Your Accommodation Guide 2021 Chester Sites
GUARANTEED, SECURE, EASY Moving in Sunday
It’s official! Applications for student accommodation 2021 are open. This guide contains everything you need to know about applying for accommodation at the University of Chester. We understand that there are lots of things to think about when it comes to starting university. You may be wondering whether to move away or stay at home – and if you are moving away for university, this may well be the first time you live away from home. So, with that in mind, we have created this useful guide to provide an overview of the range of accommodation available here at Chester and to make choosing the right accommodation as simple as possible for you. If you don’t need accommodation as you will be commuting in, head to page 15 for details of what support is place for our commuting students. For more information about the accommodation options we have available to you, please visit our website and if you have any questions We guarantee about the application process, our University or accommodation team are always happy partnership to help. accommodation to
all Firm Choice applicants.
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Contents 4-5 Key Dates 6 Guaranteed, Secure, Easy 7 A Flexible Plan 8-9 Food and Drink on Campus 10-11 A Home from Home 12-17 Choosing Your Accommodation 18-19 Map of the University Accommodation
20 Accommodation Prices 21 Living on Campus in Lockdown 22-23 Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Accommodation
24-25 Allocation of Accommodation 26 How to Pay for Your Accommodation 27 Accommodation Checklist
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KEY DATES Here are the key dates you need to know when applying for University and partnership accommodation:
22nd March
10th June
Online applications open
Deadline for priority allocation
Please see pages 20-21 for details of when and how accommodation is allocated.
Contact Details If you have any questions about our accommodation, please contact our Accommodation Office: www.chester.ac.uk/accommodation accommodation@chester.ac.uk 01244 513000
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GUARANTEED, SECURE, EASY. Guaranteed
Easy
If Chester is your Firm choice, we’ll guarantee you a room in either University or partnership accommodation - so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Our accommodation is conveniently located for getting the best out of your university experience. All accommodation is located either on site or very close by, putting you right at the heart of everything. Our click and collect service is great for when you just want to eat some food on the run or fancy a takeout, and if you’re a commuting student but need a room for a couple of nights, you can take advantage of our easy overnight accommodation scheme.
Secure Everybody wants to feel safe and secure and not worry too much about some of the uncertainties of life. And, at Chester, we’ll ensure you don’t have to worry. Our Residential Life Team will help you to settle in, our porters will keep you safe around the clock and our flexible accommodation contracts will enable you to be released from your contract in the event of more lockdown restrictions (surely not!).
24/7 University security service. Out-of-hours support for welfare issues. Responsive maintenance service based at Exton Park (Parkgate Road). Communal cleaning service provided. Rent includes utility bills and insurance. University managed internet service. Cycle shelters on all sites and cycle routes from our Exton Park (Parkgate Road) site to all other campuses in Chester. Our award-winning chefs provide a range of freshly cooked meals and our catering schemes offer huge savings and help students budget.
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A FLEXIBLE PLAN Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the past year has been uncertain and unpredictable at times. We want to reassure you that we have a plan in place should your accommodation situation be directly affected by the pandemic next year. If you are unable to live in University accommodation, or you’re unable to arrive due to restrictions in place at that current time, then you will be released from your contract in University accommodation and you will have your deposit returned. We are also able to delay the start of your tenancy in University accommodation if you are in a local lockdown or unable to travel due to restrictions and we will arrange for you to join us at a later date. Please note that arrangements for partnership and private sector accommodation will differ, as these are not managed by the University.
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FOOD AND DRINK ON CAMPUS There are plenty of places to find a bite to eat or go for coffee with friends on our campuses. Here are just a few examples:
The Hub
The Gourmet Burger House
You have lots to choose from at The Hub, including a sandwich bar, hot paninis, homemade soups, wok bar and meat free bar.
The Bar The Bar is home to our very own pizzeria. Holding a huge variety of different events throughout the year, you can sing karaoke into the early hours, enjoy salsa nights, try out meditation sessions and watch live sports.
The clue is in the name – if you want a burger, this is the place to come; the meat is sourced from our local butcher and we’ve got veggie options too.
Binks Grab & Go If you’re dashing to your next lecture but fancy a coffee, our grab and go café is perfect for a quick pick-me-up. At Chester, we’ve said goodbye to single-use plastic cups and instead use our drop and swap scheme with recyclable cups.
We work closely with our catering outlets to offer meal schemes for students living in selfcatered accommodation, private sector accommodation or at home. Meal schemes are a great way to ensure you’re having regular healthy meals and they offer you the chance to learn how to budget and save money!
Our Sustainable Food Policy means we try and work with local suppliers where possible to reduce food miles and support local economies.
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All of our sites are cashless. Simply download the YOYO wallet app to pay at any of our outlets and earn points and rewards as you go! You can also use the app to click and collect orders from any catering outlet.
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A HOME FROM HOME
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Our Residential Life Team is here to help you settle in and make the most of your university experience. Our team is trained to support your wellbeing and because our Residential Assistants and Coodinators are all either current students or recent graduates, they’ve all been in the same position as you. Co-ordinators and Assistants provide support 24-hours a day, 7 days a week during term time.
They also plan social events such as walks, film nights and quiz nights for each weekend of the first term to help you get to know other students. This year, the Residential Life Team have also been working closely with our Covid Support Team, who have been busy looking after students who are isolating or need support during the pandemic. See page 19 for more details of our students’ experiences during lockdown.
You will meet your Residential Assistant or Residential Co-ordinator during the first week of Induction. They will hold regular “flat chats” in your house or hall to offer information and advice on a number of subjects, including: accessing support services, volunteering, sustainability, enhancing your employability, and Students’ Union campaigns.
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CHOOSING YOUR ACCOMMODATION We have several different types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your preferred facilities and board basis.
Full-Board Ideal if you don’t fancy cooking and budgeting for food yourself. Single rooms (en-suite facilities available in most full-board properties) l
Breakfast, lunch and evening meals provided Monday to Sunday during term time l
Small communal area provided which includes a kettle, microwave and sink to wash crockery
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Full-board residents are required to vacate during Christmas and Easter holidays (alternative accommodation can be arranged) £155.75 per week* l
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Astbury House, Exton Park
Emily English Literature “For me, University accommodation was a crucial way to get introduced to University life. It’s a perfect opportunity to get to know lots of people who are in the same boat as you. University is one of the rare opportunities where you can leave your room, knock on a friend’s door and chat to them in a matter of 30 seconds. It’s great for learning how to live on your own in a safe and comfortable environment. It’s your personal space – I found that having lots of photos and home touches really helped me settle in. My accommodation was on campus, so it was really central to both my lessons and town, which was really convenient.” 12
*Prices are for 2021/22. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.
Self-Catered Accommodation Single rooms (en-suite facilities in some properties) l
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Fully fitted kitchens and communal areas
Self-catered students may also take advantage of one of the University’s meal schemes which offer healthy meals at a reduced cost. l
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Between £94.50 - £120.40 per week*
Chuch College Close
Amelia Religious Studies “I chose self-catered accommodation for my first year and lived in a converted town house owned by the University that was a ten-minute walk from campus. It is easily the most affordable option and provides a great first step into independent living. For me, I knew that the studio flats weren’t what I wanted from my university experience. The shared living spaces in my house is a great way to mix with people who aren’t on my course. I was pretty nervous when I first arrived but my advice is remember everyone is in the same boat - keep your door open and unpack your pans at the kitchen table with everybody else and you soon get to know everyone!” *Prices are for 2021/22. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.
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Self-Catered Studio Flat Perfect if you want the flexibility to make your own meals. Fully equipped room with spacious en-suite bathroom and kitchenette l
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£149.10 per week*
Grosvenor House, Exton Park
Steffan Geography and International Development Studies “I lived in Grosvenor House (studio flat) during my first year. I selected the option due to the independence it offered. Living in Grosvenor was great as it gave me my own space with the chance of seeing my friends who lived on the same floor whenever I wanted. Because it was a studio flat, there was no problem waiting for someone else to finish with the oven or bathroom as it was all yours. It was also conveniently located in the heart of Exton Park (Parkgate Road), only a 15-minute walk from the city centre. Overall, living in Grosvenor made first-year university life very convenient.” Grosvenor House
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*Prices are for 2021/22. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.
Commuting? Try Our Flexible Overnight Accommodation If you want to stay overnight, the University has dedicated Bed and Breakfast accommodation available at Senate House. Based at Exton Park (Parkgate Road), Senate House has en-suite bedrooms, complete with televisions, refreshments, hair dryers and toiletries. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided but students can also purchase additional items from one of our outlets on campus. The rooms are priced at £40 per night and are subject to availability. For more information about overnight accommodation, you can contact accommodation@chester.ac.uk.
We hold induction events for both commuting and mature students, so you can get to know people in the same situation as you and make friends just as easily as you would in halls of residence. If you’re going to commute, you’ll also receive our ‘Commuting Student Guide’ before you start, containing everything you need to know about the practicalities of commuting and the services available to you.
Senate House
Clare Adult Nursing “Being a commuting student, I was worried that I would not feel part of the campus community. I came to university with two friends that I had made on my access to higher education course so it didn’t feel too daunting as we had each other for support. We needn’t have worried though as we all quickly established new friendship groups and I was even voted to become the student experience representative for my cohort. Commuting hasn’t ever stopped me from having an active role in university life as I am able to join in with events and activities planned by the SU. My commute is fairly short but I use this time to read and prepare for my lectures or just listen to some music to relax before a busy day.” 15
PARTNERSHIP ACCOMMODATION We work with selected private providers who offer a mix of studios and self-catered ensuite flat shares, widening the choice of accommodation on offer to first year students. Your experience will be much the same as University accommodation in that you will be placed with other students from the University. However, please note that partnership accommodation is not owned by the University and as such your contract would be with our chosen private provider. Tudor Place
Self-catered en-suite Cluster Accommodation – Tudor Place l
Shared kitchen
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En-suite bathroom facilities
Social spaces including a common room, pool table, snug room, dedicated study room and on-site gym l
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Between £145 - £209 per week*
Abbeygate
En-suite Cluster Accommodation and Studios – Abbeygate
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l
Rooms with shared kitchens, or studio flats
l
En-suite bathroom facilities
l
Outside seating area
l
Between £108 - £159 per week*
Granary Studios
Self-catered Studio Flats – Granary Studios l
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l
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Studio flats with kitchen facilities En-suite bathroom facilities External courtyard area Social spaces Between £156 - £190 per week*
En-suite Cluster Accommodation and Studios – Tramways l
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Towpath
Studio flats with kitchen facilities En-suite bathroom facilities External courtyard area
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Social spaces
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£125 / £165 per week*
En-suite Cluster Accommodation and Studios – Towpath Rooms with shared kitchens, or studio flats En-suite bathroom facilities On-site gym Communal study space £139 / £179 per week* l
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Tramways
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Private Sector Residences To add to the range of options you can choose from, the University also works closely with private providers of student accommodation. We have a register of private sector flats, houses and registered lodgings that you can view online at:
Please note: the images presented here are just an example of the accommodation options available. For a full overview of each option, please visit: www.chester.ac.uk/accommodation
www.chesterstudentstamp.co.uk *Prices are for 2021/22. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.
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ACCOMMODATION, CHESTER SITES AND CAMPUSES Most University accommodation is on or next to our Exton Park site (Parkgate Road) or conveniently located in the city. Having everything close by means you’re within walking distance of lecture rooms, our main library, the Students’ Union, sports facilities, restaurants, laundry facilities and – most importantly – your new friends. Chester city centre is just a short walk away from our Exton Park site, offering a wealth of things to do – be it shops, bars and restaurants; quirky cafes, walks along the city walls or the river; or visiting the stunning Storyhouse - Chester’s cultural centre which is home to a library, theatre and cinema. Train Station
TransportBus Interchange Cycle Routes Bus Interchange Train Station
Cycle Routes
Accommodation Hayes Park • Hayes Park Parkgate Road Houses l
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• Parkgate Houses HollybankRoad Court l
• Hollybank Court 37 Liverpool Road
Arden House •St Arden CourtMount Oswald’s
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•Scotia St Oswald’s HouseMount
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•Chichester Scotia House Court
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• 37 Liverpool Road
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Astbury House
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Church College Close • Astbury House Fisher House • Church College Close Gladstone House • Fisher House Grosvenor House • Gladstone House
•1-7 Chichester ParkgateCourt Road • 1-7 Parkgate Road
Powys Court
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Sumner House
• Powys Court
Tudor Place
• Sumner House
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Cheyney Road Houses • Grosvenor House
Street Row •Bridge Tudor Place
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John Douglas Court
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• Cheyney Road Houses
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• John Douglas Court
Towpath
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• Bridge Street Row •Tramways De Bunsen Hall
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ACCOMMODATION TYPES, FEES AND AVAILABILITY Location:
Board:
No of Rooms:
Weekly Fee
Deposit
Self-Catered Arden Court
Standard
33
£99.40 - £115.50
£250
Bridge Street Row
Standard
25
£107.80
£250
Cheyney Road
Standard
32
£94.50
£250
Church College Close
Standard
84
£99.40
£250
Grosvenor House
Standard
202
£149.10
£250
Hayes Park
Standard
6
£99.40
£250
Hollybank Court
Standard
50
£115.50
£250
John Douglas Court
Standard
20
£99.40 - £118.65
£250
37 Liverpool Road
Standard
10
£119.50
£250
Parkgate Road
Standard
161
£99.40
£250
Powys Court
Standard
72
£107.80
£250
Chichester Court
Standard/En-suite
9
£118.65 - £129.50
£250
51 and 53 Parkgate Road
Standard/En-suite
16
£118.65 - £129.50
£250
Scotia House
Standard
8
£99.40
£250
St Oswalds Mount
Standard
7
£118.65 - £129.50
£250
John Douglas Court
Standard
37
£99.40 - £118.65
£250
Full Board Astbury House
En-suite
85
£155.75
£250
Fisher House
En-suite
88
£155.75
£250
Gladstone House
En-suite
26
£155.75
£250
Sumner House
En-suite
160
£155.75
£250
Abbeygate
En-suite
206
£108 - £159
£100
Granary Studios
En-suite
126
£156 - £190
£100
Tramways
En-suite
401
£125 / £165
N/A
Towpath
En-suite
335
£139 / £179
N/A
Tudor Place
En-suite
601
£145 - £209
£100
Partnership Accommodation
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Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract. For more information please go to: www.chester.ac.uk/accommodation
LIFE ON CAMPUS IN LOCKDOWN We caught up with some of our students who remained in University accommodation throughout lockdown this year. While we are hoping that things will be much more normal by September, rest assured that our number one priority is always looking after our students. We’re constantly listening to our students and acting on what we hear - it’s part of the reason we’re No. 1 for student voice in the North West! (What Uni Student Choice Awards 2020). From organising free food packages for isolating students, to providing extra wellbeing advice and support, our on-campus community has really pulled together.
Hebe Unwin
Muhammad
“Throughout the pandemic, I’ve remained in student accommodation alongside my four housemates. With Seaborne Library remaining open for bookable study sessions, I haven’t felt that my studies are in any way impacted as I was able to work on my assignments and use the facilities as normal. The lateral flow testing on-site also meant that as a household we knew we were all covid-free, and that any worries could be squashed quickly and easily. Whilst much of the high street is closed, we’ve still found plenty of ways to keep ourselves happy and healthy during these times, such as going on regular walks around the walls, the country park, and the river. A hot drink from a local business certainly helped keep spirits up too!”
“Dear Isolation Team Chester, what a fabulous job you have done! The food package you delivered was wonderful. Without your thoughtful planning and oversight, an undertaking like this would have been nearly impossible. Sincere gratitude and best wishes for your team.”
Sophie
Karolina Hoff Roald
“I have felt very well looked after and have appreciated all your efforts so much”.
Holly Jones “I have had to isolate due to COVID-19, but throughout this time I have had the support of my new friends and flatmates who have offered to help with food supplies and just generally checking in on me for my mental wellbeing. I have also had support from my lecturers who have worked hard to make sure I didn’t fall behind with my studies.”
“When November started, we went into lockdown. At first this was really tough, only staying inside in our small rooms but it really helped that our flat organised movie nights and dinners.”
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YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO APPLYING FOR ACCOMMODATION
STEP 1
Apply for accommodation through PASS, our Pre-Arrival Student Site pass.chester.ac.uk Applications can also be made via your mobile phone by downloading the University of Chester app.* Your username for PASS is your student number. Your student number can be found on the letter sent with this mailing. Your password is Che followed by your date of birth in the format: CheYYYYMMDD *The University app is available in the App Store for iOS devices, Google Play for Android devices and Windows Store for Windows phones.
Complete the application form by 10th June 2021
STEP 2
We will ask you to tell us more about yourself, your preferences and whether you have any specific needs you would like us to consider when we allocate the accommodation. Please apply even if Chester is your Insurance choice. If you miss the application deadline or you have selected the University of Chester as your Insurance choice, your application will not be given the same priority.
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Allocation of Accommodation
STEP 3
We will contact you following the application deadline to update you on the progress of your application. We will then hopefully be able to confirm that a room has been reserved for you.
Confirmation of Accommodation
STEP 4
If your results are already confirmed (and you are therefore holding an Unconditional Firm offer from the University), we’ll allocate you a room and issue your contract after 14th June, and before the end of June, provided you have applied by the priority deadline of 10th June. If you are waiting to receive results, we will send details of your accommodation allocation once your results have been received and your place at the University is confirmed. At the time of going to print, we are still waiting for confirmation from UCAS and exam boards about how and when students will receive results this year. As soon as we know, we will be in touch with you to advise. Please note that when you have been notified of your room allocation, you will need to secure this with a deposit.
Welcome to the University of Chester! 23
ALLOCATION OF ACCOMMODATION We are able to guarantee University or partnership accommodation to every Firm choice applicant.* Please note that whilst we try to match students’ specific preferences, it is not always possible. If your preferred type of accommodation is oversubscribed, then we will take the following criteria into account to decide how to allocate accommodation:: ✓ Geographical location of a student’s home. Places are allocated to those who live furthest away from the University. ✓ Special needs or circumstances such as medical conditions. Please note, care leavers’ needs will be taken into consideration, provided the information is listed on the accommodation application form and you will also need to inform our Disability and Inclusion Team, within Student Futures, when you apply for accommodation. Please email disability@chester.ac.uk. *2021 entry.
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✓ You must submit an accommodation application form by the advertised deadline. ✓ Students who gain entry through an Insurance choice are advised to apply for accommodation. ✓ Applicants who have selected Chester as their Firm choice and who meet the published deadline will be given priority.
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HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR ACCOMMODATION Step 1: When you accept your offer of accommodation, you will need to select your payment method. This will be either by: ✓ Direct debit in three termly instalments ✓ In full at the start of the academic year
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Step 2: Pay your deposit of £250. This will be deducted from the third term’s rent.
ACCOMMODATION CHECKLIST
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www.chester.ac.uk/accommodation If you have any questions about our accommodation, please contact our Accommodation Office: E: accommodation@chester.ac.uk T: 01244 513000 uochester
@uochester
uochester
@uochester
The information provided in this guide is provided for your information and convenience only. Any reference made to any person, organisation, activities, products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement, or recommendation by the University of Chester. All prices, details and availability have been included in good faith and are believed to be correct at the time of publishing. This guide provides an overview of how the University is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and gives some examples of alternative arrangements that are being put in place at the time of publishing. The opportunities and services detailed in this guide are all subject to change as may be made necessary by government guidelines and restrictions. Please refer to our website for the most up-to-date information.
