numbers so that any issues can be quickly resolved. This will make them feel at ease if they need to speak to you about anything.

TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION YOUR BEHAVIOUR AND BE MINDFUL OF THIS IMPACT ON THEM

Do your neighbours have children? Do they work shifts? Are they elderly? You should let them know if you are planning a party.

OPEN YOUR CURTAINS DURING THE DAY

If you are at home, open a window for a few hours and let the air circulate.

KEEP YOUR FRONT AND REAR GARDENS CLEAN AND TIDY

Your neighbours will thank you for it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEIGHBOURS THAT COULD DO WITH SOME HELP?

Offering to get things from the shop, or mow the lawn is a great way to feel part of the community and offers support to those that most need it.

PARKING IS OFTEN A CONTENTIOUS ISSUE

Have you considered if a permit is needed. Are you parking in someone’s space or across the access to their house?

KEEP IT TIDY

We are all used to recycling now, so think about how this might change in a house. Here in Gwynedd your rubbish (green bin) is collected every three weeks, and it is your responsibility to recycle effectively.

Undeb Bangor and the University work closely with Gwynedd Council to help you make the most out of their collections and we have been placing lots of emphasis on effective recycling.

Remember;

Put your recycling boxes (and coloured bin) out on the correct day.

Bring them back in.

Do not mix your recycling. It may not be collected, and you could receive a fine.

We want to give you as much opportunity as possible to recycle.

If you do not have the correct waste bins, or would like more blue boxes, food waste bags/caddy/bin, you can contact the Council on 01766 771000, Gwynedd Recycling Dept.

Every year we set up extra rubbish and recycling collections with the Student Housing Office and Gwynedd Council.

We’ll publicise these well in advance and through initiatives such as ‘The Big Give’. We also work with the Halls’ Office to collect any unwanted belongings or food, these are then donated to charity.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT We want to make sure that you feel part of your local community. We have a number of activities that you can get involved with, all of which will help you to improve your community development skills and earn you BEA points

WHAT ABOUT A BIT OF

DEMOCRACY / COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP?

There are plenty of opportunities to join local committee groups or community groups.

• ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT? • WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE INVOLVED IN LOCAL DEMOCRACY AND CHANGE? Get in touch with us through undeb@undebbangor.com and we’ll point you in the right direction

VOLUNTEERING?

Undeb Bangor have plenty of opportunities for you to get involved to support your local community:

• BEACH CLEANS • THE BIG GIVE • RAISE AND GIVE Check out www.undebbangor.com for up to date activities and opportunities or if you have an idea for us get in touch through undeb@undebbangor.com

REGISTER TO Vote

Whilst you are a student you may have the chance to vote in several key elections:

• GENERAL ELECTION • WELSH ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS • POLICE & CRIME COMMISSIONER • LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS

LANDLORD

AWARDS

The aim of the awards is to encourage students to think before renting, and to encourage students to take part in our housing campaign, positively contributing to Undeb Bangor’s work on raising standards and increasing awareness for students.

• DO YOU HAVE A GOOD LANDLORD? • ARE THEY PROACTIVE? • YOU CAN NOMINATE THEM TO BE PART OF OUR AWARD Check out www.undebbangor.com for more info on this and we’ll be in touch to collect your nominations towards the end of the first term.

KEEPING HEALTHY

Ensuring that you keep fit, well and healthy whilst you are away at university is very important. Check out www.undebbangor.com for a whole host of information on healthy living and tips on how to keep yourself in the best possible shape for your time here in Bangor.

DOCTORS

Ensure that you have registered at a local GP. Bangor has a wealth of GP surgeries dotted around the city. Some of the most common are:

• BODNANT MEDICAL CENTRE • BRON DERW Plus there are numerous pharmacies too.

It is a good idea to keep your own (home) dentist. However, in emergencies you can contact NHS Direct Wales.

FOOD

Developing your cooking skills will become one of the finer points of your time here at university. However, developing a list of meals that can sustain you and your house mates will always be a great skill to have.

Knowing what to do with food, shopping tips, preparation, and safety guidelines are all explained in the handy booklet found on:

www.undebbangor.com/eatwell

KEEPING

HEALTHY

THROUGH

CLUBS & SPORT

S, L A E M R U O Y N A L P ABELS,

L E T A D R U O Y KNOW , HINK

T E G A R , STO S E Z I S TION T S O POR M E RS AKE TH & M UR LEFTOVE OF YO eep your fridge K and 3 0 n e e w t e .

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Have you joined any of the free clubs and societies that we have to offer? Being active in your favourite club and society is not only good for your physical wellbeing, but also for your mental health and wellbeing too.

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• SOCIETIES • ATHLETIC UNION

www.undebbangor.com

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Take a look at the list of societies Undeb Bangor has to offer alongside the Athletic Union. If you don’t see your society listed feel free to come and speak to us about starting it up.

FOR GOODLANET THE P GOYOODUR FOR KET POC

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MONEY SAVING Managing and making a budget stretch will soon become second nature to you in your home. We have put together some ideas about how you can manage this, and have more money left over each month (to buy books)?

CURTAINS Open your curtains during the day, if you are at home, open a window for a few hours and let the air circulate.

Not only will this help with any damp problems, but opening the curtains will allow the room to warm naturally.

SWITCH IT OFF

Switching things off at the plug when they are not in use will save additional money. Turn lights off in rooms when you are not using them.

HEATING Within the household, agree on suitable times for the hot water and the heating to come on at certain times during the day – for example mornings when you are getting up for lectures and early evenings when you return.

• Maintaining a low constant heat during the colder months is better than short bursts of high heat.

• Set the thermostat at 20-25 degrees C.

COOK FOOD TOGETHER Make a meal for everyone in the house. Not only will this use less food than cooking individually, but it will keep gas and electricity costs down too.

It is also a good way to keep a friendly atmosphere in your house. Try to also sit together in the dining room/ living room and eat together.

NUS

EXTRA CARD

Make sure that you make the most out of student discount on cool things for your house.

The card is £12 for a year but a few trips to the cinema in Llandudno and it has paid for itself.

Get one online through www.nus.org.uk/nusextra

E L B A N I A SUST

G N I V LI ATE ACCOMODATION IN PRIV

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KEEP SAFE

Bangor is one of the safest cities to be a student, but that doesn’t mean that some individuals won’t take advantage if they are presented with an opportunity. Here are some hints and tips on how to keep safe and avoid being the victim of crime whilst you are studying here in Bangor.

LOCKS

Always lock your doors and windows.

This is still important even if your housemates are home, as your contents insurance may be void if this basic step isn’t taken.

VALUABLES

Keep your valuables such as your phones, laptops, cash etc. safe by keeping them out of sight.

AVOIDANCE A property is less likely to be broken into by ‘sneak’ thieves if it looks well maintained and the neighbourhood seems cared for. So, keep an eye on your bins and the general state of the garden.

BURGLAR ALARM If your house comes with a burglar alarm, make sure that you and your housemates know how it works and that you make use out of it. If you don’t know how the alarm works, then please contact your landlord to ask for instructions. Again, if this step is not taken, then your insurance may be void.

INSURANCE Contents insurance is a great way to safeguard your valuables. Some of the cheapest deals can be found can be found through Endsleigh Insurance.

y REGISTER our EXPENSIVE STUFF

The police advise students to register their items such as laptops, computers, bicycles etc.

We also have a dedicated campus police officer who can be contacted by calling 01286 670924.

APPEARANCE Again, the appearance of your house will play a vital role in ensuring that crime levels are kept to a minimum. The invitation that an open window presents can also be enhanced by a ‘To-Let’ sign that is still protruding from the front of your house; rather like a big flag saying ‘students living here’.

Contact your landlord to ask for this sign to be taken down.

MOVING OUT When leaving day comes at the end of term there are a few important steps that you need to take:

BILLS

Ensure that you take a final meter reading on your last day. You are still responsible for all the utility bills up until you officially leave.

You will need to inform your provider that you are leaving today, and provide them with your final reading(s).

YOUR DEPOSIT

Ensure that you have confirmed arrangements with the landlord/letting agent regarding your moving out date and advise the deposit scheme about the return of your deposit.

WASTE

At Undeb Bangor we are working very hard to help you get all of your deposit returned at the end of your tenancy. One area we can help is through our partnership with Gwynedd Council Recycling. We have organised extra collections of blue box/ green bins during the moving out weeks.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Ensure that you have cancelled all your subscriptions (T.V. Broadband, magazines etc.) before you leave.

INVENTORY Your landlord/letting agent will have some rules regarding the check-out inventory, and they should be in touch within at least a month prior to your tenancy termination.

The inventory will be compared with the check-in inventory which you completed at the beginning of the tenancy and deductions may be made from your deposit should the property not be returned in a decent condition.

Charity COLLECTIONS

In addition to the extra rubbish collections look out for our volunteers arranging collections for the stuff that you no longer want or need. We’ll give this to a local charity on your behalf. Look out for more details about this in the third term.