LIVING IN HALLS GUIDE 2018/19 - University of Brighton
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LIVING IN HALLS GUIDE
2018/19
01
WELCOME
Congratulations on being offered a
place to live in our halls of residence.
This booklet covers all the information
CONTENTS
you will need to know about our halls,
About us 03
from the contract you accept to general
advice on your stay. Your contract 04
Before you arrive 08
It is important you read this booklet as Rules and regulations 10
it includes information on your safety Living in halls 16
and the safety of your fellow residents. EAT IN - catered halls 24
When you agree to your contract you
are confirming that you have read this
Contact details 28
booklet.
01
02
ABOUT US
The Accommodation THIS BOOKLET STUDENT ACCOMMODATION CODE
and Hospitality Services This booklet provides information Universities UK (UUK) is the
department is responsible about what you need to know before representative body for the executive
for a wide range of you accept an offer of accommodation heads of UK universities and is
from the university, and what you recognised as the umbrella group
services on all main need to know once you have moved for the university sector. One of its
sites of the university, into halls. Please read the information principal aims is to spread good
including catering outlets, carefully as you will need to practice throughout the higher
understand the nature of the contract education sector.
Southcoast Conferences you have with the university.
and all residential The Student Accommodation Code
accommodation, both This booklet also includes covers a broad range of issues
information on what to bring to relating to the management and
owned and contracted. your accommodation, including quality of higher education residential
areas of consideration such as cars accommodation, including health
and parking. The remaining section and safety, maintenance and repair,
details aspects of living in your and the legal relationship between
accommodation such as welfare, accommodation managers and
health and safety and other services student tenants. By following the
available to you. If you have any standards and good practice guide
queries about any aspect of this contained within the code, universities
information, please contact the can ensure that their students
relevant accommodation service, understand the standards applied to
either at Brighton or Eastbourne their accommodation, the university’s
(details on page 29). responsibilities and the students’
obligations as tenants.
I hope you will be very happy in your
accommodation.
The Student Accommodation Code
Sabina Wagner was approved by Parliament in April
Assistant Head 2006 and the University of Brighton
(Accommodation Services) is one of many national universities
that has registered its residential
accommodation as complying with the
code’s standards, subject to annual
audits.
If you would like to find out
more about the code, visit
www.thesac.org.uk.
03
YOUR CONTRACT
A LEGAL RELATIONSHIP YOUR CONTRACT WHEN DOES THE
ACCOMMODATION CONTRACT
When you accept your place in halls The accommodation contract creates a BECOME BINDING?
of residence, you agree to abide by contractual relationship between you
the standard terms and conditions and the university and the obligations This varies depending on whether you
of residence which form the legal in the agreement are legally have accepted your accommodation
contract you have with the university. enforceable. The agreement operates online or signed a paper contract.
This document is referred to as your within a framework of housing law,
accommodation contract. All student landlord and tenant law and consumer If you apply online, the agreement
tenants are required to enter into law, all of which place obligations on between the university and the
an accommodation contract with both you and the university. student becomes binding when the
the university before they take up student has:
occupation. The university’s accommodation a) ticked the box on the university’s
contract is a detailed document accommodation application
It is important that you read this guide that explains both the student’s and website confirming that they have
and the accommodation contract university’s obligations so that it is had the opportunity to read the
before accepting your offer of clear and fair to both parties. The terms and conditions, and that
accommodation. agreement is formed of six sections: they agree to them; and
• the student’s obligations b) clicked the accept button on
Students in halls of residence are (clauses 1.0 to 1.30) the university’s accommodation
allocated a single study bedroom • the university’s obligations application website confirming
(often within a flat) in a named hall (clauses 2.0 to 2.8) that they accept the university’s
of residence. The accommodation • other conditions offer of accommodation on the
contract is a single tenancy and (clauses 3.0 to 3.16) terms stated in the offer; and
contains rights for students to use the • termination of the agreement c) paid the first instalment of rent as
shared parts of the flat/unit in the hall (clauses 4.0 to 4.9) stated in the offer.
of residence for a fixed period of time, • consumer protection
39, 40 or 50 weeks. This information (clauses 5.0 to 5.9) If you have signed a paper contract,
is found on the front page of your • additional special conditions the agreement between the university
contract. Due to service needs, it is applicable only to catered and the student becomes binding
not possible to offer extensions to hall accommodation (clauses 6.0 when it has been signed by the
contracts. to 6.2). student and counter-signed and dated
by the university.
If you need accommodation beyond International students should be aware
the end date of your contract, please that this agreement is made under
contact the accommodation service English law, which may be different
at least 2 months before your contract to the law applicable in their own
terminates. It is not possible to extend countries.
your contract but we may have a room
available in a flat with a longer tenancy The accommodation contract is
or in Homestay accommodation. an exempt student tenancy under
paragraph 8 of Schedule 1 of the
You can view the terms and conditions Housing Act 1988. This agreement
of your contract on our website expires on the stated end date without
https://accommodation.brighton.ac.uk separate notice being required (or can
be terminated earlier under clauses
4.2 or 4.3 of the agreement) and the
student has no contractual right to
remain in the room after that date.
04
THE UNIVERSITY AS YOUR RENT It is extremely important that you
LANDLORD do not ignore reminders about
Students living in halls are legally rent arrears on your account. The
The university aims to be a responsible obliged to pay rent to the university university is entitled to terminate your
landlord providing safe, affordable throughout the period of their accommodation contract if payment
accommodation to its students. agreement (see clause 1.1). is overdue by 28 days or more and
However, it is essential that the will pursue the outstanding debt
university is able to apply to the Your first rent instalment must be paid using debt collectors and the courts.
courts to seek legal redress, such when you accept your offer and before It is in your best interest to seek help
as an eviction order, when students you move into your accommodation. and advice at the earliest possible
behave in a way which is dangerous or The remainder of the rent is paid in opportunity.
disruptive to others, or when they fail three termly instalments.
to pay their rent or cause damage.
It is important to make prompt Example of rent payments
The university also reserves the right payment and the university is entitled
to move a student to alternative to charge interest at seven per cent If your rent for university
university accommodation, but only annually where payment is late. If the accommodation is £150 per
where it is reasonable to do so. This university has to sue for non-payment, week for a 39 week tenancy, it
may be in circumstances where, for solicitor fees and court fees will be would be payable in the following
example, there has been a fire, or added to the debt claimed from the instalments:
where a student or group of students student.
is behaving disruptively. Unless 1. £300 within three days of the
the reason for the relocation is the Your rent includes internet, electricity, accommodation offer being
student’s own behaviour, the university heating and water supply, cleaning made (equivalent to 14 days rent)
will try to offer accommodation of of communal areas, buildings and
a similar standard. Where the new contents insurance, repair and 2. £1,864.29 on or before 17
accommodation is less expensive, only maintenance. If you have been offered October 2018
the reduced rent is payable. If the new catered halls it will also include some
accommodation is more expensive, of your meals (see page 24 for more 3. £1,842.86 on or before 17
rent will be charged at the old rate information). January 2019
(see clause 4.7).
If you think you may have a problem 4. £1,842.86 on or before 23 April
paying your rent please speak to 2019
someone in the income office (01273
642592) as soon as possible so that
you can be advised of the best course
of action to take. You can also contact
the Student Service (page 29) for
advice on loans or grants for which
you may be eligible.
The university also has a dedicated
Accommodation Debt Collection
Officer whose role is to help students
manage their accommodation
payments (01273 641923).
05
CHARGES FOR DAMAGE Where a charge has been divided TERMINATING YOUR
between a number of students, any ACCOMMODATION CONTRACT
The university does not require a student who has grounds for objecting
damage deposit when you move into to the charge (e.g. if they can show The accommodation contract for halls
halls of residence. they could not have been at the of residence commits you to staying
university at the time when the damage in halls for the duration of the contract
The university will invoice for the occurred) may make representations length (39, 40 or 50 weeks depending
cost of putting right any damage to the Assistant Head (Accommodation on the halls). In certain circumstances,
caused. Where damage is caused Services) who will fairly and impartially however, it may be possible to break
anonymously in a shared communal consider the statements made and this agreement provided that this has
area the university is entitled to charge the evidence presented. Where the been agreed with the university and
each student for a proportion of the Assistant Head (Accommodation subject to conditions set out in clause
costs. The university will exercise its Services) is satisfied that a student 4.3 of your accommodation contract.
reasonable discretion in deciding could not have been responsible for The four conditions, all of which must
whether to share the charges among the damage, they will not be charged. be satisfied, are:
the occupants of a house/flat, all the This may mean that other students a) the student has completed and
students in a particular block or on have to pay an increased share of the handed in a hall of residence
a particular corridor, or among the cost. termination form (available from
occupants of the whole hall. the university’s accommodation
service) notifying the university that
Where accommodation has to be s/he wishes to leave; and
cleaned or decorated before it is fit b) the student makes payment for,
to be relet, we will charge the cost of or puts right, to the university’s
cleaning, decorating and repair to the reasonable satisfaction, all
outgoing tenant. breaches (if any) of the student’s
obligations in this agreement; and
Items which need replacing as a c) a replacement student who is
result of reasonable wear and tear reasonably satisfactory to the
and decoration which is necessary as university as a tenant and who
part of ongoing maintenance are not is not already a tenant of the
charged to students. university enters into an agreement
with the university (the university
will assist the student in finding
a replacement, but does not
guarantee it will be able to find
one); and
d) the student pays a fee (£50 where
the university finds a replacement
student or £25 where the student
finds a replacement student)
towards the university’s costs of
administration and inspecting the
accommodation.
06
Conditions (b) to (d) in this clause STUDENT REGULATIONS AND
shall not apply if the student is able to DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
show that the reason for termination
is a serious or persistent breach of Information about the university’s
the university’s obligations in this disciplinary procedures is contained
agreement or because the student within the student handbook which
is prevented from continuing their you should read before accepting
studies because of a disability. your place in halls of residence. It is
essential that you read the handbook
Finding a student to take your room so that you understand your
is not always easy. For example, if you obligations and responsibilities as a
leave during the first few weeks of student of the university.
term finding a replacement can be
relatively easy. However if you leave A breach of a university policy may
after Christmas it can be difficult to be regarded as a breach of the
find another student to take the room. accommodation contract, which may
You could end up paying rent on a be terminated as a result. In addition,
room you are not using until the end disciplinary action may be taken
of the contract period. either under the policy in question
or under the student regulations and
If you are thinking of leaving your disciplinary procedures set out in the
accommodation, or if you decide to student handbook.
leave your course, you will need to
notify the university. You will continue The student handbook can be found
to be liable for rent until another on http://studentcentral.brighton.
student takes your place. When you ac.uk in the left hand section ‘New
leave, please return your keys to the Student’.
halls reception and make sure your
room is clean and tidy. Site staff will
check your room and inform the
accommodation team if any charges
are to be made for cleaning or
damage. Please note that handing
in your keys does not constitute a
surrender of your accommodation
contract.
07
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Before you arrive at your ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND TRANSPORT
new accommodation SAFETY
All halls sites are very well served
please take into All electrical equipment is subject by public transport, and are within
consideration the points to approval from our staff. You will walking or cycling distance of
need to ensure your equipment is university campuses.
raised below and on the safe to use before bringing it into the
following pages. accommodation. It must be either • Cycling
brand new and unused or portable All halls and campuses have cycle
appliance tested. Please see www. parking facilities, and bike repair
hse.gov.uk/electricity/faq-portable- kits and pumps are available, just
appliance-testing.htm for guidance. ask at halls reception for details.
The use of kettles, cooking equipment, • Bus
electric blankets and heaters in study All halls and campuses are well
bedrooms is prohibited as well as any served by public transport. Local
other equipment consuming more bus operators offer a range of
than 500 watts. Fridges or mini fridges ticket options, which can include
in bedrooms are also prohibited special discounts for students.
unless on medical grounds. Please
ensure that you do not overload your • Train
sockets with too many appliances. Students can get a third off rail
fares with a 16-25 Railcard, ask at
Any faulty fittings and dangerous your local train station for details
wiring will be removed and it is of this and other discounted rail
possible that a charge will be made. travel.
Holes must not be made in furniture or
fabric to accommodate wiring. Please • Cars
remove all plugs from sockets if you The university discourages reliance
vacate the room for any length of time. on cars and cannot guarantee
parking availability (free or
charged) on any of its residential or
academic sites. Parking is restricted
on most sites and you should think
carefully about whether you will
need your car.
Bringing a car to our halls of
residence at Great Wilkins, Varley
Park (Brighton) and Welkin Halls
(Eastbourne) is prohibited as part
of your accommodation contract
(see clause 1.24).
Other sites require parking
permits. For more information on
car parking see page 11. For more
information about site-specific
transport please go to pages 22
and 23.
08INSURANCE WHAT WE PROVIDE WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU
The university has arranged for The following is provided within halls; All halls of residence are furnished,
block insurance of your personal but you will need to bring some items.
possessions while you are living in Bedroom
halls. Your cover is automatically • a single bed with mattress (3 foot), What you will need to bring:
included in your rent and lasts for with the following exceptions: • photographic identification
the duration of your accommodation (passport or driving licence)
agreement. Optional top-ups are Cliffe, Firle, Highview, Coastland, • basic provisions for the
available which will enable you to Hillside, Upland and Great Wilkins first few days, until you have time
tailor the insurance cover to suit your – a small double bed with mattress to get to the shops
particular needs. Further information (4 foot) • washing powder or liquid,
will be provided when you move in. combined detergent/conditioner
The Hub (premium room) and for Welkin and Paddock Field
Welkin (large room) • bed linen, including sheets, pillows
ARRIVAL TIME – a double bed with mattress and duvets or blankets
(4 foot 6 inches) • towels and tea towels
Our e-induction allows you to book an • crockery – plates, bowls
arrival slot, or you may be allocated a • wardrobe with hanging rail and mugs
time when you should arrive at some • chest of drawers, desk and chair • cutlery and cooking utensils,
of our halls. We request that students • wastepaper bin including tin opener and a bottle
keep to the selected or allocated time • curtains or other window coverings opener
slot so that students can check in with • desk light and/or bedside lamp • pans – a couple of saucepans,
the minimum of delay and traffic can • bookshelf and pinboard frying pan, baking tray, etc
be managed on site. • hairdryer and toiletries.
Communal area
• sofa and/or easy chairs If you decide to bring a television, you
WHEN YOU ARRIVE • coffee table(s) will need to arrange for your own TV
• dining table or breakfast bar licence. Quality of TV reception cannot
Your accommodation contract will tell • microwave oven be guaranteed on our sites. For more
you which room and hall you have • two fridge-freezers information see page 22.
been allocated to. You’ll need to bring • oven with grill and four electric
photo ID (such as your passport or rings (ceramic hob - Welkin) Please remember that you will be
driving licence) with you on arrival day, • toaster sharing accommodation with a
as staff will need to see your ID before • electric corded jug kettle number of other students so try not to
room keys are issued. • iron and ironing board bring too much.
• vacuum cleaner
When you have received your keys, • cleaning equipment (e.g. broom,
you will be directed to your room by dustpan and brush, mop and
residences staff. They will also be able bucket)
to answer any questions you have • TV aerial point in communal area
about the halls and facilities on site or • communal TV - Phoenix,
nearby. Moulsecoomb Place, Varley and
Welkin
Once you have unpacked your things,
make yourself at home and meet your
new neighbours – don’t hide in your
room!
09RULES AND REGULATIONS
When you live in halls, The following rules are for your ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
safety and wellbeing and form part
there are certain rules of your accommodation contract. When living in shared
and regulations that Where appropriate a reference accommodation, you need to be
must be observed. These to the relevant part of your aware of how your behaviour affects
accommodation contract has been others living with you or nearby.
conditions are outlined made. Antisocial behaviour causes nuisance
in your accommodation and distress for fellow students and
contract which is a legally neighbours living in the surrounding
community. Causing a nuisance or
binding document. The ABSENCE FROM HALLS
disturbance is also a breach of the
rules help to ensure If you plan to be away from halls for accommodation contract (clause 1.20)
everyone’s safety and longer than seven days, please inform you have with the university.
your neighbours and site staff. This is a
wellbeing. requirement outlined in clause 1.17 of One of the most common problems is
your accommodation contract so that caused by high noise levels. Whether
You are sharing your you can be accounted for in case of an inside the halls or in the grounds
emergency. around the halls, noise levels must
accommodation with other be kept to a minimum at all times.
students so it is important Noisy behaviour will be regarded
you understand what is ACCESS TO YOUR ROOM as antisocial and a breach of your
accommodation contract with the
expected of you. Please The university will aim to give prior university and the university will take
ensure that you are fully notice before accessing your room disciplinary action as a result.
aware of your obligations. (clause 1.19).
The following are examples of
No notice will be given in the antisocial behaviour:
following circumstances: • music, singing and loud
• fire drill/evacuation conversation which is audible to
• emergency repairs are required those outside your room or flat
• access is required to the communal • unruly behaviour such as shouting
areas, i.e. kitchen or corridors or causing a disturbance in the
• the need for repair (or any other street, often when returning to halls
matter affecting the suitability of or accommodation late at night
the accommodation for habitation) • parties - these are not permitted in
was reported by you university halls of residence.
• concern about your welfare or
wellbeing. Incidences of noise nuisance or other
antisocial behaviour are often fuelled
In these circumstances the university is by excessive alcohol consumption.
entitled to enter the accommodation The university does not accept this as
whether or not you are present. an excuse for inappropriate behaviour
at any time.
The university will carry out individual
room and communal area inspections Phoenix, Varley, Moulsecoomb Place
on a monthly or termly basis as and Welkin Halls are all situated in
appropriate to enable the university to residential areas and you are expected
maintain standards of repair within the to respect neighbours who may be
accommodation. elderly, have young children or have
to get up early each day. The local
10councils in Brighton and Eastbourne is limited and a parking permit Students who leave the university
also monitor noise disturbances and is required to park at these three must return their permit to the
will fine students who persistently sites. Holding a valid parking reception office.
behave in an antisocial manner. Police permit does not guarantee a
action may also be taken against you. space, it means that if there is a Parking enforcement
space available, you can park in it. The parking control scheme at the
Other examples of behaviour which is university is managed and operated
unacceptable and constitutes a breach Permits will be issued to students by the Ethical Parking Management
of your accommodation contract are: who meet certain eligibility criteria Company. They operate to
• verbal or physical abuse towards (subject to availability). nationally recognised guidelines set
other students, neighbours or staff by the British Parking Association.
(clause 1.20) At Paddock Field, parking permits
• harassment or bullying will be available from mid-week Any illegally parked vehicles may be
• criminal activity, such as the use of after you have moved into halls. issued with a £60 Parking Charge
illegal substances. See clause 1.23 Applications may be collected Notice (PCN) or, in certain cases be
of the accommodation contract from halls reception. There are no removed.
and page 12 of this guide for parking restrictions at Paddock
information about the university’s Field for the first two weeks of This is defined as follows:
drug and alcohol policy term.
• possession of firearms or imitation • any vehicle parked in a space
firearms (clause 1.7) Priority for parking permits is reserved for a disabled driver
• tampering with fire detection based on the following criteria: that does not show a recognised
equipment and the malicious • registered disabled drivers disabled driver badge
activation of fire alarms. See clause (blue badge holder) or • any vehicle parked in an area
1.6 of your agreement and also a disability or mobility that it is not permitted to park,
pages 12 and 13 of this guide for impairment recognised by the e.g. without a permit
information about fire regulations. university. Medical evidence • any parked vehicle which
may be required to support causes an obstruction, e.g. a
your application for a permit vehicle parked on double yellow
CAR PARKING AND ENFORCEMENT • having care responsibilities, lines, or on the pavement, or
e.g. taking young children to obstructing emergency vehicles
Please be aware of the following school, main carer for someone attending site.
car parking restrictions on halls of • on placement, e.g. nursing and
residence sites: medical students, teaching For information on alternative
students. Consideration is transport please see pages 22 and 23.
• Great Wilkins given to times and location of
Welkin Halls placement.
Varley Park
There is no designated car parking When permits have been allocated
for halls’ residents at these sites on the above basis, any remaining
(except for registered disabled permits may be issued on a first
users) and therefore you must not come first served basis.
bring a car to the site (clause 1.24).
Anyone who abuses the privilege
• Phoenix Halls of holding a permit will have
Moulsecoomb Place Halls their permit revoked and may be
Paddock Field Halls subject to the parking controls and
These halls have a parking control charges.
scheme in operation because
the numbers of parking spaces
11CLEANING university business or study activities, FIRE REGULATIONS
including premises managed on
Students are responsible for cleaning behalf of the university by a third party All students and their guests are
their study bedrooms and keeping the (such as some halls of residence). required to familiarise themselves with
communal areas within their flat/unit the following regulations, the location
tidy and safe (clause 1.18). Refuse and Aims of the policy of fire appliances, fire alarm call
recycling should not be allowed to • promote health, safety and points, exit routes from buildings and
accumulate and bins must be emptied wellbeing by providing assembly points. Fire and evacuation
regularly. information, advice and support instructions are found in each flat –
• inform students about drug and please read them carefully. You will be
Where students do not maintain an alcohol use and misuse required to participate in fire drills.
acceptable standard of cleanliness • provide advice on the support
and hygiene, they will be billed for options available Students who do not cooperate with
professional cleaning charges – these • enable individuals with drug and evacuation procedures will be subject
can be very expensive. For advice on alcohol related issues to seek help to university disciplinary procedures
cleaning see page 17. • offer guidelines to all students and and/or penalties.
staff regarding their responsibilities
and the required code of conduct Interference with firefighting
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY • explain how misuse may lead to equipment, detectors, doors, signage
disciplinary or legal action. or alarms is a criminal offence. Failure
The university has a legal responsibility to comply with the regulations or
for the health, safety and welfare of its As part of this process, the university with instructions from a member
students, staff and visitors and aims and the police will carry out periodic of university or emergency service
to provide a safe, healthy and high testing for illegal substances in halls staff will be considered a serious
quality learning environment. of residence. In certain situations infringement and render the offender
individuals may be subject to liable to prosecution, penalties and/or
This includes addressing the risks disciplinary action, be asked to leave to have their accommodation contract
posed by substance misuse, informing and/or be reported to the police. The terminated.
students of their responsibilities and university has a legitimate interest
codes of conduct and providing help in protecting those at the university The following regulations must be
and advice on request. All students and its own reputation from the likely observed at all times:
have a legal responsibility to take consequences of substance misuse. • Fire doors, which include your
reasonable care for their own safety kitchen, bedroom and flat entrance
and that of others and to comply with Full details of the Drug and Alcohol doors, must be kept closed and not
this policy (clause 1.23). Policy and Mental Health Policy are be propped open. Students must
available at www.brighton.ac.uk/ also not affix anything, such as
Who is covered by the policy? current-students/my-studies/student- posters and photos, to the doors as
The policy applies to students in policies-and-regulations/index.aspx. this will breach fire regulations and
circumstances where there is a increase fire risk
safety risk to themselves or others, • Safety signs must not be covered,
or where their conduct or quality of removed or defaced in any way
work affects others or the reputation • Heat/smoke detectors must not be
of the university, such as students on covered or interfered with in any
university organised work placements, way
working in laboratories on research • The maximum number of persons
projects or as members of university permitted to gather at any time in a
sports teams. study bedroom is six
It applies whether students are on
university premises or elsewhere on
12• No cooking or heating of liquids • Electrical circuits must not be Fire charges
is permitted to take place in study overloaded. Only a four-way You will be charged for the following
bedrooms. Use of chip pans or oblong extension lead with neon breaches of fire regulations:
similar is prohibited within halls indication and an in-line fuse rated
of residence. Care should be at five amps, of the Duraplug make • Tampering with fire safety
exercised whilst cooking with a or similar, may be used (cubic type equipment (i.e. covering smoke
wok, frying pan or the grill. Smoke adaptors and coiled extension detectors, removing fire safety
produced from such cooking leads are prohibited) signs, misuse of fire extinguishers
activities (e.g. burning toast) can • Any activity which could place or fire blankets
set off fire alarms. Cookers and grill other people or property at risk is • Avoidable or malicious fire alarm
pans must be cleaned before using forbidden activation
to prevent unwanted fire alarm • Fire drills and fire alarm activations • Propping open of fire doors
activations must be responded to promptly by • Smoking in a designated no
• Barbecues are not permitted on all in residence smoking area
halls of residence sites • Cars and motorcycles must not be
• Candles, joss sticks, tea lights, parked in locations which would
electric bar fires, fan heaters, oil impede access for emergency
lamps or fireworks are not vehicles. If the car park is full,
permitted in the buildings vehicles must be parked off site
• Activation of alarms (particularly • Storage of bicycles or any other
those where fire doors have objects is not permitted within
been propped open or windows study bedrooms, staircases,
kept closed) which result in the corridors or communal areas. The
unnecessary attendance of the fire university may remove any article
brigade may result in disciplinary which constitutes a fire risk.
procedures. An equipment
reinstatement charge will be Fire alarms
levied in the event of malicious or Make sure you are aware of the
preventable and unwanted alarm action needed in the event of a fire
activation. Such charges may or the activation of a fire alarm. This
be made against an individual, information is displayed on a fire
flat or block. In addition, the fire action poster in your flat.
brigade may seek to prosecute the
individual responsible for malicious Take time to familiarise yourself with
activation the evacuation procedure.
• Residents are not permitted to
bring any furniture into halls Fire drills will take place every term
of residence accommodation. and you must respond to them
Any furniture which is not the promptly.
university’s property will be
removed at the resident’s expense. Fire safety
Any defects with university You are advised to watch the
furniture or fittings should be university’s fire safety video. This can
reported to site staff immediately be found on studentcentral.brighton.
ac.uk (look for ‘safety and security’,
under ‘My Student Life’.
13HEALTH AND SAFETY INVENTORY MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
The university aims to protect the An inventory is a list of the contents The university is responsible for
health, safety and welfare of students and condition of a room or property the repair and maintenance of the
and staff. Some policies on safety are when you move in. You will find an accommodation it manages at Varley,
set out in the student handbook (see inventory in your study bedroom. Phoenix Brewery and Moulsecoomb
page 7) and others are available from If you see any discrepancies please Place. Several of our halls of residence
the departments in the university to record as much detail as possible. If are managed on behalf of the
which they apply. you can, take photographs. university by L&Q (Paddock Field),
Sanctuary Students (Great Wilkins) and
Every student has a duty to take Please complete it fully and return by Optivo in Eastbourne (Welkin Halls).
reasonable care for the health and to site staff within 24 hours of arrival
safety of themselves and of others (clause 1.15). If you do not return The university or housing associations
who may be affected by their acts or the inventory, you may be held managing halls can only repair faults
omissions. All students are required responsible for damage not noted. once they are aware of them. You
to maintain a safe environment within should notify the site office within
their flat and bedroom for staff and Contact a member of staff if you have 24 hours of becoming aware of any
contractors who may have to enter not received an inventory when you problem (clause 1.16). Any defects
the accommodation. For example, arrive. which you consider to be potentially
this means students are responsible dangerous must be immediately
for ensuring that cables to personal reported to site staff. For less serious
electrical equipment are safe and faults, please complete a maintenance
are not left trailing. It is a condition form at halls reception.
of the accommodation contract that
a student will not put the health and You should ensure that when
safety of others at risk (clause 1.4). In necessary repairs are reported, a full
serious cases, the accommodation description of the fault is given. For
contract may be terminated before its example, to mend a broken window
expiry date. the university may send round a
glazier, but if the window just won’t
Hazardous chemicals or biological open, it might be more appropriate to
substances must not be brought send a joiner.
into the residence sites (prescribed
medicines are allowed). Mercury Repair response times:
thermometers are not allowed on the
premises. • Emergency repairs
Repairs which are necessary to
Students are responsible for the safe avoid a danger to a student’s
moving and handling of all luggage health and wellbeing or to
and belongings. University staff will avoid serious damage to the
not assist in the handling of excessive accommodation or a student’s
loads. belongings (e.g. a burst pipe):
within 24 hours of being reported.
• Urgent repairs
Repairs which, if not carried out,
would significantly affect the
comfort and convenience of the
tenant(s): within five working days
of being reported.
14• Non-urgent repairs SMOKING POLICY SUBLETTING
Repairs which do not fall into the
above two categories: within 28 It is against the law to smoke in The subletting of rooms is strictly
working days. virtually all enclosed public places, prohibited (clause 1.27). This includes
workplaces, public and work vehicles. allowing the use of, or sharing your
Failure to comply with the law is a room with relatives, friends, boyfriends
PETS criminal offence and carries financial or girlfriends.
penalties. The law clarifies that
No animals may be kept in halls of ‘smoking’ refers to smoking tobacco
residence (clause 1.30) unless used as or anything which contains tobacco, or VISITORS
an aid for a disabled person. smoking any other substance.
You are responsible for the behaviour
Restrictions on smoking at the of any visitor you invite into your
SAFETY AWARENESS university accommodation (clause 1.21).
Smoking is prohibited in the following
Residents should keep their study university locations: Daytime visitors are permitted in
bedroom locked and windows closed • anywhere in university and halls of residence, subject to the fire
when unoccupied (clause 1.8). It is also Students’ Union buildings or regulations that there should be no
your responsibility to ensure that the vehicles more than six people in any study
front door to your flat/unit is locked. • all areas of university halls of bedroom at any one time.
residence, including private
Do not let anyone into your building bedrooms One overnight guest is permitted to
or home if you don’t know them. If you • within 10 metres of any entrance, stay for a maximum of two nights in
do and they cause a disturbance or openable window or vent on a period of seven nights. The guest
damage, you will be held responsible. university buildings must:
Members of university staff carry • all external areas of the university, • be over the age of 18
identification cards and should identify unless in a designated smoking • agreed and acknowledged by site
themselves before entering a building. area. staff
• signed in at reception
Occasionally you may be asked by a All halls of residence are designated • issued with a visitor pass
member of university staff to produce as non-smoking areas of the university.
identification (e.g. Unicard). Please Students who have an accommodation You must be present on site or in
cooperate – it is not an invasion of contract with the university agree to residence during the duration of your
privacy and is in the interest of all comply with the university’s policy on guest’s stay.
residents to dissuade intruders. There smoking (clause 1.22).
are CCTV security cameras at some This regulation is strictly enforced.
halls sites and a security team on call Breaches of policy will constitute an To allow a guest to stay at the
at all sites. offence under the university’s student accommodation on more than an
disciplinary procedures. occasional basis will be regarded
If you discover anyone who you as subletting and is in breach of the
believe to be trespassing or More information and advice about accommodation contract.
presenting a potential threat, please the university’s smoking policy can be
report them to site staff. found at www.brighton.ac.uk/current- You must not have anyone visit you
students/my-studies/student-policies- after 10pm if they have not signed in
and-regulations/index.aspx. at the halls reception.
15LIVING IN HALLS
Here you will find • Phoenix C-CHANGE
There are branches of all the main
guidance for living banks on the London Road near The University of Brighton is proud to
in halls - from how to Phoenix Halls and in the centre of say that sustainability is one of its core
get connected to the Brighton close to Grand Parade. goals. This is highlighted through the
People and Planet’s Green League,
university network to how • Varley Park where the university scored a ‘first
you will receive your post. There is a cash machine in the Hub. class’ award, ranking twenty-first out
of all the universities in the country in
2014.
There is also information CATERING
about the staff you will c-change is the university’s internal
meet on site and other Our halls are let on either a catered or campaign aimed at helping students
self-catered basis, but all have kitchens to come together to reduce your
university services you for student use. You will need to bring impact upon the environment, while
might want to access. your own cooking utensils, crockery still having a great time living at the
and cutlery. university. Look out for c-change
competitions, information and
BANKING FACILITIES For those students on our ‘EAT IN’ volunteering opportunities while
catered package, details can be found during your time in halls.
• Welkin Halls on pages 24-27.
There is a cash machine located Here are a few simple things you can
in the reception of Welkin Halls, There are restaurants and cafés on all do to support the c-change campaign
available 24 hours. There are campuses. For more information on and be more sustainable while living
limited banking facilities close by our hospitality facilities please go to in halls:
in Meads village. Further banking eat.brighton.ac.uk.
facilities are available in the town • power down - turn off anything
centre. that uses power when not needed.
Games consoles, PCs and lights
• Moulsecoomb Place are particularly energy-guzzling!
A cash machine is situated in • travel sustainably - have a look at
the Cockcroft building close to the different options for travelling
Moulsecoomb Place. to and from your Halls and campus
(see pages 22 and 23).
• Paddock Field and • reduce, reuse, recycle – see page
Great Wilkins 19 for some top tips on cutting
There is a cash machine located down your waste and making sure
on the Falmer campus next to as much as possible is re-used or
the Hive (Students Union café) by recycled.
the bus stop. The closest banking • log on and join in – be part of
facilities at Falmer are located on the c-change campaign and help
the University of Sussex campus make a difference. Keep in the
nearby, which has a Barclays, HSBC loop through Facebook and Twitter
and various other cash machines. or contact the c-change team
via email if you would like to get
involved:
F: unibrightoncchange
T: @_cchange_
E: cchange@brighton.ac.uk
16CLEANING ADVICE COMMENTS AND COMPLAINTS COMPUTING FACILITIES
ABOUT SERVICES
University or contract cleaners will Students in our halls of residence are
clean on a weekly basis the communal Our aim is to provide you with the able to use the university’s computing
areas of your flat as part of your highest standard of service at all times. facilities. Internet access and the use
accommodation contract (see page However, we know that things can of this facility is included in your rent.
11). and do go wrong. When this happens,
we need to know about it so that University wireless - Eduroam
They will not clear up after you or we can take measures to put things This service, eduroam, (education
do the washing up – this is your right quickly and efficiently. We also roaming) is the secure, world-wide
responsibility. We highly recommend welcome comments and feedback roaming access service developed
agreeing a cleaning rota or establishing about our services. for the international research and
some ground rules from the outset. education community.
This can avoid disagreements at a Most complaints can be resolved
later date. Further information about immediately, but if your complaint is You can find more information about
cleaning arrangements can be found in complex we may need more time to eduroam and how to connect to
your kitchen. investigate. We aim to deal with your the service at www.brighton.ac.uk/
complaint within ten working days of eduroam.
Particular problem areas are: having received it.
• shared kitchens and bathrooms – a The following is not covered by the
lot of problems can be avoided if Complaints, comments or any halls of residence internet service:
individual students clear up after suggestions you may have should be • some internet services that
themselves. Please make sure that referred to the appropriate member are not enabled for security or
you do your own washing up, clean of residential staff (please see pages performance reasons
the sinks and kitchen surfaces. And 28-29 for contact details). • advice or fixing of problems with
when you use the bath and shower, your computer hardware
be sure to clean them afterwards. • networked printing facilities
• grill pans which are not cleaned • a guarantee that it is technically
regularly are a fire hazard and will possible to connect your computer
activate fire alarms. You should to the network.
therefore clean grills after every use.
• do not leave food lying around –
vermin can be attracted very easily. COUNCIL TAX
• rubbish and recycling – don’t let the
bins provided overflow with rubbish Students living in halls are exempt
and recyclable items. from paying council tax.
• ensure fridges and freezers are
defrosted regularly, at least once
per term, to prevent the build up of DOCTORS
ice.
• where there is a shower curtain, You are strongly advised to register
always make sure it is tucked inside with a university doctor or local doctor
the bath. as soon as possible after you arrive.
• you should not pin or stick anything More information on local doctors
to the walls – it always leaves a can be found at www.brighton.ac.uk/
mark, despite what the adhesive current-students/my-student-life/
manufacturers claim. Please use the health-and-wellbeing/health-services/
notice board provided. Charges will index.aspx.
be made for walls marked in this
way.
17EMERGENCIES KEYS POST
If there is an emergency contact the Each student will be issued with a key Please ensure the full and exact
emergency services on 999. to his or her study bedroom and/or postal address is used to avoid any
unit. Please keep your keys safe and problems with the delivery of your
If possible contact a member of site do not give them to other residents or post. Important items should be sent
staff immediately after you have friends. by recorded delivery.
contacted emergency services.
Access to bedrooms in the Woodland, • Great Wilkins - Letters are
Downland, Cliffe, Firle, Highview, delivered to your flat. Larger
HEATING Upland, Hillside and Coastland and letters, parcels and recorded items
the Hub buildings at Varley Park is via are delivered to halls reception.
All study bedrooms and communal the Unicard. You will be notified by email when
areas are centrally heated during the items are ready for collection.
winter months and the cost is included Remember to lock your door even Please bring ID (e.g. your Unicard)
in your rent. In the event that the when you are going to the kitchen or with you when you collect post
heater in your bedroom or communal bathroom and to keep the front door so that staff can verify who you
area is defective, you should report it locked at all times. It is not possible are. Your postal address will be
to one of the halls staff immediately. for students themselves to get spare your block, flat number and room
Further information about how the copies of keys cut, so if you lose your number followed by the site
heating works in your halls can be keys you will be charged for having a address, e.g. Block A Flat 1 Room
found in your bedroom. replacement cut for you. 1, Great Wilkins, University of
Brighton, Falmer, Brighton, BN1
You must report loss or theft of 9QW.
LAUNDRY keys or your Unicard to staff on site
immediately. • Varley Park - All post is delivered
Laundry and drying facilities are to halls reception. Letters are
available at each halls site. Information Please note that if you lose your keys, distributed to flats by site staff and
about how to use the facilities, the halls staff will need to first confirm larger letters, parcels and recorded
including washing and drying costs, is your identity before issuing you with items are kept at reception for you
displayed in each laundry area. If you a replacement and/or allowing you to to collect. You will be notified by
experience a problem with any of the access your flat and room. email when items are ready for
machines, please advise by email the collection. Please bring ID (e.g.
halls staff straight away. your Unicard) with you when you
MENINGITIS, MEASLES AND MUMPS collect post so that staff can verify
At Welkin Halls in Eastbourne and who you are. Your postal address
at Paddock Field in Brighton, the You are strongly advised to get will be your block, flat number
washing machines do not have immunised against meningitis, and room number followed by
detergent drawers so you need to measles and mumps, as soon as the site address, e.g. Woodland
bring washing capsules (combined possible. Lodge, Flat 1, Room 1, Varley Park,
with fabric conditioner) that are placed Coldean Lane, Brighton BN1 9GR.
directly inside the machine drum. All are highly infectious, and prone to
spread among the student population
because of greater social mixing
and living in close proximity. More
information, including immunisation
can be found at www.brighton.ac.uk/
current-students/my-student-life/
health-and-wellbeing/health-issues/
index.aspx.
18• Paddock Field - Letters are • Welkin Halls - Letters are delivered REDUCING, REUSING AND
delivered to your flat letterbox. to your flat letterbox. Larger letters, RECYCLING
Larger letters, parcels and parcels and recorded items are
recorded items are delivered to delivered to halls reception. You As part of our c-change sustainability
halls reception. You will be notified will be notified by email when campaign (page 16), the university
by email when items are ready for items are ready for collection. follows the waste hierarchy of ‘reduce,
collection. Please bring ID (e.g. Please bring ID (e.g. your Unicard) reuse and recycle’, and students play a
your Unicard) with you when you with you when you collect post key role in this.
collect post so that staff can verify so that staff can verify who you
who you are. Your postal address are. Your postal address will be Here are a few things you can do to
will be your flat number and letter the flat and court followed by the help cut your waste and save natural
followed by the site address, e.g. site address, e.g. Flat 1, Berwick resources.
12A Paddock Field, University of Court, Welkin Halls of Residence,
Brighton, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 University of Brighton, Gaudick Reducing: Avoiding food waste is a
9SF. Road, Eastbourne, BN20 7SH. Do key way of reducing waste and cutting
not use your room number. greenhouse gas emissions, as well as
• Phoenix Brewery - Letters are saving you money. You can visit www.
delivered to your building. Larger lovefoodhatewaste.com for simple
letters, parcels and recorded items recipes and tips on reducing your
are delivered to halls reception. food waste. Avoiding buying heavily
You will be notified by email when packaged food will also help to
items are ready for collection. reduce plastic waste.
Please bring ID (e.g. your Unicard)
with you when you collect post so Reusing: At the end of the year, the
that staff can verify who you are. c-change campaign runs a ‘Reuse
Your postal address will be your flat Project’, collecting unwanted items
number and block letter followed from students leaving their halls, and
by the site address, e.g. Flat 2C, donating them to a local charity. Look
Phoenix Brewery, Brighton, BN2 out for more publicity in your halls in
9WG. June for information on how to take
part.
• Moulsecoomb Place - Letters are
delivered to your building. Larger Recycling: The university has a target
letters, parcels and recorded items to recycle 75% of all our waste.
are delivered to halls reception. You will find more information about
You will be notified by email when recycling in your halls, but items which
items are ready for collection. can be recycled at all halls include:
Please bring ID (e.g. your Unicard) • plastic bottles
with you when you collect post so • paper and card
that staff can verify who you are. • tins and cans
Your postal address will be your flat
number and block letter followed
by the site address, e.g. Flat 12,
Tillstone Close, Mouslecoomb
Halls of Residence, Brighton, BN2
4GA.
19SITE STAFF Please do not hesitate to contact or • Welkin Halls
speak to one of our overnight staff, A security officer will be on site
There is a team of staff working they are there to help you. You will find overnight. You can contact them on
throughout the halls 24 hours a day. more information about our overnight 0203 202 0399 or 07590 778868.
staff and how you can contact them in
Halls managers your flat. • Great Wilkins
Halls managers work during normal A security officer is available for
office hours and are contactable • Student Liaison Manager emergencies outside of normal
via the details on page 28. They are Monday to Friday office hours. You can contact the
responsible for a team of staff at 4pm to midnight officer in the management suite
each site. The halls manager can help 07903 363861 on site or by telephone on 01273
you with any queries you may have 693548 or 07747 457626.
about the halls you are living in and • Residential Advisor
you should contact them in the first Monday to Sunday including • Paddock Field
instance. public holidays L&Q staff can be contacted in an
7:30pm to 7:30am emergency after 5pm on 07958
Caretakers and cleaners 01273 641064 767672.
Our caretakers and cleaners have a
number of duties including keeping Security officers • Varley Park
the halls site and the accommodation The security team work across the If you need to contact security,
clean and tidy. Caretakers can also university estate and patrol the halls report to the site reception office
help you with queries you may have as part of their routine duties. They in the Hub, or telephone 01273
about your room or flat. can also be contacted to respond 641300.
to incidents, emergencies and other
A list of contact numbers for each hall situations such as noise complaints or
is provided on page 28. when a student is locked out. Sussex Police Liaison Officer
The university works closely with
Overnight and emergencies Security officers provide an overnight Sussex Police and has its own assigned
Halls are staffed by security officers presence across the university from police officers.
and a team of residences staff. The 9.45pm until 7.00am, and their main
university has appointed a team of responsibility is to ensure that the The officers work regularly within our
overnight staff to offer support to all sites are safe and secure and to halls of residence and have a remit to
students living in halls of residence. take appropriate action where halls work with all students to increase their
The team is made up of a mix of or student regulations are being safety and ensure that good links are
residential and non-residential staff. breached. maintained with Sussex Police. The
They are there to help students settle officers can be contacted via university
in and to provide ongoing support • Phoenix Brewery email and the Virtual Local Action
and advice to you while you live in If you need to contact security, Team (VLAT) on the community pages
halls accommodation. report to the halls reception in C of studentcentral.
block, or telephone 07880 725423
You can contact our overnight staff or 01273 277018.
about any personal issues or concerns
you may have, for example, if you are • Moulsecoomb Place
finding it difficult settling into your You can contact security at their
new accommodation, or if you are site office or by telephone on
experiencing noise problems or other 07880 725415 or 01273 643547.
forms of nuisance. If they are unable
to help they will be able to advise you
who else can.
20SPORT For more information on sports Childcare
services at the university please visit With two Ofsted rated nurseries open
As part of your halls package all www.brighton.ac.uk/sportbrighton. to children of staff, students and the
residents living in halls in Brighton local community, the University of
and Eastbourne have access to the Brighton is an excellent choice for
university’s fitness suite (gym) facilities STUDENT SERVICES high quality, affordable and flexible
at off-peak times at no additional cost. childcare.
Off–peak access is weekdays before Opportunities and support to help
5pm and anytime at weekends during you get the most out of your time at Counselling
Sport Brighton’s opening hours. university. Whatever the reason, if you are
finding academic life is causing you
Students in halls also have the Student Services is a central concern, or for personal reasons you
option to upgrade to a full annual department that provide a range need someone to talk things over
membership allowing access at all of services to support you through with, you don’t need to feel that you
times as well as the addition of classes university and to help you get the are all alone with your worries. You
and swimming (Eastbourne only) fully most from the student experience. can access a counsellor in a safe and
included. confidential space for an assessment
Their experienced and supportive appointment and they can then offer
Details of the University of Brighton staff offer advice on a range of issues, guidance and support or referral to
sports facilities are listed below. including: appropriate agencies.
Eastbourne • Advice about money worries and Disability and dyslexia support
• swimming pool how to live on a budget. If you’ve got a disability, specific
• fitness suite • Support in finding jobs and learning difficulty or long term-health
• sports halls and studio volunteering opportunities. condition and choose to disclose it
• bouldering wall • Help accessing academic support in confidence to the Disability and
• 3G artificial pitch if you have a disability, learning Dyslexia team, you’ll discover the
difficulty or long-term medical wide range of academic and personal
Falmer condition. support available.
• fitness suite • One to one support for students
• 2 studios with worries or concerns in a safe, Health and wellbeing
• sports hall confidential space. Looking after yourself whilst at
• netball and tennis courts university helps you to get the most
• 3G artificial pitch Below is an outline of some of the of your experience. Our links to local
• grass pitches ways in which they can help you surgeries give you access to a doctor,
during your time here. our health and wellbeing workshops
Moulsecoomb and information help you to keep
• fitness suite Career development everything in balance – so look after
• sports hall Build your employability skills and your mind and body whilst you are
boost your graduate potential, with here.
Varley Park careers guidance, enterprise skills,
• mini fitness suite with CV kit and employment and volunteering Student Advice Service
opportunities. When it comes to your finances at
All the fitness facilities have state of university it pays to be money wise; so
the art technology including Apple Chaplaincy for expert advice on financial issues,
and Android compatibility. There are a There’s more to the Chaplaincy than including fees, grants, bursaries, loans,
wide range of classes and courses to you think with social events, retreats, and money management, contact the
choose from, including student sports worship, discussion, support and Student Advice Service. They can also
clubs and recreational sports. listening. help if you are an international student
needing immigration advice, or
21You can also read
