Last week we looked at catered accommodation. This week we are looking at self-catered accommodation and what this includes:

2019/20 Accommodation prices
The accommodation prices for 201/20 will be available on our website from next week. We recommend that you take a look at each individual residence page to gain further information about each residence.

Self-Catered Accommodation
As noted in last weeks blog post – not all accommodation is on campus as 70% is located on campus but 30% is located off campus. This therefore means that 30% of our self-catered accommodation is located off campus within a walking distance of between 20-25 minutes. 

Self-catered accommodation is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. If you are someone who prefers to choose when you eat, what you eat and where you eat and not be governed by meal times then self-catered accommodation is likely to suit you.

What does the rent include and what is in my room?
Information about what is provided within self-catered rooms can be found on our website. Self-catered accommodation gives students access to a communal kitchen area (unless you’re living within a studio whereby you have your own kitchenette area). Many students prefer the option of a shared kitchen as they find it to be a social hotspot and a place where you can learn from each other and enhance your cooking skills. In your room you will find:

  • Bed, wardrobe, desk and chair – for bed sizes, please see each individual residence page.
  • Bookshelves, desk lamp or built-in lighting, noticeboard and waste bin.
  • High speed wired and wireless network/internet from Glide Student*.
  • Shower, washbasin and toilet facilities in en-suite and studio rooms.

Take a look at our Youtube video for an insight into our self-catered accommodation.

How long are the self-catered contracts?
Unlike our catered contracts which are term time only, students living in our self-catered accommodation are able to remain in their accommodation for the full length of the contract. There are four different contract lengths attached to different residences, so please ensure you check our website before completing your application. The contracts all start on Sunday 15 September and end as below:

  • 40 weeks – until Saturday 20 June 2020
  • 42 weeks – until Saturday 4 July 2020
  • 43 weeks – until Saturday 11 July 2020
  • 44 weeks – until Saturday 18 July 2020
  • 48 weeks* – until Saturday 18 August 2020
  • 51 weeks  – until Saturday 5 September 2020 (favoured by postgraduate students)

*For students studying the MSc Nursing Programme only.

If you are still unsure about which type of residence you would prefer then visit our ‘how to choose‘ pages which might be able to help.

What if I can’t decide between self-catered and catered?
We have given you a brief insight into catered and self-catered accommodation and over the next few weeks, we will provide much more information including guest blogs from our current students to help you with your decision. Another thing to mention is that if you like the freedom of self-catered but feel like you would want someone to cook for you sometimes then why not purchase a meal in a catered hall?

You can do this on an ad-hoc basis or can purchase a pass for seven meals to see you through. You get the best of both worlds! We will be providing much more information about this once you arrive with us.

Applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate students will open on Monday 8 April 2019 from 10:00am.

Next week we will be looking at our Accommodation Guarantee and how we allocate rooms.

Accommodation Catherine