University of Chester Accommodation Guide

Chester Sites, 2023

It’s official! Applications for student accommodation 2023 are open.

This guide contains everything you need to know about applying for accommodation at the University of Chester.

WE GUARANTEE UNIVERSITY OR PARTNERSHIP ACCOMMODATION TO ALL FIRM CHOICE APPLICANTS AT OUR CHESTER SITES

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. 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 21 for details of what support is in 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 about the application process, our Accommodation Team are always happy to help.

KEY DATES

Please note that deadlines may vary for different cohorts.

FINDING YOUR PLACE

We know that finding your place to live is one of the most important parts of going to university. This is why we guarantee accommodation for Firm choice applicants who apply by the priority deadline of 18th June – so that’s one less thing to worry about.

What’s more, Chester has been voted one of the most affordable locations in the UK for student accommodation, so if you are concerned about living costs, you can feel reassured that you will get good value for money in Chester.* We have plentiful rooms

and offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

We have accommodation options located either on or close to our Exton Park site, as well as options in Chester just a short walk away. This means you’ll be right at the heart of everything so you can get the best out of your university experience.

Once you have moved into your accommodation, we’ll make sure you feel safe, secure and ready to get involved in university life. Our dedicated Residential Life Team will help you settle in, and our porters will be there for you around the clock.

*Source: Student Crowd Survey, 2023

Our University-owned accommodation offers:

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.

FOOD AND DRINK ON CAMPUS

There are plenty of places to find a bite to eat or go for coffee with friends on our sites. Here are just a few examples:

The Dining Room

You have lots to choose from in the Dining Room. We have the ‘Your Way’ sandwich bar and evening dining including ‘The Chicken Shack’ and ‘Wok Bar’. We have a Starbucks Coffee shop and delicious handmade cakes. We also now offer a ‘study space’ where students and staff are free to come and study or socialise at any time of the day.

The Bar

The Bar is a vibrant area serving a wide range of drinks including cocktails and mocktails. It’s your own space where we offer the cheapest deals around. We hold regular events as well as weekly staples such as ‘Lady Wanda’s Quiz and Karaoke’ and Wednesday Socials. We have recently launched a brand-new food menu

which is offering something different on campus and a great laid-back vibe to chill out inbetween lectures or to meet with friends.

Westminster Deli Café

The Deli Café is located in the north end of Exton Park and offers a blend of barista coffee, a breakfast and light bite menu prepared by our chefs and a good selection of confectionery and soft drinks. It’s the perfect solution for a sit-down lunch break or a grab and go snack or drink.

Binks Brasserie

The Brasserie is located in Binks building and is a bustling café serving meals, snacks, Starbucks Coffee and confectionery. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite in between lectures or meetings.

We work closely with our catering outlets to offer meal schemes for students living in self-catered 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.

A HOME FROM HOME

Our Residential Life Team is here to help you settle in and make the most of your university experience. Sitting within Student Services, our team is trained to support your wellbeing and because our Residential Assistants and Co-odinators 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.

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.

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.

CHOOSING YOUR ACCOMMODATION

We have several different types of accommodation to choose from, depending on your preferred facilities, budget and board basis..

Full-Board

Ideal if you don’t fancy cooking and budgeting for food yourself.

l 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 kitchen provided which includes a kettle, microwave, fridge, toaster and sink to wash crockery

l Full-board residents are required to vacate during Christmas holidays (alternative accommodation can be arranged)

l £185.00 per week*

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.”

*Prices are for 2023/2024. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.

Astbury House

Self-Catered Standard

l Single rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

l Fully fitted kitchens and communal areas

l Self-catered students may also take advantage of one of the University’s meal schemes which offer healthy meals at a reduced cost.

l From £105.00 per week*

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 2023/2024. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.

Chuch College Close

Along with our own en-suite halls and properties, we also partner with some private providers to allow students more options. These are all within walking distance of our campuses.

Self-Catered En-suite

l Single rooms

l Fully fitted kitchens and communal areas

l Self-catered students can also take advantage of meal schemes

l Includes our partnership accommodation options

l From £117.00 - £153.00 per week*

Tramways

*Prices are for 2023/2024. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.

Katarina Animal Behaviour

“After two years of living in a studio on-campus, I decided to move to Tudor Place for my final year and couldn’t be happier with my decision! I lived in an en-suite room with a shared kitchen with six other people who were all from different courses, years, and parts of the world. We were quite the international flat so the kitchen was ideal for sharing cultures and delicious food; and if one of us started to feel homesick there was always someone to talk to just a few steps away. I highly recommend Tudor Place for the community lifestyle.”

*Prices are for 2023/2024. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.

Self-catered studio

l Available at Grosvenor House and Granary Studios

l Studio flats with individual kitchen facilities

l En-suite bathroom facilities

l Social spaces

l £159.00 - per week*

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.”

*Prices are for 2022/2023. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.

Grosvenor House

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:

www.chesterstudentstamp.co.uk

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

*Prices are for 2023/2024. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.

Granary Studios

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

Transport

Bus Interchange

Cycle Routes

Bus Interchange Train Station Cycle Routes

Accommodation

l Hayes Park

l Arden House

• Hayes Park

l Parkgate Road Houses

• Parkgate Road Houses

l Hollybank Court

• Hollybank Cour t

l 37 Liverpool Road

• 37 Liverpool Road

l Astbury House

l Church College Close

• Astbur y House

l Fisher House

• Church College Close

l Gladstone House

• Fisher House

l Grosvenor House

• Gladstone House

• Grosvenor House

l Cheyney Road Houses

l John Douglas Court

• Cheyney Road Houses

• John Douglas Cour t

• Arden Cour t

l St Oswald’s Mount

• St Oswald’s Mount

l Scotia House

• Scotia House

l Chichester Court

• Chichester Cour t

l 1-7 Parkgate Road

• 1-7 Parkgate Road

l Powys Court

l Tudor Place

• Powys Cour t

l Granary Studios

• Sumner House

l Bridge Street Row

• Tudor Place

l Towpath

• Bridge Street Row

l Tramways

• De Bunsen Hall

ACCOMMODATION TYPES, FEES AND AVAILABILITY

COMMUTING STUDENTS

If you’re going to be commuting, we make sure you feel prepared and supported. You’ll receive all the information you need about the practicalities of commuting and the services available to you so you can plan ahead before September.

We also 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. Connecting with others who have the same commute as you can make your journey more enjoyable, or a little cheaper if you car share.

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.”

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 7-digit 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. You will then be directed to the accommodation application pages where you will need to register, create a new password exclusively for your accommodation application, and then and submit your accommodation application.

*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 18th June 2023

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 as Firm choice applicants, although we will still endeavor to allocate you a place.

STEP 3 STEP 4

Allocation of Accommodation

We will contact you following the application deadline to update you on the progress of your application. We should then be able to confirm that a room has been reserved for you.

Confirmation of Accommodation

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. Please note that when you have been notified of your room allocation, you will need to secure this with a deposit.

ALLOCATION OF ACCOMMODATION

We are able to guarantee University or partnership accommodation to every Firm choice applicant who applied by the advised deadline.*

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, and we are able to offer yearround access to accommodation as well as discounted fees, provided this is listed on your accommodation application form. You will also need to inform our Disability and Inclusion Team when you apply for accommodation. Please email disability@chester.ac.uk

*2023 entry.

✓ 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, however, applicants who have selected Chester as their Firm choice and who meet the published deadline will be given priority.

HOW TO PAY FOR YOUR ACCOMMODATION

University Accommodation

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 Pay your deposit of £250. This will be deducted from the third term’s rent.

When you accept your offer of accommodation, you will be contacted by the provider who will provide you with payment details.

CHECKLIST

FIND YOUR PEOPLE AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER

Look out for your email invitation to join our exclusive offer holders’ community on Unibuddy, so you can connect with your future housemates or fellow commuters ahead of September.

There’s a designated Accommodation sub-group so you can chat to other offer holders also making their decisions on what to apply for, as well as get tips and advice from current students and staff from our Accommodation Office.

If you have special needs or circumstances you also need to inform our Disability and Inclusion Team – disability@chester.ac.uk

Sign the terms and conditions of the contract

Pay the deposit