ACCOMMODATION Your guide to choosing accommodation at Reading 2015 – 2016 WELCOME At Reading we offer a wide range of accommodation options. Our halls provide you with a home away from home where you will find yourself part of a supportive community. Each hall has its own distinctive character offering a safe and secure environment in which to study, socialise and relax. This guide provides information to help you select the accommodation that is right for you. HALLS AT A GLANCE 4950 OLDEST HALL BUILT IN 1908 AND THE NEWEST IN STUDENT BEDROOMS ON OR CLOSE TO CAMPUS 50% 50% OF THE ROOMS BUILT IN THE LAST 5 YEARS 88% OF STUDENTS SATISFIED WITH THEIR ROOMS* ALL HALLS NO MORE THAN 15 MINUTES’ WALK FROM THE LIBRARY ON CENTRAL CAMPUS * UPP Reading Customer Satisfaction Survey, 2013–14 2014 7 EATING OUTLETS TO CHOOSE FROM AS PART OF THE CATERED PACKAGE 24/7 HALLS HOTLINE TO DEAL WITH ANY HALLS RELATED ISSUES QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY 0 UNEXPECTED BILLS TO PAY WITH OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE RENT † † Includes utility bills, Wi-Fi, basic contents insurance and communal cleaning 2 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 LIVING IN HALLS • Great location • Safe and secure All accommodation is located either on the main Whiteknights The halls are security patrolled and use CCTV. Each group of halls campus or within easy walking distance. has a manned reception. • Range of accommodation choices to suit your needs • Welfare support Choose from different room types, catered or self-catered A dedicated and experienced team of on-site staff wardens look options and residency periods. We also offer accommodation after all aspects of pastoral care. suitable for families, couples and mature students. • All inclusive rent including: • all utility bills • Wi-Fi • a basic level of contents insurance • maintenance • communal cleaning, including communal kitchen areas • Low deposit A deposit of £250 is all you need to pay to secure your • ‘Halls hotline’ Available 24/7, 365 days of the year ensuring any halls-related issues are dealt with quickly and efficiently. • Community Communal areas and hall JCR committees help create a sense of community and ensure a friendly and sociable environment – a great place to meet new friends! JCR committees are made up of students who previously lived in the hall and are elected by other residents each year. They help students get to know each other by organising a range of social events in Welcome Week and throughout the year. room booking. ‘The proximity to the central campus, lecture theatres and the library provides the luxury of being able to go there within minutes, without having to worry about public transport.’ Antonis Stylianou, LLB Law www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 3 THINGS TO CONSIDER CHOOSE YOUR RESIDENCY PERIOD • 40 weeks: You rent your room during term time and the Christmas and Easter vacations. This means you move in just before the start of Welcome Week and move out after the end of the Summer Term. This option is normally preferred by undergraduate students. • 51 weeks: You rent your room during term time and the Christmas, Easter and Summer vacations. This means you move in just before the start of Welcome Week and move out at the end of the Summer Vacation. YOUR PREFERRED ROOM TYPE It is a good idea to think about the room type that may suit you best. Consider whether you are happy to share a bathroom, whether it is important for you to be in a modern hall or would you prefer a more traditional style. The following pages should help guide you through your choices. YOUR ACCOMMODATION BUDGET Utility bills, Wi-Fi and a basic level of contents insurance are all included in the accommodation costs. If you choose a catered hall you will receive a catering allowance of £61.67 per week (31 weeks of term time) to spend on meals. Other accommodation costs you might want to consider include laundry charges, the cost of food if you are in a selfcatered hall, JCR membership and any additional contents insurance. For advice about managing your money and budgeting see www.reading.ac.uk/life-moneymatters.aspx and www.rusu.co.uk/advice/money_advice/ 4 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 SELF-CATERED ACCOMMODATION Premium en-suite room £159.60 En-suite room £139.02 Townhouse room – limited supply for first year undergraduates £146.51 Premium room with shared bathroom £130.62 * Upgraded washbasin room with shared bathroom £110.39 Washbasin room with shared bathroom £99.89 * * Wessex Hall Stenton Townhouses Stenton Hall Sherfield Hall Total cost per week‡ St George’s Hall Room type Mackinder Hall campus. See www.reading.ac.uk/campuscards Greenow & McCombie storage space for each resident. Childs Hall online and receive discounts in the various catering outlets across Bridges Hall Self-catered residents can load cash onto their campus cards oven, microwave, fridge and freezer, kettle, toaster, cupboard and Benyon Hall Kitchens are shared between residents and include a hob and * * * ‡ for 40 (or 51 weeks where available) * single gender areas available ‘Living in halls means meeting people is easy as there’s always so many people around, and there’s always something going on!’ Katie Browne, BA Psychology www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 5 CATERED ACCOMMODATION Offering a stress-free pre-paid approach to eating during term time while living in halls. • Easy budgeting - £61.67 of the rent you pay is loaded onto your Campus Card every Saturday during term time. Receive a 10% discount on selected products to help your money go further. HOW DOES THE CATERED PACKAGE WORK? • Flexibility and freedom - spend your allowance as and when you please at seven selected outlets across campus (open early The cheapest room costs are available as part of the catered morning to late evening). All catered halls off er small kitchens package. The rent includes £61.67 per week which will be available which include at least a fridge, kettle, toaster and microwave. for you to spend every week for 31 weeks of term time. • Variety and choice – each outlet off ers a variety of meal options. For example: Catering £61.67 per week for 31 weeks • Breakfast – cereals, toast, pastries, fruit, porridge and a range of English hot breakfast items. • Lunch - soups, sandwiches, Panini’s, jacket potatoes and pasta dishes. At some outlets there are also grill bars, wok stations Room £94.50 per week for 40 weeks and salad bars. • Dinner – soups, roast dinners, fi sh and chips, curries and pasta. Pizza, burgers, salad bars and a choice of desserts and fresh Example: catered washbasin room in St Patrick’s Hall, total cost £142.29 per week for 40 weeks fruits are also available. Eat & Drink at London Road Wantage Hall UPPER R Eat at Wantage* Hillside Park Eat AD DS McCombie Windsor Hall R RO AD E LM HU Foxhill Mackinder Greenow Hall O AN RO AD T RS WH EK DL W RO IT RE NE DS Childs Hall Dunsden St George’s Crescent Hall AD AN EDL N Whiteknights Lake Stenton Hall & Townhouses Wessex Hall S RO AD Bridges Hall Queens Drive Health Centre Carrington Building (Student Services) Sports grounds Palmer Building SH IN Chancellor’s Wa y LD RT FIE NO St Patrick’s Hall HT Sportspark Eat at SportsPark Benyon Hall IG RUSU Eat at The Square D RT A OU RO HC Eat at Northcourt Library AV EN UE Sherfield Hall THE CATERED PACKAGE CAN BE USED AT SEVEN OUTLETS ACROSS CAMPUS Eat at Agriculture See www.reading.ac.uk/life-catering.aspx for more information and watch the video: http://youtu.be/4mIw4aFMW-I *Limited access to non-Wantage residents PE PP ER LA N E Total cost per week‡ Dunsden Crescent Catered en-suite room £175.75 Catered washbasin room with shared bathroom £146.27 Catered washbasin room with shared bathroom (St Patrick’s Hall) £142.29 Catered non-washbasin room with shared bathroom £137.39 Room type St Patrick’s Hall Wantage Hall Windsor Hall * ‡40 week residency period. Catering allowance of £61.67 per week is included for use during the 31 weeks of term time and Welcome Week. * single gender areas available 6 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 APPLYING FOR ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION GUARANTEE You will be guaranteed a place in hall if you are: • a new full-time undergraduate who holds Reading as a firm UCAS choice and applies for accommodation by 1 August and satisfies the conditions of your academic offer by 31 August of your year of entry * • a new full-time postgraduate who has accepted an offer from the University and applies for accommodation by 1 August and satisfies any conditions of your academic offer by 31 August of your year of entry*. * Subject to restrictions, please see booking terms and conditions INSURANCE CHOICE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS At the time of application you will have the opportunity to request single gender accommodation which is offered in a number of our halls. You will also be asked if you would prefer to be allocated to a ‘quiet’ area. The application form will also give you the opportunity to let us know about any medical conditions that may affect your time in hall so that we can allocate you to the most appropriate accommodation. To find out more about our single gender and ‘quiet’ areas see www.reading.ac.uk/life-accommodation-specificrequirements.aspx ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION TIMELINE 2015 – 2016 If you choose the University of Reading as your insurance choice you will be able to apply for a ccommodation when your academic offer becomes unconditional. A place in hall cannot be guaranteed and the number of rooms available varies from year to year depending on the number of successful applications to the University. HOW TO MAKE AN APPLICATION 13 January 2015 8 am Returning students Applications open for current students who will be continuing their studies in 2015–16 10 February 2015 12 noon Unconditional offer holders Applications open for new undergraduates who hold Reading as a Firm UCAS choice and hold an unconditional academic offer Applications open for new postgraduates who have accepted an unconditional academic offer 26 March 2015 12 noon Conditional offer holders Applications open for new undergraduates who hold Reading as a Firm UCAS choice and have a conditional academic offer Applications open for new postgraduates who have accepted a conditional academic offer 1 August 2015 Guarantee Apply for accommodation by this date (and fulfil the terms of your academic offer by 31 August) to guarantee a place in hall From 13 August 2015 12 noon Offers made following examination results Once your academic offer becomes unconditional,usually after examination results, we will do our best to make you an offer of accommodation 17 August 2015 12 noon Insurance students and those that have not yet applied Applications open for those coming to Reading through insurance or clearing and adjustment and others who have not yet made an accommodation application 18/19/20 September 2015 Hall Arrival Days Dependent upon the hall you are allocated to, you will be invited to arrive on one of these dates All applications are made online through the accommodation pages of the personal applicant portal. You will be sent information on how and when you are eligible to make your application. There is no charge for making an application. At the time of accepting an accommodation offer you will be asked to pay an accommodation deposit of £250. See www.reading.ac.uk/ life-accommodation-apply.aspx for more details about applying for halls. www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 7 PREMIUM EN-SUITE ROOM SELF-CATERED The premium en-suite rooms offer a high standard of accommodation in modern well-appointed buildings. The rooms are bright and comfortable and include a 4ft‑wide bed, en-suite shower room and fitted furniture. en-suite They are arranged in 8 or 10 bedroomed flats each with a shared self-catered kitchen/dining room. The shared kitchens are spacious, well-equipped and feature a large dining table which make it 4ft-wide bed Full-height shelving unit an ideal place to eat and socialise with flatmates. The majority of the premium en-suite rooms are part of the Park Group. There are also 63 premium en-suite rooms at Bridges Hall which opened in 2014. Bridges Hall and Park Group are wardrobe bedside unit located on campus and just a few minutes’ walk from the main academic buildings. Both Park Group and Bridges Hall offer a laundry, bike sheds, post boxes, mail room and a student reception. How much will it cost? desk Self-catered premium en-suite room £159.60 per week for 40 or 51 weeks (51 weeks available at Bridges Hall and Childs Hall) Example of a kitchen in a premium en-suite flat 8 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 Example of a premium en-suite room window BRIDGES HALL CHILDS HALL Part of Redlands Group Part of Park Group • 63 premium en-suite rooms • 593 premium en-suite rooms • Opened in September 2014 • Single gender areas available MACKINDER HALL STENTON HALL Part of Park Group Part of Park Group • 562 premium en-suite rooms • 400 premium en-suite rooms • Single gender areas available www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 9 EN-SUITE ROOM En-suite rooms offer a comfortable, well-equipped bedroom with fitted furniture, shelving units and an en-suite shower room. How much will it cost? Self-catered en-suite room £139.02 per week for 40 or 51 weeks SELF-CATERED EN-SUITE The self-catered en-suite rooms at Benyon, Sherfield, St George’s, Greenow and McCombie are arranged in flats of between six and ten bedrooms, each with a shared kitchen/diner. The shared kitch- Catered en-suite room £175.75 per week for 40 weeks, includes £61.67 weekly catering allowance for 31 weeks ens are well-equipped with appliances and a dining area making them a great communal space for the residents sharing a flat. CATERED EN-SUITE Dunsden Crescent within the Park Group offers 130 catered ensuite rooms. The catering package is provided during term time and residents cater for themselves during the Christmas and Easter vacation. Shared kitchens are provided for preparing simple meals and drinks. All of the halls are a short walk from the centre of campus and conveniently located for local shops, eating places and buses to Reading town centre and station. Each hall has access to a Group Reception where staff are on hand to assist with enquiries. The facilities at each hall include a laundry, bike sheds/stands and post boxes. bedside unit window DUNSDEN CRESCENT – CATERED desk shelving above desk drawers wardrobe Part of Park Group en-suite • Catered – includes a flexible catering package • 130 en-suite rooms Example of an en-suite room • Few minutes walk to Park Place social hub and Park Eat catering • Shared kitchens for preparing snacks and light meals 10 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 BENYON HALL MCCOMBIE AND GREENOW HOUSES Part of Northcourt Group Part of Park Group • Self-catered • Self-catered • 368 en-suite rooms, six rooms in each flat • 130 en-suite rooms, flats include six or eight rooms • Attractive central Junior Common Room/TV room overlooking the pond • Few minutes walk from Park Place social hub • Single gender areas available • Mini fridges are included in the rooms SHERFIELD HALL ST GEORGE’S HALL Part of Northcourt Group Part of Redlands Group • Self-catered • Self-catered • 336 en-suite rooms, eight rooms in each flat • New Northcourt Group catering and social space planned to open September 2015 • 295 en-suite rooms, eight rooms in each flat (other room types are available at this hall) • Many of the kitchens have recently been refurbished • Large JCR social space with television and pool table • Single gender areas available • Single gender areas available www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 11 PREMIUM ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM SELF-CATERED Bridges Hall opened in September 2014 and offers 394 premium rooms with shared bathrooms. Each flat includes 10 bedrooms which share 3 bathrooms and a modern kitchen, dining and living area. The kitchens are light and spacious with a dining table, making them a great place for flatmates to socialise and eat together. Bridges Hall is on the Whiteknights campus and is just a short walk from the main academic buildings. bedside unit desk window The communal facilities include a reception and post room, Junior Commom Room, laundry and covered bicycle stores. There are some single gender areas available within this room type. How much will it cost? Self-catered premium room with shared bathroom £130.62 per week for 40 or 51 weeks Example of premium shared bathroom flat layout 12 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 TOWNHOUSE ROOM SELF-CATERED The townhouse rooms are arranged in modern, self‑catered houses offering an atmosphere of communal living. Each townhouse includes 12 bedrooms arranged over three floors. The ground floor of each house includes a large modern kitchen, dining and lounge area for use of all residents. The four bedrooms on each floor share two bathrooms. The bedrooms offer bright and comfortable accommodation with fitted bathrooms furniture and storage. The townhouses are located just a few minutes’ walk from the main academic buildings. The Bridges Townhouses opened in 2014 and the Stenton Townhouses, which are part of Park Group, opened in full-height shelving unit 2012. Both Park Group and Bridges Hall offer a social hub with large laundry, bike sheds, post boxes and Reception. A limited number of townhouse rooms will be available for new undergraduates. desk How much will it cost? Self-catered townhouse room Townhouse room with shared bathroom window wardrobe £146.51 per week for 40 or 51 weeks BRIDGES TOWNHOUSES STENTON TOWNHOUSES Part of Redlands Group Part of Park Group • Opened in September 2014 • Opened in October 2012 • 192 townhouse rooms, 16 houses with 12 residents in each house • 300 townhouse rooms, 25 houses with 12 residents in each house www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 13 ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM There are a range of halls offering shared bathroom facilities, many include a washbasin within the room. SELF-CATERED WITH WASHBASIN How much will it cost? Self-catered room with shared bathroom Washbasin room The washbasin rooms at St George’s and Wessex Halls offer £99.89 per week for 40 or 51 weeks kitchen/dining facilities that are shared with other residents in Upgraded room (Wessex Hall) a traditional corridor style arrangement. A number of rooms at £110.39 per week for 40 or 51 weeks Wessex Hall have recently been upgraded and feature new modern furniture, carpets and fittings. CATERED WITH AND WITHOUT WASHBASIN St Patrick’s, Wantage and Windsor Halls include a flexible catering package which allows students to eat at the catering facility at the washbasin window shelving above desk hall or at other selected catering outlets. The catering package is provided during term time and residents cater for themselves during the Christmas and Easter vacation. Shared kitchens are available for preparing simple meals and drinks. All of the halls are a short walk from the campus centre and con- desk veniently located for local shops, eating places and buses to Reading town centre and station. Each hall has access to a Group Reception where staff are on hand to assist with enquiries. The facilities at each Group include a laundry, bike sheds/stands and post boxes. wardrobe Example of a washbasin room ST GEORGE’S HALL WESSEX HALL Part of Redlands Group Part of Redlands Group • Self-catered • Self-catered • 100 rooms with washbasins (other room types are also available at this hall) • 196 washbasin rooms • Large JCR social space with television and pool table • 131 rooms have recently been upgraded (the large photo above is an example of one of the upgraded rooms) • Newly renovated hall bar with pool table and 25 seat cinema. www.reading.ac.uk/Cater_Ice_House.aspx 14 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 ST PATRICK’S HALL WANTAGE HALL Part of Northcourt Group Part of Redlands Group • Catered – includes a flexible catering package • Catered – includes a flexible catering package • 297 washbasin rooms set in attractive grounds in traditional quad style • 150 washbasin rooms and 74 non‑washbasin rooms • Popular bar, common room and TV room • New Northcourt catering and social hub due to open in September 2015 WINDSOR HALL How much will it cost? Catered room with shared bathroom Washbasin room £146.27 per week for 40 weeks (Wantage and Windsor) £142.29 per week for 40 weeks (St Patrick’s) includes £61.67 weekly catering allowance for 31 weeks Non-washbasin room £137.39 per week for 40 weeks includes £61.67 weekly catering allowance for 31 weeks Part of Park Group • Catered – includes a flexible catering package • 182 washbasin rooms and 39 non-washbasin rooms • Adjacent to Park Place social hub and Park Eat catering • The shared bathrooms have recently been refurbished www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 15 ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES, COUPLES AND MATURE STUDENTS We offer a range of accommodation which is suitable for mature single students, couples and families. The accommodation consists of houses with converted rooms and self-contained flats as well as purpose-built studio rooms which are located within the halls. Just like the standard halls accommodation, the family accommodation has many benefits: • all-inclusive rent • great location • furnished • safe and secure • ‘Halls hotline’ • Communal cleaning (please note the cleaning of kitchens within studios and self-contained flats is the responsibility of the resident) For more information see the Accommodation for couples, families and mature students guide on www.reading.ac.uk/life-family. aspx or contact the Accommodation Office to discuss your specific requirements. 16 email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT’S INCLUDED IN EACH ROOM/FLAT? CAN I GET AN ACCESSIBLE ROOM? All study bedrooms are furnished with: bed and mattress, desk, advice and works closely with the Accommodation Team desk chair, shelves and wardrobe. All kitchens are equipped with to assist students with special requirements. Contact microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster and ironing board. The kitch- disability@reading.ac.uk or 0118 378 8921. ens in the self-catered areas also include cookers and freezers. In addition to your personal items, you will need to bring: • cookware (such as pots and pans). The premium en-suite rooms at Park Group and the Stenton townhouses have induction hobs so please bring suitable pans • crockery and utensils • towels, bed linen, duvet and pillows (the premium en-suite and Stenton townhouse rooms require linen to fit 4ft‑wide beds) The University’s Disability Team provides support and CAN I BRING MY CAR OR BICYCLE WITH ME? Except in very specific cases students living in halls are unable to bring a car or park either on campus or within a one-mile radius of the University. The area around the University is for residents parking only. For all information regarding car, motorcycle or visitor parking please see www.reading.ac.uk/parking All halls are within easy walking distance of Whiteknights campus WHAT INFORMATION WILL I RECEIVE BEFORE I ARRIVE? and conveniently close to excellent bus routes serving super- Once you have accepted a place in hall you will be asked to Cycling is encouraged and bike sheds/racks are available in all of complete an online induction. This will include a link to your hall the halls. Arrivals Guide which will provide valuable arrivals information, CAN I ACCESS THE INTERNET FROM MY HALL ROOM? details of what to bring and an insight into hall life to prepare you for your time in hall. markets, Reading town centre and train station. Wi-Fi is available across the halls. Each bedroom also includes CAN I LIVE IN HALL ACCOMMODATION BEYOND THE FIRST YEAR? a fixed wire connection to the University’s readingConnect IT We welcome applications from students wishing to live in hall access to the University campus data network and the internet. beyond their first year. Friends can apply to live together as a DO I NEED TO MOVE OUT FOR THE CHRISTMAS AND EASTER VACATIONS? group. Residents are contacted in the first term with details of how and when to apply for accommodation for the following year. A set number of rooms are available so early application is advised. system. This is a University IT service delivering broadband Both the 40 and 51 week residency periods include the Christmas and Easter vacations there is no need to move out of your hall room during these vacations. ‘Any issues that occur in the flat are quickly resolved through the 24-hour halls hotline, or through a quick email to the Warden’ Rosie Tout, BA German and Management Studies www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation 17 WALKING DISTANCE FROM HALLS TO THE LIBRARY ON CENTRAL CAMPUS Wantage Hall 1 UPPER R AN EDL DS RO AD Childs Hall 5 Hillside DS Windsor Hall R RO AD T RS EL McCombie 6 U MH Sportspark N Whiteknights Lake 4 AD AD O AN RO WH EK DL W Foxhill 7 Greenow IT RE NE Dunsden St George’s Crescent Hall Mackinder 2 Hall 3 Stenton Hall & Townhouses Wessex Hall RO AD 10 Carrington Building (Student Services) Sports grounds Palmer Building IN Chancellor’s Wa y RUSU D RT A OU RO HC LD RT FIE NO St Patrick’s Hall Health Centre S Bridges Hall SH 11 12 HT 9 8 Queens Drive Benyon Hall IG Library AV EN UE Sherfield Hall 13 1 2 3 4 5 PE PP ER 6 LA N E Wantage 14 mins St George’s 13 mins Dunsden 9 mins Mackinder 8.5 mins Greenow/McCombie 9 mins Windsor 8 mins 7 8 9 10 11 12 Childs 9 mins Stenton Hall & Townhouses 9 mins Wessex 10 mins Bridges 10 mins Benyon 14.5 mins St Patrick’s 14 mins 13 Sherfield 15 mins ACCOMMODATION GUIDE For more information, please contact: Accommodation Office Carrington Building University of Reading Whiteknights Reading RG6 6UA United Kingdom accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk Tel +44 (0)118 378 4203 www.reading.ac.uk/accommodation B12283 1.15 Please note All photos are examples of facilities on offer and individual rooms may vary. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the details outlined in this booklet are correct at the time of publication, some arrangements may be subject to change. The University of Reading is committed to providing quality student accommodation and fully complies with the Student Accommodation Code. See www.thesac.org.uk for more details. The code covers, among other matters, health and safety, maintenance and repair, and relationships between the University and student tenants. It outlines best practice and provides benchmarks for the management – and quality – of student housing in the sector.
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