Q: How can I apply for accommodation?
A: You can apply for accommodation at our apply online page.
You will need your University of Birmingham student ID number which is found at the top of the offer letter sent to you within your offer pack. You can apply as soon as you receive an offer pack. Please be aware that rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.Please do not sign up with your school email address, as this account is usually shut down once you leave school. Please make sure you check your junk folder as our emails may inadvertently end up there.
Q: What are the deadlines for applying for accommodation?
A: The deadline for UK and EU undergraduates is 31 May 2013. The deadline for international undergraduates and postgraduates is 31 July 2013. For further information please visit the guarantee scheme page.
Q: How can I find out my ID number if I have lost my pack / not received my pack yet?
A: You can contact Admissions on admissions@bham.ac.uk or +44 (0) 121 415 8900 if you have not received your pack. If you have lost your pack we can provide this information to you if you give us your full name and date of birth
Q: I have chosen Birmingham as my insurance choice. Should I still apply for accommodation?
A: Yes, you should still apply for accommodation. Whilst a place is not guaranteed to insurance candidates, we do try to house as many insurance candidates as possible and will need your accommodation preferences to hand in order to do this. As always, we allocate on a first-come, first-served basis so if you apply as soon as you get your offer pack then there is a greater chance of you getting allocated.
Q: What is included in the price?
A: The accommodation fee includes all utility bills, internet access, telephone calls from your room to other rooms in the University and basic room insurance. If you are allocated a meal plan room you will also receive a weekly budget loaded onto your ID card which can be spent at The Hub or many of the catering outlets on campus. Also see the what you get for your money page.
Q: Are the rooms cleaned or can I request a cleaner?
A: It is up to you to keep your room and flat clean and tidy, but you can arrange to have your flat cleaned by Cleaning Services for a small extra charge whether it is a one off clean or a weekly clean. Please visit the cleaning services pages for more information.
Q: Can I request to live with my friend?
A: There is an extra notes section on the application where you can make these requests. Both students must make the request for it to receive consideration. Please note that we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all requests.
Q: Can I apply for accommodation for just 1 term?
A: You are welcome to apply but priority will be given to those who require accommodation for the full year.
Q: Is there a shuttle bus from my accommodation?
A: There are some shuttle bus services from some of the sites. Please ask at your site reception for more information on times and pick up points.
Q: Can I buy food on campus if I have a meal plan?
A: Yes, you can use your meal plan on campus. The main food outlets are in University Centre but you can also use it at Starbucks in Muirhead Tower and at the smaller outlets in each department. Please note that these are only open from Monday to Friday. The Hub will be running a brunch service on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
Q: If I have a disability will this be taken into consideration when I apply for accommodation?
A: Yes we always take into consideration any disability or medical issue you may have. We often require a referral from the Disability Support team to confirm this so please contact them. Alternatively, you can provide a doctors note which details your condition and what this means for your accommodation. We have a number of adapted rooms for those in wheelchairs, with hearing impairments and visual impairments. You can also visit our pages on the Disabled Go site for more information on the adapted rooms in our accommodation.
Q: I have heard that you hold a Living Taster Day; can you tell me when this is?
A: The Living Taster Day is on Saturday 20 April 2013. For more information see the Living Taster Day page. We do recommend that you apply for your accommodation before this day if you have your offer of a place at Birmingham. You will be able to change your choices on your application form after the Living Taster Day and it will not affect the date you have first applied.
Q: Do you have accommodation suitable for families / couples?
A: For couples we have studios and apartments in the university accommodation. For families we recommend that you look in the private sector. Birmingham Studentpad is a good place to start or contact the LIVING team on +44 (0)121 414 8000 or email Pgradaccom@bham.ac.uk . Please note children are not allowed in University accommodation.
Q: Why did I not get my first choice accommodation?
A: We can never guarantee any of your preferences. We allocate on a first-come, first-served basis and the more popular sites fill up first. We always try to get as close to your preferences or facility choices as possible.
Q: My accommodation has been cancelled, what can I do?
A: If you do not accept your offer of accommodation within 7 days it will be cancelled. If you still want university accommodation you need to apply online again. Please note that your new application will be at the bottom of the list and we can no longer guarantee accommodation.
Q: Am I able to transfer?
A: If you are not happy with your flat once you arrive there will be an opportunity to transfer during the first term if you are living in University-owned accommodation, usually in October. If we are able to transfer you there will be an administrative fee of £52. If you are allocated accommodation with a third party provider you are not able to transfer.
Q: Do I have to pay a deposit?
A. Once you have received your offer of accommodation you will need to make a pre-payment of £550 to secure the room. This is not a deposit but a pre-payment that is then deducted from the balance owing for your accommodation fee. This will be required within 7 days of receipt of your offer. Once you have made this payment no further payment is require until you arrive.
Q: When are the payments due?
A: Please see the payments website for the dates for monthly and termly payments.
Q: Can I cancel my accommodation and get a refund?
A: Once you have accepted your offer of accommodation and made your pre-payment you will only be released from your contract if a replacement can be found. If a replacement cannot be found you are liable to make the full payment.
Q: Where do I report any damage or issue with my flat?
A: You should report any damage as soon as you move into your accommodation. If any damage occurs during the year you can request for repairs at the site reception.
Q: Can I extend my contract?
A: If you require an extension to your contract you will need to inform LIVING towards the end of your contract period. This will be subject to availability.
Q: Can I cancel my meal plan?
A: No, the meal plan is contracted onto your room so cannot be taken off. If you no longer wanted the meal plan you would have to apply to transfer in October to self-catered accommodation.
Q: Can I find out the names of my flatmates before I move in?
A: No, due to data protection we cannot disclose this information. We recommend that you look on websites such as Facebook as there are often groups on this.
Q: What do I need to bring with me for my flat?
A: Please see the the inventory for your flat on our offer pack page.
Q: I am in 3rd party accommodation; can I transfer to university accommodation?
A: Once you enter into a contract with one of our 3rd party providers of accommodation you will be bound by the terms and conditions of that contract. You will need to find a replacement for your room to be released from the contract as you would in University accommodation. Once you have found a replacement it will then depend upon the vacancies we have in our accommodation if we can offer you a room.
Q: What does the Travel Daily list mean?
A: The travel daily list is set up for those students who live within commuting distance of the university who have chosen to wait until a space in their preferred accommodation becomes available. We usually allocate all of these students within the first term.
Q: Can I apply to stay in halls for my 2nd and 3rd year?
A: Yes you can apply online in December. The deadline for returner applications is 31 January
Parking
Our parking page answers all questions about parking at student accommodation.
Private Sector
Q: I have a room available in the private sector, can I advertise it?
A: Yes you can advertise it on the Birningham Studentpad message board; however, we do need to see the gas safety certificate which your landlord should be able to provide.
Q: I still have not got my deposit back, what can I do?
A: All deposits should be protected by deposit protection schemes. You need to contact the relevant scheme and they can tell you about your deposit. Your landlord or letting agent will be able to tell you which scheme your deposit was protected with. If you need any more advice please call into the Living shop in University Centre.
Q: My deposit has not been returned in full, can I dispute this?
A: Yes, the deposit protection schemes all have dispute services where all issues can be resolved.
Q: What areas are close to the university?
A: Please see the Student Pad site for more information on the areas surrounding the university.
Q: Where do I find the council tax exemption form?
A: You can find the council tax exemption form at our Academic Services council tax page. Make sure you have registered your term time address on the my.bham portal. Alternatively you can call into LIVING and we can give you the form to complete
Q: I need short term accommodation, can you help?
A: It will depend if we have any vacancies at the time you need; however, we will do everything we can to source accommodation for you. We can also provide information on local guest houses and hotels.
Q: Do you have accommodation suitable for families/couples?
A: For couples we have studios and apartments in the university halls of residence. For families we recommend that you look in the private sector Birmingham Studentpad is a good place to start. Please note children are not allowed in the university halls of residence.
Q: Can you check my contract for me before I sign it?
A: Yes, we recommend that you bring your contract in to be checked even if it is from a reputable company. We will be able to point out any important information about charges, what is expected of you as a tenant and what rights you have regarding your landlord.
Q: If I have an issue with my landlord what do I do?
A: When sorting out any issues yourself make sure to put any requests/complaints in writing. If you continue to have problems please come to the LIVING shop in University Centre and we can assist you further.
Q: How do I check about university owned and managed accommodation?
A: For information on availability of these properties please email unimanagedaccom@bham.ac.uk
Q: I am a landlord – how do I advertise my property to students?
A: To advertise your property to students there are several steps you need to take:
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You need to have been accredited by the Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme (MLAS)
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The property needs to have up-to-date gas and electric safety certificates and an energy performance certificate
Once these have been done you can advertise on www.birminghamstudentpad.co.uk. Details of charges and more information about the MLAS course can also be found at this website.
Where will I live in my second year?
All current students are eligible to apply online as a Returner for the next academic year. The closing date for applications is 31 January 2013, so please apply as soon as possible as numbers are restricted.
You are also able to apply for University owned / managed properties, although numbers of places are limited. Please contact Lorraine Bartram via l.a.bartram@bham.ac.uk including your full name, student ID and current address with “Returner 2013/14" and your ID number in the subject menu.
Q: Will I be living with other returning students?
A: Where possible we will try to place Returners together.
Q: When can I move in?
A: All contracts will start on 19 September 2013. However, if your current contract expires on 9 September 2013 it maybe possible to extend your stay until your new contract starts. You must advise us on your application of your request and a charge will be levied.
Q: What happens once I have returned my contract and pre-payment for halls?
A: Your room is reserved for you and your pre-payment credited towards your residence fees.
Q:What happens once I have returned my contract and deposit for University owned & managed properties?
A: Your room is reserved for you and your deposit will be refunded at the end of the contract unless it is needed to cover any cleaning / repairs costs over the tenancy period.
Q: What happens if I change my mind?
A: If you change your mind before you have signed and paid just inform Accommodation Services and your application will be cancelled.
If you change your mind after you have signed and paid you will remain liable for your contract. You should only accept the accommodation on the understanding that you will remain for the full contract period. For further information please contact Accommodation Services on +44 (0)121 414 8000, or by visiting the Living shop situated in University Centre on campus.
Q: How long have I got to apply?
A: The closing date for applications is 31 January 2013. After this date please call in and see us at LIVING and we can dicuss your options with you.