This week we have the University of Exeter Communications Team – Campus Services writing our blog about the building works taking place at some residences during the 2018/19 academic year:
“Essential repairs and improvement works are taking place on a number of blocks at our Streatham Campus during the 2018/19 academic year. The blocks affected will be located at our Lafrowda, Birks Grange Village and Duryard residences.
What’s going to be happening?
There are two main categories of works planned:
What should I expect if I live in an affected block?
To carry out the updates to the exterior of the building during term one and term two, scaffolding will be erected around some of the blocks in the Lafrowda, Birks Grange Village and Duryard.
In blocks where the shower room works will be taking place you will be required to pack up your belongings into crates (which will be provided) and move to an alternative flat for a period of one week whilst the works take place. You will then move back into your original flat at the end of the week. Don’t worry, you will not be moving by yourself – you will move with your flatmates to the alternative flat and both University staff and a professional removal team will be on hand to move your crates.
In the coming weeks, we will provide a video from our current students about the moving process and what it’s been like to live in a block affected by the essential works. This will be posted on our Facebook page prior to applications opening on 9 April 2018.
I’ve heard there is a rent reduction – how does this work?
We will make every effort to reduce the disruption caused by these works; however, if you live in an affected block you will receive a rent reduction to acknowledge the fact that these works will inevitably have an impact on students living in these residences in 2018/19. For the budget-conscious student, these residences offer value for money with two categories of rent reduction available for students living in the affected blocks (subject to works taking place). For more information on the rent reductions which are available, please visit the Exterior Works and Shower Works webpages.
Please note, if you live in a block in close proximity, you will not be eligible for a rent reduction.
Which blocks will be affected?
Soon the affected blocks will be published on our website and you will be able to take a look at our Essential Works Maps online to see exactly where the works will be taking place during the 2018/19 academic year. We will let you know once these pages have been updated via our Facebook page before applications open on 9 April.
Are the residences safe to live in?
The planned works will not affect the operation of the accommodation, which remain safe, fully functioning and able to be occupied. The works will be planned carefully to ensure the impact is as minimal as possible for those residents in the affected blocks.
How do I apply to live in, or not live in an affected block?
When applying for accommodation you will have the opportunity to specify if you would consider living in an area where works are planned.
We advise students to check their accommodation offer carefully, at which point you will know if you have been offered a room where works are taking place, and the level of rent reduction you would receive. The information provided on our website will continue to be updated so that you can check the detail of works planned for your allocated accommodation. Please consider all information carefully before accepting your offer.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the Essential Repairs and Improvement works webpages for full details.
When in residence you will receive Weekly Updates from the project team and points of contact will be available to handle any concerns you may have whilst the works are taking place.
We are seeking to provide you with as much detail as we are able to at this moment, however this could be changed by events outside the University’s control. For the avoidance of any doubt, the refund associated with the disruption will only be payable if the works proceed.
University of Exeter Communications Team – Campus Services”
Next week, we will be providing you with information about what to consider in readiness for applications opening on 9 April.
Accommodation Catherine