ACCOMMODATION ADVICE

General advice for postgraduate students in living in different types of accommodation.

There is a range of student accommodation options, and where you choose to live will impact on your student experience. You can choose to live in university halls, private accommodation or to stay at home. You need to choose what is best for you. Below are some simple steps to get you ready for whatever you choose to do.

Living at home

Many postgraduate students choose to study locally, and staying at home can be a great option. There are numerous benefits. You can save money on rent and bills and you avoid the stress of moving out to live with new people.

However, there are several things you need to consider: you will be more removed from student life; it may be more difficult to make friends away from the social hub of halls or a student house; and you may not have dedicated quiet space at home. To get the most out of university life, try to spend as much time as you can on campus and participate where possible in co/extracurricular activities.

Living in university halls

Situated on the waterfront at our Docklands Campus, our modern accommodation halls are close to teaching buildings, our sport and fitness facilities and the library. We offer a free inter-campus bus service, which provides a convenient transport link to our Stratford and USS campuses. See the ‘Getting to the University’ section below for more details on transport links and car parks.

Supermarkets and local amenities are a 10-minute walk away. Cyprus DLR train station is part of the campus, giving you a gateway to explore the rest of London. Our halls have a 24/7 Security Reception which monitors our 10 buildings, and we have a dedicated Residential Life team with close links to University support services and social programming. Our prices vary with room type, but all rooms offer the privacy of being single en-suite. We also offer additional value by including home contents insurance, utility bills and 5G internet/Wi-Fi within our advertised prices. This removes the stress from managing multiple contracts and payments to different providers. We keep it simple so you can focus on your studies.

For those of you who have secured your place and will be moving into university accommodation on Docklands campus, our Residential Life team cannot wait to welcome you. You will receive dedicated Residential Life communications that provide information on: arrival times and key collection; a residential induction programme and welcome activities; Residential Life social events; an introduction to our Residential Life Scholars.

If you haven’t secured a place yet and would like more details about room types, pricing and how to apply for halls, visit www.uel.ac.uk/accommodation.

Living in private rented accommodation

You may choose to live in a privately rented house or apartment close to campus. Many continuing students choose this option, and it is also chosen by some first years, especially if it has not been possible for them to obtain university accommodation. If you choose to live in private rented accommodation, there are several practical things to do.

1. Make sure you’re happy with the inventory

You should receive an inventory at the beginning of your tenancy that records the condition of the property and what comes with the flat (such as a washing machine). Make sure it is correct and that nothing is broken. Remember, when you move out, this inventory will be used to judge whether you get your full deposit back. Take photos of everything. This is useful as it provides you with your own record.

2. Check you have a Gas Safety Certificate

Make sure that you are provided with a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for all the gas appliances in a property by the landlord. And note, it should be renewed every 12 months. Any gas work carried out in your rented home should be done by an engineer on the Gas Safe Register.

3. Sort out your utilities

Make sure that you get gas and electricity meter readings on the day you move in. If you are allowed, it may be worth seeing what energy deals are available. A good starting point is www.uswitch.com and we would also recommend reading the advice of Martin Lewis on www.moneysavingexpert.com

4. Check the property is clean

Check that the property is clean and safe when you pick up the keys. If it is not to a satisfactory standard, inform your landlord.

5. Do a safety check and check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

This should be covered in inventory check, but make sure that all locks work and that windows close securely. Raise any concerns with your landlord first. Safety devices should be supplied and installed by the landlord and in good working order. If not, inform the landlord.

6. Sort out your broadband internet access

If broadband isn’t part of your rent price, you’ll be responsible for getting it sorted. Make this a priority as there are often waiting periods of several weeks for new broadband line installations. Be aware that many contracts last for 18 months so try looking for 12-month contracts, or monthly rolling deals which are much more flexible.

7. Register to vote

This is an important activity and doesn’t take long. You can do this by visiting www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

8. Tell people your new address

To keep in touch with loved ones and friends, tell people your new address. It is also important to ensure the University, bank and mobile provider have a contact address. Make sure your term-time address is accurate on your student record – log in to uel.ac.uk/direct to see your student record.

What to take with you when you move into your new home

If you are moving into university halls or private accommodation, there are a number of things to think about bringing with you. Some suggested items are listed below. If you are an international student and travelling from overseas, you will find specific advice in the International Student Advice Guide, which is available at uel.ac.uk/starting in the International section.

Your bedroom will be your haven so making it nice and comfortable is important. It is also good to invite friends round and get to know those you’re staying withespecially during Welcome Week.

Before you pack, check what items are not allowed. This includes items such as candles, which are often listed as forbidden in student accommodation due to fire safety. For a list of banned items for university halls, take a look in the accommodation handbook at uel.ac.uk/accommodation – it’s in the Useful Documents section.

Check with your accommodation provider what kitchen equipment is available. It may make sense to see what items are present when you arrive and share the cost of any extra items with your flatmates. Make sure that electrical items have been ‘PAT’ tested (this is an electrical safety test), or that you can prove your items are less than two years old, so they are covered under warranty.

Keeping your valuables safe

If you choose to stay in university halls or in a flat-share with people you don’t know, follow simple security tips to keep your valuables and living space secure. These include:

– Avoid leaving your room unlocked or on the latch, even for a short time.

– Don’t allow people you don’t know into your room, and don’t leave them unaccompanied.

– Never leave windows open when you’re out.

– Don’t leave expensive items on view from the outside.

– Keep your keys/access cards safe and don’t keep your address with them.

– Take out necessary insurance for your possessions especially for hi-tech or expensive equipment. Note, this is included as part of the rental fee for university halls.

A reference list for things to remember:

Bedroom

– Duvet, duvet cover, sheets, mattress protector.

Pillows, pillowcase.

– A rug and cushions to make your room feel homely.

Decorations to make you feel more at home.

– Photos and White-tack (Blu-tack marks walls).

– Scissors and Sellotape.

– Laptop, phone, chargers, camera.

Books, films, speakers.

– Purse, cards, ID, passport, important documents etc.

Clothes (and coat hangers) suitable for winter and summer.

– TV.

– Drying rack for your clothes.

– Stationery and books.

Clothes basket.

– Ear plugs.

Medicine.

– Desk fan.

Desk light.

Kitchen

– Knives and chopping board.

– Saucepans and a frying pan.

– Baking tray.

– Plates and bowls (microwavable ones are a good idea).

– Cutlery.

– Glasses and mugs.

– Corkscrew and bottle opener.

– Tin opener.

– Vegetable peeler.

– Measuring jug.

Grater.

– Clingfilm.

Tin foil.

– Tea towels.

Recipe book.

– Basic essentials such as tea and coffee.

Bathroom

Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, shavers etc.

– Toothbrush.

Toothpaste and holder.

– Soap.

Toilet cleaner, bleach, toilet brush.

Towels (and hand towels).

– Toilet rolls.

– Keep copies of content insurance and warranties safe.

– Know who to contact if something goes wrong, such as an electricity fault or broadband problem (for university halls, this is the Residential Life Team).

– Keep a list of contact numbers stored separate to your phone so if anything goes wrong, you can keep in touch.