1) Costs and Contracts
2) Rooms and Facilities
3) Personal Information and Living in Halls
4) Security
5) Communications and Computing
6) Further Information
Costs and Contracts
How much will it cost to live in Halls?
The price of rent in the Halls of Residence for 2013/14 is £76.50 per week. The standard 38 weeks contract for 2013/14 costs £2,907.00. A deposit of £200 is in addition to this.
Back to top|
Do I have to pay extra for fuel bills and the internet?
No, all charges for heating, lighting and hot water are included in the cost. We also offer £5,000 worth of personal contents insurance to all residents.
Back to top|
How much deposit do I receive back?
Depending on the conditon you have left your room and flat, you satisfy all conditions within the contract, and you do not have outstanding rent you should receive the full £200 caution fee.
Back to top|
How can I pay for the Halls?
For a standard contract, there are three ways:-
-
In one ‘lump sum’ payment, this currently attracts a £200 discount for a standard contract.
-
By instalment - currently 3 instalments (October, January and April)
-
By Direct Debit – 1 cheque, 7 Direct Debit payments
For a trimester one contract, there is one way to pay:
-
In one ‘lump sum’ payment
For a trimester two contract, there are two ways:
-
In one ‘lump sum’ payment
-
By instalment – currently 2 instalments
Back to top|
What is the length of a contract?
The contract commences on Saturday 14th September 2013, and will end on Saturday 07th June, 2013, which is 38 weeks in length.
Students studying for trimester one only will be given contract which commences on Saturday 14th September 2013, and will end on 04th January, 2014.
Students studying for trimester two only will be given a contract which commences on Saturday 11th January, 2014, and will end on 07th June, 2014.
Back to top|
Why does a trimester one contract end earlier than the trimester?
In the 2013/14 academic year, trimester one ends on Friday 10th January, 2014. The week commencing Monday 06th January, 2014 is teaching week 15. Students who complete in trimester one are not normally required to attend in teaching week 15. This week is the only opportunity for us to prepare the rooms for the new arrivals at the start of trimester two.
Back to top|
Can I sign my contract on or after arrival?
No. Students will only be able to collect their room keys once their signed contract has been received either by a member of the Halls staff, or in the Student Centre.
Back to top|
Can I stay in the Halls whilst I look for alternate accommodation?
No. Due to the high demand for rooms, we are unable to offer guest accommodation at the start of any academic trimester.
Back to top|
What if I don't like the Halls and I want to leave?
As you have signed a legally binding residency contract if you leave the Halls to live elsewhere, either at home or in private accommodation, you will remain liable for the full costs of the accommodation. If you are experiencing problems within the accommodation from external factors which affect your ability to remain you should contact a member of staff in Student Services for further guidance.
Back to top|
Rooms and Facilities
Do you have rooms with facilities for disabled students?
Yes, we have rooms available at each Halls of Residence designed specifically for disabled students. Applications for accessible rooms are considered on individual merit. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments will be made to a standard room. Please contact our Disability Advisor, or staff at the Student Centre for further information.
Back to top|
What size are the rooms?
The rooms at Orlando Village measure: 3.6m x 2.6m (12’ x 8’ 6”) approximately
The rooms at The Hollins measure: 3.5m x 2.3m (11’ 6” x 7’ 10”) approximately
Back to top|
Do you have any en-suite facilities?
No, bathroom and kitchen facilities are shared between flat members.
How many toilets are there in a flat?
Within each flat at Orlando Village bathroom facilities include a shower cubicle, bath and two toilets.
Within each flat at The Hollins bathroom facilities include a shower room, w/c, and bathroom with bath, sink and toilet facilities.
Back to top|
Is there a communal area within the flat?
Within Orlando Village there is a communal dining area within each kitchen.
Within The Hollins, all flats have a communal dining area within each kitchen. The larger flats have a lounge room.
Back to top|
Is catering provided?
All the accommodation is self-catering. There are full kitchen facilities within each flat.
Back to top|
What facilities and appliances are in the kitchens?
Within each kitchen at The Hollins there is a fridge/freezer, cooker, microwave, kettle, and toaster.
Within each kitchen at Orlando Village there is a fridge/freezer, combination microwave oven/grill, hob, kettle, and toaster.
You should bring crockery and cutlery, cooking utensils and pans, tea towels and cleaning materials (washing up liquid, etc) and a small padlock to secure the food cupboard.
Back to top|
Can I bring my own microwave, kettle, electric heater etc?
Any electrical appliances which you bring to the Halls of Residence and which you intend to use in a communal area, such as a kitchen, requires Portable Appliance Testing. The Wardens at the Halls of Residence are able to carry out this test for you. Any cooking appliances including kettles, toasters, microwaves, etc cannot be used in bedrooms. If you wish to bring your own table-top fridge or freezer, this can be kept in your bedroom.
Back to top|
Can I set my own heating times?
The heating time are set by the Halls staff to provide a pleasant level of warmth at all times of the year. If you feel cold please speak to the Warden at the Halls.
Back to top|
How much wardrobe space is there?
The wardrobes measure 187cm x 55cm x 55cm (72” x 22” x 22”). Each room also has a chest of drawers and or a bedside cabinet.
Back to top|
Is bedding provided?
No. You can purchase a bedding pack, consisting of a sheet, duvet, duvet cover, pillowcase and pillow in advance of arriving, or on arrival (subject to stock). Bedding packs will cost £20.
Back to top|
Do I need to bring an ironing board?
Ironing boards are provided between every 2 flats. Students must provide their own irons.
Back to top|
Are there facilities for me to wash my clothes?
There are two launderettes at The Hollins (at the end A & B Block) and one at Orlando (located behind the Common Room).
The equipment is coin operated.
Washing machine £2.00
Dryer £1.50
These prices are subject to change.
Back to top|
Is there plenty of room for parking?
There is extensive free parking at both Halls of Residence. Vehicles must be registered at your Warden’s lodge.
Back to top|
Are there any time restrictions i.e. do I have to be back in Halls before 12 midnight?
No. You have 24 hour access to each Halls site. Please ensure that you respect the right of other residents if you are returning late by ensuring that you ask taxis to stop at the Halls’ entrance and return to your room quietly.
Back to top|
How noisy is it within the Halls?
Occasionally there can be noise within the Halls. There are established procedures for controlling excessive noise or inconsiderate behaviour. Please report any problems to your Halls staff during office hours. Outside of office hours there is a 24 hour security service and they will respond to any problems you may be experiencing.
Back to top|
Are the Halls mixed gender flats?
At both Halls there are some flats that are mixed sex. You will not be placed in a mixed sex flat unless you have indicated your agreement on your application form and a single sex flat is unavailable.
Back to top|
I have a friend who has applied for Halls, can we be placed together?
Although we will do our best to accommodate personal preferences to share with others we do not guarantee to do so.
Back to top|
Can I choose my room?
No, your room will be allocated by a member of staff, depending on your age and sex.
Back to top|
Can my friend stay with me at weekends?
You may have guests at the weekend (Friday and Saturday Night only) providing that you notify Halls’ staff in advance of their arrival (This is for fire safety purposes). There is a fee of £10 per night for a maximum of two nights.
Back to top|
Can I smoke in the flat?
No. If you have applied as a smoker and have been allocated a smoking room, you can only smoke within your room. The University of Bolton Halls of Residence is currently reviewing the smoking policy.
Back to top|
Who is responsible for cleaning my room / flat?
The main responsibility for keeping the flat clean and tidy is that of the residents. You will be expected to clean your own bedroom, do your own washing up and share in the cleaning of the communal areas of the flat. University cleaning staff will provide a weekly cleaning service and the cleaners will empty the bins on a daily basis.
Back to top|
Security
Are the Halls safe?
The Halls offer a safe and secure environment for residents. There are separate keyed entry points to each accommodation block. Each flat has keyed entry, with each room having individual key access. CCTV operates at both Halls of Residence, and is used for crime detection and prevention, assist with the identification of actions that might result in disciplinary proceedings against staff and students and to monitor security of campus buildings.
Back to top|
Do you have security guards?
Yes, there is a 24 hour security service which can be summoned at any time.
Back to top|
Is it safe to store my bicycle within the Halls?
Although bicycle stands are supplied at each Halls of Residence all bicycles (and motor vehicles) are left entirely at the owner’s risk.
Back to top|
Can I store my bike in my flat/room?
No, bicycles may not be stored inside residences.
Back to top|
Computing and Communications
Can I bring my PC?
Yes, you may bring your PC.
Back to top|
Do you have telephones within each room?
No, you may find a mobile phone is a useful alternative.
Back to top|
Is there a line for Internet use?
There are Internet access facilities at both Halls of Residence. The cost of the Internet is included in the rent.
There is a 24 hour, seven day access to the Library and their computers during term.
Back to top|
Do you need a TV licence?
Yes, the TV Licensing Authority require that all students in Halls of Residence accommodation have their own individual licence. Although if you use a set for only 9 months of the year you may be able to obtain a refund on the proportion of the cost.
Back to top|
Are there aerial points in each room?
No. Coaxial/aerial points are not available at the Halls of Residence. You are recommended to bring an amplified internal aerial.
Back to top|
Further Information
When should I apply for a room in Halls of Residence?
You must have firmly accepted an offer of a place to study at the University of Bolton before submitting your Halls of Residence application. New students to the University are advised to apply as soon as accepting an offer of a place to study.
Back to top|