Your Accommodation Guide 2021 University Centre Warrington
GUARANTEED, SECURE, EASY Moving in Sunday
It’s official! Applications for student accommodation 2021 are open. 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 accommodation available here at University Centre Warrington 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 13 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.
2
We guarantee University accommodation to all Firm Choice applicants.
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 12-13 Our Accommodation 14-15 Map of the University Accommodation
16 Accommodation Prices 17 Living on Campus in Lockdown 18-19 Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Accommodation
20-21 Allocation of Accommodation 22 How to Pay for Your Accommodation 23 Accommodation Checklist
3
KEY DATES Here are the key dates you need to know when applying for University 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
4
5
GUARANTEED, SECURE, EASY. Guaranteed
Easy
If Chester is your Firm choice, we’ll guarantee you a room in University accommodation so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Accommodation at Warrington is conveniently located for getting the best out of your university experience. Our range of accommodation options means there is something to suit everyone’s budget. We have halls of residence surrounding a large piazza area, putting you right at the heart of the University experience.
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!).
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. All of our accommodation offers a safe and secure environment for you to live, study and socialise.
24/7 University security service. Out-of-hours support for welfare issues. Responsive maintenance service based at University Centre Warrington. Communal cleaning service provided. Rent includes utility bills and insurance. University managed internet service. Our award-winning chefs provide a range of freshly cooked meals and our catering schemes offer huge savings and help students budget.
6
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.
7
FOOD AND DRINK ON SITE There are plenty of places to find a bite to eat or go for coffee with friends on site. Here are just a few examples:
Garden Dining Room
Bar Twenty/10
The Garden Dining Room is the main dining area at the centre and offers a range of meal schemes to suit your needs on a five-daya-week basis. There’s plenty of options to choose from, including sandwiches, homemade soup, jacket potatoes, salad bar, paninis and the hot counter serving traditional and international dishes.
The Terrace Café Serving Starbucks coffee, The Terrace Café is a great place to relax or study and is conveniently located at the heart of the site..
At our bar, Bar Twenty10, you can catch up with friends, play pool or ping pong, and enjoy a bite to eat. With its high-end sound and lighting system, the bar hosts a range of events from the UV paint party, silent disco and the annual Summer Ball. If you’re after something a bit more relaxed, the venue also has comedy nights, karaoke, live sport, and pub quiz nights.
Costcutter - Student Shop We also have a shop on site which stocks freshly made sandwiches, snacks, cold drinks and University merchandise.
Our Sustainable Food Policy means we try and work with local suppliers where possible to reduce food miles and support local economies.
8
Our Warrington site is 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.
9
A HOME FROM HOME
10
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. Coordinators 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 17 for more details of our students’ experiences during lockdown.
You will meet your Residential Assistant or Residential Coordinator 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.
11
OUR ACCOMMODATION The on-site accommodation at Warrington is self-catered and the shared student experience is a big part of the way these halls work, with communal kitchens available to make your own food at your convenience.
Manchester Hall accommodation
Self-Catered We have two options available; self-catered standard rooms and a small number of self-catered en-suite rooms. Fully fitted kitchens, shared with a small number of residents Fridges, freezers, microwaves and kettles are provided l
l
All you need to bring is your own cutlery and crockery l
l
12
Between £78.75 - £102.37*
*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 University Centre Warrington also has dedicated overnight accommodation available to meet your needs. Based on site, Warrington offers overnight self-catered accommodation which includes bed linen and towels, and is really handy for commuting students that have a late finish or early start for a 9am lecture.
The rooms are priced at £25 per night and are subject to availability. For more information you can contact accommodation@chester.ac.uk We also have rooms that have been adapted for students with specific needs or disabilities; please contact our Disability and Inclusion team if you would like to find out more information.
Clare Adult Nursing “Being a commuting student, I was worried that I would not feel part of the Warrington 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.” *Prices are for 2021/22. Prices subject to change and will be confirmed upon receipt of your accommodation offer and contract.
13
UNIVERSITY CENTRE WARRINGTON ACCOMMODATION Living on site means you have everything close by, including lecture rooms, the main library, Students’ Union, sports facilities, gym, cafés, a student shop, restaurants and - most importantly your new friends.
Accommodation Accommodation College Close
Croft Hall College Close Manchester HallHall Croft Newton Hall Manchester Hall Regent Hall Newton Hall White HallRegent Hall White Hall
14
e
Bus Stop
Padg ate
e
Bus Stop
n 1 mi l
Train Station
t io
Train Station
n t ra i s t a
n 1 mi l
Transport Transport
n t ra i s t a
t io
Padg ate
You’ll only be a short journey away from Warrington town centre where there are plenty of things to do from watching live music in the cultural quarter to visiting Time Square, the brand-new £120 million retail and leisure hub.
to Warrington to Warrington
Broomhead Library
North West Media Centre Bar Twenty10
Garden Dining Rooms
Spin Studio
15
i o n 2 mi
ch wo o Bi r
ch wo o Bi r
ra i n s t
at
dt
le s
i o n 2 mi
to Birchwood M62, M56 and M6
r ai n s t
at
dt
le s
Fitness Suite
ACCOMMODATION TYPES, FEES AND AVAILABILITY Our accommodation costs for students starting in 2021/22 have been reduced because the last thing we want is for our students to be worrying about the cost of living away from home. Accommodation options at our current site are available for 2021/22 only and we’re currently in communication with Warrington Borough Council to identify student accommodation options moving forward, as we move most teaching provision to the city centre. Please refer to our website for the most up-to date information.
Self-Catered Location:
Board:
No of Rooms:
Weekly Fee
Deposit
Croft Hall - standard
Standard
34
£88.20
£250
Croft Hall - small
Standard
6
£78.75
£250
Croft Hall - ensuite
Standard
1
£102.37
£250
Manchester - standard
Standard
36
£88.20
£250
Manchester - small
Standard/En-suite
6
£78.75
£250
Manchester - ensuite
Standard
7
£102.37
£250
Newton - ensuite
Standard
26
£102.37
£250
Regent - standard
Standard
36
£88.20
£250
Regent - small
Standard
6
£78.75
£250
White - standard
Standard
36
£88.20
£250
White - small
Standard
6
£78.75
£250
White - ensuite
Standard
2
£102.37
£250
Overnight Accommodation We also offer overnight accommodation at University Centre Warrington. £25.00 per night
Off-Site Accommodation Alternatively, a list of off-site accommodation, accredited by the Warrington Borough Council, can be found on: www.studentpad.co.uk
16
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 SITE 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-site community has really pulled together.
Abi Price “The University’s porter and security team have been on site throughout the covid-19 pandemic, checking in on us and making sure that everyone is following the rules. The Residential Life team and my tutors have also done a fantastic job of checking in on me regularly.”
Gemma Dyer “Throughout the covid-19 pandemic, I made the decision to stay in student accommodation. This was definitely the right choice for me as I’ve been able to continue my studies and had access to the library and computer spaces on site.”
Emma McCoy “The University has done everything possible during the covid-19 pandemic to make sure that all students feel as safe as possible on site. There has been lateral flow testing available which gave us peace of mind whilst living in halls of residence and using communal areas. At Warrington, we’re surrounded by lots of green space which made it easy for us to get out in the fresh air and take regular walks around the site.”
17
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.
18
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! 19
ALLOCATION OF ACCOMMODATION We are able to guarantee University 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.
✓ You must submit an accommodation application form by the advertised deadline.
✓ Students who gain entry through ✓ Special needs or circumstances an Insurance choice are advised such as medical conditions. to apply for accommodation. Please note, care leavers’ needs Applicants who have selected 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.
20 24
21 25
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
22
Step 2: Pay your deposit of £250. This will be deducted from the third term’s rent.
ACCOMMODATION CHECKLIST
23
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.
