Bath Spa University

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Accommodation

When you become a student you might well be moving away from your home town for the first time. If this is the case one of the first things you will want to sort out is where you'll be living.

There are several options: halls of residence on campus; our off site halls (Waterside Court, Charlton Court and Bankside House); or one of our secured, accredited houses in the private rented sector.

Halls Of Residence

Many of our first year students live in self-catering halls. These are large blocks located on or near the campus, which have staff on site. Unfortunately we are not able to house all first year students in halls, but other options are available.

Students based at Newton Park can opt either to apply for halls at the Newton Park campus, or for the purpose-built accommodation blocks located off campus (conveniently located between the campus and the city centre, and on a good bus route) - Waterside Court or Charlton Courts.

Students at Sion Hill (Bath School of Art and Design) can apply for Bankside House which is within easy reach of the campus or they can apply to live at one of our off site halls Waterside Court and Charlton Courts. They can also choose one of our secured, accredited houses in the private rented sector.

Private Rented Accommodation

Although halls of residence are a popular choice for many students, you may prefer the option of living in a private rented house with other students. We have arrangements with private landlords and reserve a number of houses specifically for first year students. The accommodation is all accredited by the local housing authority and is situated in popular student areas of Bath on good bus routes.

This is a popular option for students wanting a bit more independence than they might get in halls. This is also the best option for students who wish to bring their cars since students living on the Newton Park campus, Waterside Court, Charlton Court and at Bankside are not allowed to bring cars with them.

We don't have sufficient halls for every first year student and in 2008/2009 students who wanted to live in halls but weren't able to get a place had the option of these shared houses as an alternative. The University will identify groups of four to eight first year students to move into a house. We look at personal interests and hobbies, ages and courses to maximise compatibility and there is a chance to contact each other before moving in.

The Student Housing Service at Bath Spa has longstanding links with private sector landlords and landladies who provide shared student houses. You may be required to pay an agency fee and deposits are invariably one month's rent. Utility bills and council tax may or may not be included, so please check before you sign your contract. Contracts are usually for 48 weeks and start from 1 September.

Applying For Accommodation

• We will only allocate to students who choose Bath Spa University as their firm first choice on their UCAS form;
• When you have confirmed that Bath Spa University is your firm first choice you will be sent information from the student housing team about how to apply;
• We make reasonable adjustments for disabled students and those with certain medical issues;
• We will only allocate to students who live outside a 30 mile radius;
• In certain circumstances you may be asked to pay a registration fee;
• If we are not able to offer you a place on campus, you may be offered an alternative, possibly at one of our off site halls or in the private rented sector;
• Some accommodation options may be released earlier in the year, this means that you may have the opportunity to secure your accommodation in advance.

Living in Halls - Key Facts

• Wardens live on campus to help sort out any problems out of office hours;
• Senior students have the responsibility of keeping an eye on the everyday running of the flats;
• There is 24 hour security and good facilities on campus including a launderette;
• There is a total no smoking policy in all BSU halls of residence;
• Waterside Court and Charlton Court, our offsite halls are owned and managed by Unite, a specialist student accommodation company. Waterside Court houses 316 first year students and Charlton Court houses up to 291 (academic year 2009/2010);
• Bankside House is the nearest halls (10 minutes walk) to our Sion Hill campus and houses 43 students;
• Students living on the Newton Park campus, Waterside Court, Charlton Court and Bankside are not permitted to bring cars with them;
• Prices for university-managed halls at Newton Park campus include heating, hot water and internet;
• Most rooms are single - but there are some shared rooms;
• You will be required to pay a deposit which is returnable at the end of your tenancy (subject to room damage);
• Rent is paid in instalments;
• The accommodation is let on 45 week contract covering the full academic year, so you do not have to vacate your rooms at Christmas or Easter;
• Information of what to bring, personal insurance and details of how to obtain a TV licence etc will be provided;
• We can offer students following one of our courses based at City of Bath College places in halls. If you're based at one of our other partner FE colleges we won't be able to offer you a room in halls of residence, but we'll help you find accommodation in the private sector.