Accommodation Handbook 2011/2012 - University of Leicester

AccommodationHandbook 2011/2012www.le.ac.uk/librarywww.le.ac.uk/accommodation

2 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESWelcomeWelcome to the University ofLeicester and your accommodationfor the next year. We hope that youenjoy your experience of living inUniversity allocated accommodation.This information booklet is designed toprovide advice, information andguidance whilst you settle into youraccommodation. By reading it many ofyour questions regarding living instudent accommodation will beanswered. However for the avoidance ofdoubt where there are differencesbetween this Accommodation Handbookand your Residence Agreement, theagreement prevails.Living with other students in acommunity is a new experience for moststudents and living in a close communityalso means there have to be some rulesand constraints on behaviour. We arehere to help and want to know how youare settling into your accommodation.You will find contact numbers on theopposite page. Factors beyond ourcontrol occasionally affect our serviceand, although we apologise on others’behalf, we can do little other thanminimise disruption in these situations.When living in a community, actions youtake may not only affect your ownsafety but the safety of those aroundyou, so it is very important that safety isgiven a high priority. Please note thatOpal Court and The Grange are privatedevelopments. The University administersthe allocation of rooms, collection offees and room transfers. It also providespastoral support. Some differencesbetween the information provided in thishandbook and the Opal Court/GrangeHandbook can therefore be expected.Whilst we aim to provide the best possibleservice, we occasionally do not meet thestudents’ expectations. On those occasionswe do encourage students to makesuggestions for improvements by writingor speaking to somebody personally atthe Site Reception.We are always happy to discuss withstudents any aspect of the services weoffer.May we wish you every success withyour studies.The Accommodation Team

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 3ContentsOur Accommodation 4Oadby Student Village 5Arts in the Village 7City Living 8Residence Periods 2011/2012 12What happens on arrival? 12Your health and wellbeing 13Further Information– frequently asked questions 16Regulations ConcerningResidential Accommodation 24Location and Postal Addresses 27Contact UsAccommodation OfficeMezzanine, Charles Wilson Building,University of LeicesterUniversity Road, Leicester, LE1 7RHe: accommodation@le.ac.ukw: www.le.ac.uk/accommodationt: 0116 252 2428 f: 0116 252 5134Accommodation Office Opening Hours:Day Opens ClosesMonday 9.00am 4.45pmTuesday 9.00am 4.45pmWednesday 9.30am 4.45pmThursday 9.00am 4.45pmFriday 9.00am 4.45pmThis information was correctat the time of going to printAugust 2011.

4 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESOur AccommodationOur Catered Residences are all located inOadby Student Village.Oadby Student VillageOadby Student Village is approximately2.7 miles/4.3 km from the mainacademic campus and is served by aregular bus service. This accommodationis excellent for students just beginningtheir university career.The accommodation is situated in a verygreen and pleasant suburb of Leicesterclose to Oadby town with its shops andamenities. The University’s Sports Hall andplaying fields and the Botanical Gardensare also located in this area. Purpose-builtaccommodation buildings were developedfrom the 1960s in the grounds of verygrand Edwardian houses. Oadby StudentVillage comprises three sites: Beaumontand Digby Hall, Gilbert Murray/StamfordHall and John Foster Hall.Most properties offer a 30 week cateredpackage that includes fourteen meals perweek – breakfast and evening mealMonday to Friday and brunch and eveningmeal at weekends. Details of what yourproperty offers can be found atwww.le.ac.uk/accommodation.Residence contracts for catered placesbegin from dinner on the Sunday beforethe start of each term until breakfast onSaturday at the end of each term.Students on a 30 week catered contractare required to move out of their roomsfor the Christmas and Easter Vacations.Also available are self-catered contracts of39 weeks in certain properties, this includesboth Christmas and Easter Vacations. Allproperties are designated either catered orself-catered and it will not be possible tochange to live on a self-catered basis in acatered property.Choosing to live in catered accommodationallows you to make the best possible startto your time here. You can concentratefully on getting to know the University,meeting other residents and mostimportantly your studies. Oadby StudentVillage offers a more structured social lifewith organised events including specialdinners (for those on catered contracts);large grounds and gardens to enjoy and agenerally lively atmosphere. Higher levels ofpastoral support are provided to reflect theyounger population.The catered properties in Oadby StudentVillage are used extensively during thevacations to accommodate conferences.We will normally keep one property openfor those residents on catered contractswho wish to stay during the Christmasand Easter Vacations. However socialfacilities are not available during vacations.All catered rooms have to be clearedof belongings during the vacations.The social facilities of the Halls are notavailable to residents on 39 week selfcateredcontracts during the Christmasand Easter Vacations. Day conferencesalso use the Social facilities.Please note:all sites are non-smoking.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 5Oadby Student VillageBeaumont HallNumber of students: 315éCar parking: limitedq Launderette Bar – Beaumont House Phone available in room8 Internet access available in roomCatered 280 – 30 week contractsSelf catered 35 – 39 week contractsAdapted bedrooms 12Reception at Beaumont HouseBeaumont Hall is situated in theUniversity Botanical Gardens and isalways a popular choice with new andreturning students. Students live mainlyin single study bedrooms groupedtogether in eight blocks, some of whichoffer full ensuite facilities. RocklandsHouse is a large Edwardian house set inthe grounds which houses 25 students.Beaumont House comprises theadministration offices, the dining room,the student social room, Bar, TV room,music practice rooms and also somestudent bedrooms.Digby HallNumber students: 265é Car parking: limitedq Launderette Bar – Beaumont House Phone available in room8 Internet access available in roomCatered 265 – 30 week contractsReception at Beaumont HouseDigby Hall is split between purpose-builtblocks of study bedrooms and convertedlarge houses. The majority of houses arelocated within the University’s BotanicalGardens and have a number of largerooms that are used as sharedaccommodation. All houses have theirown basic kitchens. All meals and socialfacilities are at Beaumont Hall.Gilbert Murray Stamford HallNumber of students: 645é Car parking: limitedq Launderette Bar – Stamford House Phone available in room8 Internet access available in roomCatered 425 – 30 week contractsSelf catered 220 – 39 week contractsAdapted bedrooms 5Reception at John Foster Hall, FacilitiesBuildingGilbert Murray Stamford Hall offer asubstantial choice of accommodation.Situated at the heart of Oadby StudentVillage with a mix of catered and selfcateredresidences in en-suite, standardand shared rooms.Students on a catered contract take theirmeals in the dining hall at Stamford Hall.Gilbert Murray Gilbert Murraycomprises 200 catered single rooms in

6 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESmodern blocks and one convertedproperty, 70 of which have en-suitefacilities. Two further self-cateredproperties – Bredon and StoughtonLeys – offer a mix of single and sharedrooms.Stamford Hall Stamford Hall comprises180 single catered rooms in the LasdunBuilding and 15 single or sharedcatered rooms in Shirley House. 150self-catered en-suite rooms at BowderCourt and a number of single or sharedself-catered rooms in two otherrefurbished converted houses – Kentand Rosenfels.John Foster HallNumber of students: 740é Car parking: limitedq Launderette Bar – Facilities BuildingPhone available in room8 Internet access available in roomÈ LiftCatered 480 – 30 week contractsSelf catered 260 – 39 week contractsAdapted bedrooms 29Reception in Facilities BuildingJohn Foster Hall is our newest and largestHall. A total of 740 students areaccommodated in a mix of catered andself-catered rooms. The hall is centredaround prestigious pavilions that house458 catered en-suite rooms and 118 selfcatereden-suite rooms plus the facilitiesbuilding and reception.There are a number of older convertedbuildings – The Beeches, Spinneys,Treroose, Howard and Wighton Houses,which are self-catered properties with amix of single or shared rooms. Also, TheCoppice, which accommodates 75students in small flats of self-cateredmostly en-suite rooms.John Foster Hall

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 7Arts in the VillageThe Arts in the Village programme isavailable to students from all halls andaims to offer a variety of taster andon-going sessions in varying disciplinesof the performance and creative arts,either for free or at a subsidised rate.There is group and private tuition in guitar,piano and drums available as well as fullyequipped practice rooms and a range ofevents including a year long open miccompetition to test the new found skills ofthe participants. Music practice rooms arenot available during Exam periods.John Foster has a state of the art dancestudio offering lessons in several disciplinesincluding street, salsa and bollywood.From the literature side, there are spokenword events and a book club withmonthly meetings to bring a little funback into reading. Script and film analysisand a stand-up comedy workshop runwith many budding stars emerging.There are several more projects in thepipe-lines with the emphasis on thestudents preferences. If there is ademand for it, we will endeavour toprovide it as students gain new skills,new friends and a great deal ofconfidence from these sessions as wellas having fun along the way!

8 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESCity LivingThe self-catered sites are:Freemen’s Common purpose built student accommodationNixon Court purpose built student accommodationSalisbury Houses a group of converted Edwardian and Victorian housesMary Geepurpose built student accommodationOpal Court a private development with rooms allocated by the UniversityThe Grange a private development with rooms allocated by the UniversityThe majority of this accommodation is in single study bedrooms with twin (shared)rooms available at Salisbury Houses. You will be expected to share kitchen andbathroom facilities with other students and need to be aware that many of the housesand blocks are for both male and female students.Freemen’s Common HousesNumber of students: 300éCar parking: Noneq LaunderettePhone available in room8 Internet access available in roomSelf catered 300 – 42 week contractsReception at Nixon CourtSituated only 250 metres from themain University campus, Freemen’sCommon Houses are a popular choicefor returning students and newinternational students.The site is also close to Freemen’s Parkwhich has a cinema, supermarket andrestaurants.The accommodation is in purpose builthouses, each with ten single studybedrooms, shared bathroom andkitchen facilities, and can be mixed orsingle sex.The accommodation is basic.There is no student car parking or cyclestore at this site.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 9Nixon CourtNumber of students: 985éCar parking: Noneq Launderette Phone available in room8 Internet access available in roomÈ LiftSelf catered 985 – 42 week contractsAdapted bedrooms 11Reception at Nixon CourtNixon Court is a purpose builtdevelopment and is extremely popularwith all students.The site has recently been transformed bya new development of 260 en-suite roomsand 21 studio flats.• Blocks G, H, J and KThe new accommodation is groupedinto flats containing 5 individualbedrooms and a kitchen/dining areathat will provide a social space in eachof these flats.• Block F known as the FacilitiesBuilding has 21 studio flats, Reception,Post Room, Launderette and two socialrooms – one on the ground floor, theother on the first floor.In the existing accommodation blocksthere are 700 single rooms at the site,which is divided into five blocks.• Blocks A, B, D and E – six floors withfive, six and ten roomed flats.• Block C – eight floors each with onefive roomed flat with ensuite showerfacilities and three six roomed flats.The rooms in A, B, C (corridor 7-12all floors), J and K are allocated topostgraduate and final yearundergraduate students. Flats can befor male or female students only ormay be mixed.The site remains open during the summervacation and it is possible for students tobook rooms here for this period.Please note we do not guarantee thesame room for the Summer Vacationand students may have to move rooms.Mary GeeNumber of students: 360é Car parking: Limitedq Launderette Phone available in room8 Internet access available in roomSelf catered 39 week contractsReception at Nixon CourtRoom Type singleThe Mary Gee Houses are approximately2km from the main campus.Mary Gee Houses is primarily for the use byundergraduates. There are 36 houses eachwith ten study bedrooms, a bathroom,usually a shower room and shared kitchenfacilities. There is a common room on Site,for students to socialise.

10 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESOpal CourtNumber of students: 645éqCar parking: noneLaunderettePhone available in room (payseparately)8 Internet access available in room(pay separately)Self catered 645 – 42 week contractsReception at Opal Courtt: 0116 254 6737 f: 0116 255 5084Opal Court is a private developmentwhere the University is responsible foradministering room allocations, rentcollection and welfare support. Opalthemselves, not the University, areresponsible for the management of thebuilding including security.There are 645 places available in a choiceof Standard Plus Ensuite, Premium Ensuiteand Premium Flats, all of which haveensuite facilities. The Standard Plus Ensuiteand Premium Ensuite rooms are arrangedin flats for five or six students and have alarge kitchen/lounge area. Theseapartments may be for male or femalestudents only or may be mixed. PremiumFlats have their own small kitchen.The development is just a few minuteswalk from the main University campusand will certainly appeal to postgraduatestudents, although undergraduates willalso be accommodated in the building.University Residential Advisors live inOpal Court to provide Pastoral supportand guidance.Students are expected to sign anagreement binding them to theconditions of the Management Companywith Opal Court. The agreement is acommitment directly with Opal but isissued and held by the University foradministration purposes. There is also a£250 damage deposit that must be paidwhen you accept your place. The depositwill be returned, less any deductionsapplicable, after you leave theaccommodation in the summer.If you are offered a place at Opal Courtyou will be provided with generalinformation regarding University selfcateredaccommodation. A welcomepack specific to the Site will be providedon arrival.A limited number of rooms will beavailable to new students for the2011/2012 session.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 11Salisbury HousesNumber of students: 140éCar parking: Noneq LaunderettePhone available in room8 Internet access available in roomSelf catered 140 – 42 week contractsReception at Nixon CourtThe properties which form SalisburyHouses are approximately 750 metresfrom the main campus and adjacent toVictoria Park. The properties are allconverted houses accommodatingbetween 10 and 27 students in each. Intotal there are 140 rooms that vary insize, with a large proportion havingwashbasins. Being closer to the citycentre means there is a good choice ofshops and restaurants. No car parking isavailable at this site.Salisbury Houses themselves are used fora mix of final year undergraduates,postgraduates and international students.The exception to this is 75 Regent Roadwhich is normally only for use bypostgraduates. All the houses are sharedby male and female students and all haveshared bathroom and kitchen facilities.The individual properties are:16 Salisbury Road 75 Regent Road118/120 Regent Road136 Regent Road 138 Regent RoadJohn Frears HouseThe GrangeNumber of students: 215é Car parking: noneq Launderette8 InternetSelf catered 215 – 42 week contractsReception at The Granget: 0116 275 8025This is a private development where theUniversity is responsible for administeringroom allocations, rent collection andwelfare support.Unite are responsible for themanagement of the building.There are 215 places available with themajority of rooms having ensuitefacilities. The rooms are arranged in flatsfor five students and have a largekitchen/lounge area.The flats may be for male or femalestudents only or may be mixed. PremiumPlus Flats have their own small kitchen.The Grange is 20 minutes walkingdistance to the University and close tothe city centre.There is a £250 damage deposit thatmust be paid when you accept yourplace. The deposit will be returned lessany deductions after you leave theaccommodation in the summer.

12 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESResidence Periods 2011/2012CATERED ROOMS (30 WEEK CONTRACT)Terms1st Period 2 October 2011 17 December 20112nd Period 15 January 2012 31 March 20123rd Period 6 May 2012 30 June 2012SELF-CATERED ROOMS (39, 42 WEEK CONTRACTS)Includes self-catered rooms in Oadby Student VillageTerms1st Period 2 October 2011 15 January 20122nd Period 15 January 2012 6 May 20123rd Period 6 May 2012 1 July 2012 (39 week occupancy)6 May 2012 22 July 2012 (42 week occupancy)SemestersSemester 1 2 October 2011 15 January 2012Semester 2 15 January 2012 1 July 2012 (39 week occupancy)15 January 2012 22 July 2012 (42 week occupancy)What happens on arrival?Self – catered sites (City Living)Most of the city living sites will be openfrom Saturday 24 September forearly arrivals.The ‘City Living’ reception at Nixon Courtis staffed between the hours of 09:00 to17:00 hours Monday to Friday. OnSaturday 1 October it will be open 10:00to 16:00 hours and on Sunday 2 Octoberfrom 10:00 to 17:00 hours.Please inform reception if you will bearriving earlier or later than these hoursto help prevent delays in obtaining yourroom key.Oadby Student VillageArrival times are staggered throughoutthe day on 1st & 2nd October. Included

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 13in your arrival instructions, will be detailsof which day and time to arrive andwhere your allocated arrival point is.Your keys will be available for collectionon arrival at each individual site. Prior toarrival you will need to go online andpay £30 for your key deposit. You willneed to bring with you the onlinereceipt.Arrival before 1st/2nd OctoberIf you are coming to Leicester to takepart on any pre-sessional course ororientation programme then details ofyour accommodation including costs willbe sent to you by the course organisers.Any queries regarding this should bedirected to them. PGCE students shouldcontact the appropriate site Receptiondirect.However if you are not attending anofficial course but do wish to move inearly, you are welcome to do so bytelephoning the relevant site reception tomake arrangements. You may not beable to go to your allocated room as itmay be in use by a vacation resident orunavailable due to programmedmaintenance work.If this is the case we will allocate you analternate room and you will be able totransfer to your permanent room assoon as it is available.Arrival after 2nd OctoberIf you intend to arrive after this date youneed to inform the AccommodationOffice of your expected date of arrival.If you do not tell us of your late arrivalwe may think that you no longerrequire the accommodation andre-allocate your room. You may beliable for withdrawal charges andresidence fees until the date the roomis cancelled (see page 25).We are unable to make a reduction inresidence fees for late arrivals.Your health andwellbeingPastoral SupportThe Pastoral Support Service is led bytwo full time Residential SupportManagers. They manage and supervisethe team of 56 Residential Advisorsacross both the City Living and OadbyStudent Village sites. They can becontacted during office hours directlyon 0116 2212039 or by emailingpastoral.support@le.ac.ukResidential Advisors are students thatare employed to provide support andguidance to other students living in hallsof residence. A key element of this roleis to actively promote a sense ofcommunity within each residence inorder to maintain the safety, health andwellbeing of all students. All studentswill have a named Residential Advisorwho will be dropping by on a regularbasis to say hello and deliver usefulinformation.

14 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESResidential Advisors are also available oncallbetween 6pm and 8am every night andalso during the daytime at weekends. Theycan assist with pastoral issues and alsoemergencies.House RepresentativesIn order to improve communicationbetween residents and staff, blocks andhouses are encouraged to appoint houserepresentatives. Your representative willthen liaise with the Oadby Student VillageEvents Committee, Residential Advisors andthe Management Team. You areencouraged to participate in the running ofaccommodation social arrangements andconsultative groups.Residents will be issued with a StudentIdentification Card that must be presentedat each meal and other social events. Thecard is not transferable and misuse will resultin considerable additional charges. There is acharge of £5 for a replacement card.HealthAll students are required under the NationalHealth Service to register with either thedoctors of the Student Health Service orwith a local General Practitioner. You arestrongly advised to register with theUniversity Medical Officer:Freemen’s CommonHealth Centre161 Welford RoadLeicester LE2 6BFt: 0844 815 1105MeningitisMost home students arriving at Universitywill have been offered protection against‘Group C’ meningococcal organismsthrough their school vaccinationprogramme. This immunisation willsubstantially reduce the chances ofgetting the ‘Group C’ disease.Students who may not have beenvaccinated are:• Those who missed being vaccinated atschool or college• International studentsMature students are not includedbecause research shows that the riskof infection diminishes after the age oftwenty.Freemen’s Common Health Centre willarrange for international students whoare participating in either the pre-sessionalor orientation courses to be vaccinated oncampus during those courses.Sessions will be organised at the HealthCentre for any other students whorequire the vaccine. These will beadvertised at the beginning of term.Group B Meningococcal DiseaseThe vaccine does not protect against‘Group B’ meningococcal disease,therefore students should continue to bevigilant about the signs and symptoms ofmeningitis and septicaemia. This is afrightening disease and can strike rapidlywith little warning. If in doubt seek helpfrom a qualified medical person.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 15Information and help can be found at:Meningitis Research Foundation:t: 0808 800 3344Meningitis Trust:t: 0845 6000 800w: www.meningitis-trust.orgFreemen’s Common Health Centre:t: 0844 815 1105w: www.le.ac.uk/healthcentrew: www.nhs.direct.nhs.ukWelfare Centre:t: 0116 223 118w: www.le.ac.uk/welfareBudgetingIt is not uncommon for students tooverspend, particularly in their first term.Building up debts at the start of thecourse will often increase hardship andexpense later on so drawing up abudget will be useful. If you receive astudent loan it is advisable to pay youraccommodation fees for the session inadvance. This ensures that most of theyear’s living expenses are paid and assistsbudgeting. The Welfare Service canprovide budgetary advice.www.le.ac.uk/welfareFurther Information –frequently askedquestionsThe following information refers toUniversity residences only and residents ofOpal Court and The Grange will havedifferent contractual arrangements. If youare in one of these sites you can find outyour contractual arrangements online orby contacting the accommodation office.When do I receive my keys?On arrival you will be issued with the keyto your building and room. The key willnormally open the front door to thebuilding and only the room you havebeen allocated. PLEASE TAKE CARE OFTHIS KEY AS REPLACING KEYS IS ALENGTHY AND COSTLY BUSINESS.What will be provided in myaccommodation?The following information refers toUniversity residences only. Opal Court,The Grange residences are finished to ahigh standard but have some minordifferences in supplied equipment. Themain differences are highlighted.

16 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESStudy bedroomsAlthough bedrooms may vary in size,they are all furnished to the sameprovision. Each will have:• Single bed with mattress (Nixon CourtStudios and Blocks G, H, J and K have4ft beds)• Study desk and chair• Easy chair (Not all rooms in Opal orBowder Court)• Wardrobe• Bookshelves• Carpet and curtains or blind• Bedside table or coffee table• Bedding (duvet, duvet cover, pillows,sheets and pillowcases) is provided incatered en-suite rooms onlyKitchensKitchens will also vary in size but eachwill have:• Cooker with hob and oven (cateredsites do not have a full size cooker)• Kettle (not The Grange)• Iron and ironing board• Refrigerator• Freezer (self catered only)• Microwave• Vacuum cleanerBathroomsBathrooms will normally be communalfacilities shared with the other residentsof your house or flat. Most residentshave access to a shower.What will I need to bring?Why not purchase these items on line andhave them waiting in your room on arrival.(items marked with *) http://shop.le.ac.uk• Some food for the first day at least(self catered accommodation)• Crockery and cutlery*• Cooking utensils, including saucepans(self-catered accommodation)*• Duvet, pillows, duvet cover, sheets andpillowcases (except en-suite cateredrooms)*• Towels• Toiletries and dressing gown• Some items to personalise your roome.g. posters, photographs• Desk lamp• A strong cycle lock if you intend tobring your bicycle• A television licence if you bring yourown portable television (TV aerials areonly provided in John Foster pavillions)Will anyone else be able toaccess my room?On occasions, reasonable access will berequired to enable University staff –including Managers and their staff, andResidential Advisers, Security Staff andcontractors accompanied by Universitystaff – to carry out maintenance,cleaning, room inspections and otherduties.Rarely situations may require immediateor urgent access to student rooms,

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 17including, but not limited to, drugabuse, medical emergencies, illegaloccupancy, serious breaches of theregulations and unacceptable noise.Refurbishment and maintenanceprogrammes may lead to some minorinconvenience or noise disturbanceduring working hours.Some rooms may be used to showprospective students and conferenceorganisers our facilities.During the vacation periods studybedrooms in our catered residences andother amenities are used to facilitateour very important conference trade.Income from conferences helps tosubsidise student residence fees and weask that you co-operate with anyreasonable requests. This is the reasonwe ask you to clear your rooms for theChristmas and Easter Vacations if youlive in catered accommodation.Conferences are also held duringterm-time. Any such events will beadvertised and will only use communalareas not bedrooms.Wherever possible you will be givenreasonable notice of any required accessto your room and disruption will bekept to a minimum at all times.Will my room/flat becleaned?Catered ensuite rooms are cleaned oncea fortnight. All other catered and selfcateredstudents are responsible forcleaning their own rooms. You will needto share the cleaning of the communalareas. Some limited support is given byour cleaning staff who will clean inother areas (usually once per week)including walls, floors, windows andstairways and replace refuse sacks.All students are responsible for:• removal of refuse and recycling to theappropriate bins.• cleaning the cooker, kettle,microwave, sink and worktops.• cleaning your room.• cleaning up immediately aftercooking.• cleaning showers, baths and toiletsafter use.• participating fully in your house/flatcleaning rota which should bearranged between you and yourfellow students.• defrosting and cleaning therefrigerator.• storing food in sealed containers.A vacuum cleaner, brush, mop andbucket are provided but you will needto purchase cleaning materials.Study bedroom and communal areainspection checks are carried out onceper term.Kitchen storage space, particularly inrefrigerators, is limited and you willneed to shop frequently. You will needto live sensibly with your housematesand together develop the running ofyour house or flat. Residential Adviserswill help you to do this if you ask them!

18 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESWe would advise that you use the rotaprovided to make sure that everyonetakes their turn at cleaning thecommunal areas and facilities. If theseareas do become messy additionalcleaning will be undertaken by our staffin the interests of hygiene and safetyand this extra cleaning time will becharged to all the residents in the flator house.Staffing considerations may mean achange to the level of cleaning providedat some times of the year. When theUniversity is closed during the Christmasand Easter vacations no cleaning at all isprovided by University staff.Can I have visitors/gueststo stay?Any visitors or guests you may haveshould always be accompanied withinthe houses and grounds and will remainyour responsibility. When bringing guestsinto the house, block or flat we ask thatyou respect the other residents’ rightsand wishes and keep any disruption toa minimum.Fire regulations allow for a maximumof two people to use a single studybedroom for overnight stays. You arepermitted to have a visitor to stay for amaximum period of 24 hours between aMonday and Friday, or two suchconsecutive periods over a Saturday orSunday. We will not allow more than sixsuch visits within any two monthsperiod.What meals are provided?Our catered residences provide 14 mealsa week for each resident:BreakfastBrunchEvening MealMonday to FridaySaturday & SundayEvery dayMeal times are subject to local variationso please check notices on site.Catering information:• Meals are cafeteria style using a servery.• Some items, for example drinks, maybe on a self-service system.• You will be expected to clear awayyour own tray and used plates etc.• You will have to show yourIdentity Card at each meal.• There will always be at least onevegetarian option on the menu.• Food, crockery, utensils and glassesshould not be removed from thedining hall.• Late meals are available if you areunable to return to your residencebefore the end of the meal service dueto University business. These meals areserved until 7.30pm and can be orderedfrom the Dining room or kitchen staff.John Foster Bar has lunches available topurchase from 12-2pm.Will I be responsible fordamage?You are responsible for the contents andfittings in your allocated room, including

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 19the windows. We want you to live in yourroom with as little interference from us aspossible but it is in your interest to keepyour room clean and tidy since you willbe charged for repairs caused by unfairwear and tear. Walls may be decoratedwith posters etc using ‘Blu-Tak’. Howevercare should be taken when removingsuch items to avoid damaging surfaces.Where a notice board is provided, pleaseuse to avoid unnecessary damage.Unfortunately, damage can happen eitherby accident or through carelessness andsometimes even vandalism. All damagehas to be paid for and residents will becharged the full cost of repairs orreplacement including staff time. Weoperate a fair policy and in communalareas where the culprit cannot beidentified, the costs of restitution will beshared equally amongst the residentsliving in the immediate vicinity.When you leave your accommodation itmust be clean, in a good state of repairand the furniture and equipment must bewhere you found it on arrival.Can I store a bicycle at myaccommodation?There is some storage for bicycles at allsites. You are advised to bring a stronglock and take out insurance. Wherelockable facilities are provided a chargeof £10 will be made for the key of which£5 will be refunded on return of the key.For safety reasons bicycles must not bestored in residential buildings.What electrical equipment canI have in my room?Electrical appliances such as kettles, ironsand powerful hairdryers which have aheavy power loading may fuse thesystem and therefore cannot be used. Allthe communal kitchens have their ownrefrigerator and so we will not allow youto have one in your room. Electricalappliances should not be used incorridors.Remember, the voltage in the UK is 240volts. Equipment designed for use at amuch lower voltage is unsafe to usewithout a suitable transformer andconstitutes a fire hazard. Equipmentdesigned for use in the USA is rated at110 volts and should NEVER be used inthe UK without a suitable adaptor.European equipment operating at 230volts is safe but should be connected toa UK style fused plug or used with anappropriate adaptor.You are responsible for ensuring thatpersonal electrical equipment that usesthe power supply from communal areasis safe. You will find an informationbooklet in the kitchen or via the websitewhich includes advice about electricalsafety. PAT (Portable Appliance Testing)testing is offered during the first term,check your emails for dates.Will I need insurance?It is essential that you insure your propertywhile in University accommodation.

20 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESInformation about insurance can befound on the Welfare website.www.le.ac.uk/staffwellbeing/welfareThere are inexpensive insurancepolicies designed especially forstudents and it is also sometimespossible to extend the cover of yourparental home contents policy. All ourproperties are classified as Halls ofResidence and this may help reducethe cost of a policy.Residents at Opal Court and theGrange have some contents coverincluded in their rent. Furtherinformation will be available when youarrive at Opal Court and the Grange.How do I get a parkingpermit?Each of the halls in Oadby StudentVillage and Mary Gee have a limitednumber of car parking spaces forwhich a permit is required.Applications should be made prior toarrival and payment made to therelevant reception on arrival giving fulldetails of the vehicle. Please note thatvehicles cannot be taken onto themain site.Residents should note that morepermits will be issued than theavailable number of spaces so aparking place is not guaranteed.Please note there are no parkingfacilities at Opal Court, SalisburyHouses, Freemen’s Common Housesor Nixon Court.How will I receive my mail?A full list of postal addresses for all sitesis printed at the rear of this handbook.Post is delivered to each flat, block orhouse daily Monday to Friday by thePorter, except when buildings are closed.Parcels, Registered and RecordedDelivery items are kept in The Post Roomfor collection and you will be sent a noteto inform you of arrival. Photographicidentification is required to collect post,ie. Identity Card or Student Library Card(different postal arrangements apply toOpal Court and The Grange).Please ensure that your name androom number of Block/House is usedin all communications as this will assistthe Porters in delivering post and reduceany delays.What safety equipment isprovided?Fire fighting equipment is provided forthe safety of all residents and is checkedregularly. You should make yourselfaware of fire escape routes and thelocation of fire alarm points and fireextinguishers as soon as you move in.Practise emergency evacuations are heldat the beginning of each session and it isyour responsibility to ensure that you arefamiliar with fire safety procedures.Tampering with fire fightingequipment will be regarded as aserious disciplinary offence and willcarry a minimum charge of £100together with any costs incurred.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 21Are there any jobs available?We have a number of vacancies forcatering and bar staff in term time andsome full-time jobs in vacations. If youwould like to know more check theUniversity Jobsite at www.le.ac.uk andthen click on job vacancies.Will I have access to atelephone and the internet?All rooms are provided with internetaccess points and a telephone. Theinternet is provided to assist withacademic work. Connection is includedin our service (provided you accept theterms and conditions of use on firstusage) except at Opal Court where aconnection fee is payable (For2011/2012 the cost is between £160 –£480. Further details available on site.).You will have to pay for telephone callsand cannot use discount schemes.Incoming calls are not charged to theresidents but callers will be charged atthe BT national rate. International callerswill pay different rates – moreinformation will be available on site.DepartureBOOK A ROOM CHECKStudy bedrooms and public areas needto be checked before leaving. Weekenddepartures should book a room checkfor the Friday. Please contact Reception(giving at least 48 hours notice) toarrange an appointment. It will thenbe possible to hand in your keys andarrange return of the key deposit.KEYSKeys should be returned to Receptionduring office hours to enable key depositrefund. Please note refunds will be paidback in the same way as they were paid.Is there any summer vacationaccommodation available?Nixon Court and Opal Court are the onlysites that normally remain open duringthe Summer Vacation. Reservations forNixon Court vacation accommodationmay be made from the beginning Juneonline. Payment is required in advanceand bookings may only be made for aminimum of 1 week. If you are notreturning to the University for the2012/2013 session you will be requiredto leave the vacation accommodation bySunday 23 September 2012 at 09.00hours (16 September 2012 from OpalCourt). This is so that new students canbe accommodated. No extensions will beallowed after this date. It is importantthat postgraduate students are aware ofthe vacation arrangements particularly ifthey are writing-up projects.Further detailsFurther details on your accommodationand our policies on student conductcan be found on our website atwww.le.ac.uk/accommodation

22 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESResidence Fees 2011/2012Please refer to the terms and conditions which you have agreed to whenaccepting our offer of accommodation or have taken up residence, as youwill be liable for fees for a complete session. This liability will remain if youmove out of University accommodation to the private sector at any timeduring the session. Students intending to bring partners or family toLeicester after they arrive should be particularly aware of this.The residence fees you have agreed topay will be those indicated on yourResidence Agreement and must be paidon the dates specified. Full details of thefees chargeable for each type of roomcan be found on the accommodationwebsite. The fees become due on thefirst day of the residence period.However, we allow a period of graceuntil the deadline date for payment.The deadlines for payment will be:1st Period Autumn 21 October 20112nd Period Spring 27 January 20123rd Period Summer 18 May 2012Please note these dates, they areimportant. It is your responsibility toensure that your fees are paid on time. Nofurther reminders will be sent out duringthe Session and failure to pay fees by thedates above will result in additional latepayment administrative fees of £10 foreach late payment plus £10 each debtor’sletter sent and interest at 1 per cent permonth.How to payPlease note that residence fees cannotcurrently be paid by Direct Debit. If youor your parents have signed a DirectDebit arrangement this is for your tuitionfees only and does not cover yourresidence fees.Payments can be made online and wewould strongly recommend you use thismethod if possible. Internet paymentscan be made by credit/debit card (mostcards accepted) athttps://epay.le.ac.ukFees may be paid at the Site Reception bycheque or credit/debit card onpresentation of your statement.All cheque payments should be made inBritish Pounds (£s). If you pay byinternational bank transfer to theUniversity bank account or pay withcheques that are not in British Poundsany bank charges made to the Universitywill be passed on to you. All chequesshould be made payable to “University ofLeicester” and sent to the PaymentsOffice, Ground Floor, Charles WilsonBuilding. Cash and travellers’ chequepayments can only be made at thePayments Office.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 23Payment problemsIf you have any problems paying yourresidence fees then you should go to thePayments office (Ground Floor, CharlesWilson Building) and discuss this with amember of staff before the deadlinefor payment.There is also a Welfare Officer in theWelfare Service, Percy Gee Building, whois responsible for debt counselling andmay be able to help you with anyproblems you may have.In certain circumstances, you may beasked to attend an interview at theAccommodation Office to discuss a debt.This interview will be with a seniormember of the Accommodation Officestaff and is for your benefit. Failure toattend such an interview will be treatedas a serious matter and may lead todisciplinary action. There will also be anadditional administration charge of £15for any missed appointments.A further charge of £10 will be payable ifany rent remains outstanding on the lastday of any of the residence periods. If acheque is returned by your bank unpaidthen an administrative charge of £10 willbe made in addition to the late paymentcharges described above for each chequenot cleared on first presentation.Absence from ResidenceBecause of the nature of your agreementwith us, if you do not use your room forany reason the residence fees still have tobe paid in full. This includes periods awaydue to illness.Some postgraduate students arerequired to undertake research or projectwork away from Leicester. However, thestandard Residence Agreement is for 39or 42 weeks (determined by site) and noallowance can be made for such periodsof absence in any circumstances. Youshould therefore consult with yourdepartment before accepting theaccommodation offered as there is nonotice period and once you take upresidence you are committed to paymentof the three residence periods of 39 or42 weeks. Some students may thereforeprefer to take up accommodation in theprivate sector.

24 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESLate Payment Charges 2011/2012PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE CHARGES ARE CUMULATIVERoom Transfer Charge £30Failure to pay by agreed instalment date £10Missed appointment or failure to rearrange £15Failure to pay by deadline date £10Any debtor’s letter sent £10Returned (bounced) cheque £10Deadlines for payments are strictly enforced. You must ensure your fees are paid ontime to avoid additional costs. If you are having problems paying your residence feesplease visit the Payments office (Ground Floor, Charles Wilson Building) to discussyour options.Regulations ConcerningResidential AccommodationThis section explains our regulations inmore detail and also offers a usefulglossary of terms. A further booklet withmore information regarding youraccommodation will be available in yourkitchen when you arrive. Our website alsoprovides more informationwww.le.ac.uk/accommodation.Period of Contract: Students areadmitted to catered residences for thesession, which comprises three termstotalling 30 weeks. Students are admittedto self-catered residences for the session,which comprises three periods totalling39 or 42 weeks as set out in theirresidence agreement.The University reserves the right to moveany resident to another room within ouraccommodation at any time should thisbe necessary. Residents are not permittedto move to another room without thepermission of the Accommodation Office.Temporary Erasmus (Socrates), Tempusand Occasional Students will be offeredand accept accommodation for the fullsession, complete residence periods orcomplete semesters, whichever is

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 25applicable to their registration. Noreduction in rental for such periods will bemade for late arrival or early departure.Withdrawal from Accommodation:Notice of withdrawal must be given inwriting, as per the Terms and Conditionsor Accommodation Agreement, to theAccommodation Office, Mezzanine FloorCharles Wilson Building, University ofLeicester, University Road, Leicester, LE17RH.Further information is available atwww.le.ac.uk/accommodationWithdrawal during the session, whilstremaining a registered student, will incurpayment of the full amount of the totalfee outstanding for the remainder of thesession as determined by the residencecontract. In the unusual event ofwithdrawal from the University before theend of the session, fees will be payable upto and including the day of departure orreturn of the room keys, whichever is thelatter, and a residence contractcancellation fee of £100 charged.Students who apply for accommodationand either withdraw their application ordecline the accommodation offered willpay an administration fee of £50 (£75after 30 June). Students who accept theaccommodation and withdraw theiracceptance before 30 June will pay a sumof £75. Students who withdraw between1 July and 31 August will pay a sum of£100. Students who withdraw between1 September and the Saturday before thestart of the Autumn Term will pay thesum of £150.New students and students returningto the University at the beginning ofthe Autumn Term who fail to take up apreviously accepted place and who give noprior notice of withdrawal will be liable topay the full fee for the complete session.A student whose course the Universityterminates for reason of examinationfailure / resit without residence or whoseregistration has lapsed, will not bepermitted to take up a previouslyaccepted place.Conduct: The effectiveness of theresidences depends primarily upon theawareness of those who live in them ofthe needs and wishes of the communityas a whole and the neighbourhood inwhich the residences are placed. Only aminimum of rules are defined but it isassumed that residents in ouraccommodation will be mindful of thenecessity, constantly to conductthemselves in an orderly and properfashion and not to bring either theResidences or the University intodisrepute.Conduct detrimental to the good nameor reputation of any residence or seriousor repeated breaches of regulations maylead to dismissal from residence withoutrecourse to the Code of StudentDiscipline and the matter will be reportedto the Registrar and Secretary to whomthe student may appeal. Such appealswill normally be heard within fiveworking days. If residence is terminatedfor misconduct an administrative chargeof £150 will be payable by the resident.

26 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESThe atmosphere within the Residencesshould at all times be conducive to study.Noise, especially after 2300 hours, shouldbe minimal and excessive noise in andaround the Residences and roads leadingto the Residences should be avoided.Ball games and other noisy activities arenot permitted within the grounds of theResidences.Deposits: Postgraduate andInternational students are required topay a deposit of £250 with theirapplication for accommodation. The£250 deposit is a prepayment and willbe deducted from the Summer Termresidence fee (except for residents livingin Opal Court and The Grange wherethe deposit is retained as a damagedeposit and refunded at the end of theresidence contract period less anydamage or other charges or outstandingdebt). Withdrawal fees, cancellationcharges and administration charges willalso be deducted from the deposit asper Terms and Conditions.Where a key deposit is paid for online, itwill be refunded to the same accountonce the room check is completed andthe key returned. (for further detailsplease refer to the website)Visitors: Residents are responsible forthe conduct of their guests. Guests areallowed to stay overnight in the Self-Catered Residences but are not allowedto occupy the accommodation of aresident for more than twenty-fourhours or two such periods over aSaturday and Sunday.Opal Court and The Grange: TheUniversity administers the allocation ofaccommodation and fees for the privatedevelopment Opal Court and TheGrange. University Regulations still applyin both properties. Students must sign aseparate residence contract for theseproperties and where there is any doubtthe contract with Opal Court or TheGrange will take precedence.Residence fees: Residence fees arepayable in advance as set out in theResidence Agreement and theAccommodation Handbook on the datesspecified. Failure to pay before thedeadline date will incur the additionalfees as per Terms and Conditions.No reduction in fees for late arrival orearly departure or periods of absencewill be made. Students absent from acatered hall of residence throughcertified illness for a period of twoweeks or more may apply to receive apartial refund for the period after theinitial two weeks.Fees for residents transferring rooms willbe adjusted with immediate effect to thenew rate applicable. Where studentsmove out of shared accommodation thefee is adjusted for both the person whomoves and for those who remain.All students are required to agree to theTerms and Conditions before acceptingtheir offer of accommodation. Thisindicates they accept the regulations inthe Accommodation Handbook andResidence Agreement in addition tothese regulations.

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 27Location and Postal AddressesCity Living ResidencesNixon Court, 33 Putney Road, Leicester, LE2 7TGt: 0116 221 2022 e: nixoncourt@le.ac.ukFreemen’s Common, 153/167 Welford Road, Leicester, LE2 6BFt: 0116 221 2022 e: nixoncourt@le.ac.ukSalisbury Housest: 0116 221 2022 e: nixoncourt@le.ac.uk16 Salisbury Road, Leicester, LE1 7QR · 75 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 6YF118/120 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 7LT · 136 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 7PA138 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 7PAJohn Frears House, 30 St James Road, Leicester, LE2 1HQThe Grange, 41 Grange Road, Leicester, LE2 7EGt: 0116 275 8025 e: IM_Leicester@unite-group.co.ukOpal Court, 60 Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HAt: 0116 254 6737 e: ocleicester@opalstudents.comMary Gee Houses, 101/107 Ratcliffe Road, Leicester LE2 3TEt: 0116 221 2022 e: nixoncourt@le.ac.ukOadby Student VillageBeaumont and Digby Hall, Stoughton Drive South, Leicester, LE2 2NAt: 0116 221 2010 e: beaumonthall@le.ac.ukGilbert Murray Stamford Hall, Manor Road, Leicester, LE2 2LHt: 0116 221 2035 e: gmshall@le.ac.ukJohn Foster Hall, Manor Road, Leicester, LE2 2LGt: 0116 221 2035 e: johnfosterhall@le.ac.ukAlways give your name, student ID number and room/flat/house numberin any communication

28 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESCity accommodation

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 29The Oadby Student VillageAdditional information regarding the Residential Services at the University of Leicester,including the residence fees and frequently asked questions, can be found on ourwebsite – www.le.ac.uk/accommodationAll the information you require should be contained within this booklet. Wetherefore ask that you read this booklet and any accompanying informationvery carefully before contacting the Accommodation Office at this busy time.

30 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER · THE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SERVICESCity Map

ACCOMMODATION HANDBOOK 2011/2012 31

Accommodation OfficeMezzanine Floor Charles WilsonBuildingUniversity of LeicesterUniversity RoadLeicester LE1 7RHUKt: +44(0)116 252 2428f: +44(0)116 252 5134accommodation@le.ac.ukwww.le.ac.uk/accommodationThis brochure wasprinted by Print Services,University of Leicesterusing vegetable based inkson FSC certified stock© University of LeicesterLeicester LE1 7RHUKwww.le.ac.ukThe Residential Services of the Universityof Leicester comply with the regulationsset out by the Universities UK (UUK) Codeof Practice. Further information about theUUK Code of Practice for UniversityAccommodation can be found atwww.universitiesuk.ac.uk/acop3654_09/11