ACCOMMODATION FEES
All tenancies are on a 'sole and several' basis, which means that each tenant is responsible for his or her own rent payments only.
When you accepted your offer of accommodation, unless you settled your accommodation fees upfront, you would have agreed to pay these fees by instalments by Direct Debit or Recurring card Payment monthly or termly, all instalments will be collected automatically using the details you provided when you signed your contract unless stated otherwise.
The payment date for our 2018/19 academic year is the 1st of the month or the nearest working day after this date. If there were to be any changes made on our payment collection date, we would notify you at least 10 working days in advance.
All answers to our most frequently asked questions, such as how to make a payment, change your method of payment or view your instalment plan can be found here.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you should arrange to speak to someone from the Rent Payment Section as soon as you can and at least 10 working days prior your payment is due if you wish to request a postponement of an instalment. You can contact the Rent Payment Section:
- By phone on 0131 651 2118
- By email at accom.rentenquiries@ed.ac.uk
- In person at the Reception Centre, Pollock Halls; Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Students who do not pay as expected are considered to have defaulted on their legal obligation and arrears action will be taken.
Reminders, sent to University student email account, should not be ignored. Even if you think the reminder has been sent in error, please do get in touch with us.
Our team will at all times seek to be sympathetic to and understanding of each individual student's financial circumstances.
If you are receiving financial help from family, friends or similar please ensure they are aware of payment amounts and dates as this will not be considered a reason for delaying payment.
BANK ACCOUNTS
Fundamental to organising your finances non UK Residents should note that it may take up to three or four weeks after your arrival in the UK to open a bank account.
What you will need:
Confirmation of your UK address. You will be able to print an approved letter for the bank from your MyEd record once you have checked into your accommodation.
- Passport, or driving licence if you are a UK Resident.
- Visa (If applicable)
- Unconditional letter of acceptance.
You can use your bank account to set up a Direct Debit mandate so the money due for your rent will be collected automatically. Please note you will be required to set up a recurring card payment before you arrive which can then be changed once you have a UK bank account.
More information on opening a bank account
BUS
Go green - travel by bus
The University is served by a comprehensive network of buses which are largely provided by Lothian buses
See the Transport and Parking office website for more information on bus travel including the University shuttle bus service and the Traveline Scotland journey planner.
Travel Scotland journey planner
CAR PARKING AND DRIVING
In the interests of the environment, keep car use to a minumum.
To plan your route, you can use Transport Directs journey planner:
Tripshare is the University's car sharing scheme:
City car club allows you to rent a car for short periods from an hour:
For more information about parking see the Transport and Parking office website:
CHAPLAINCY
The Chaplaincy offers support to students and staff. The main Chaplaincy Centre in Bristo Square is well used for drop in, meetings and is where the Chaplaincy staff are based.
COMMUNICATION & CONTACT
Check your sms e-mail account regularly
Please note we will communicate with you a number of different ways, e-mail, telephone voice or text, and notice boards. In line with University policy, e-mails will be sent to your University SMS account; you must check this on a regular basis.
Your site also has a Facebook page which is monitored by your Residents' Assistants and you can chat with other tenants living on your site/ house. Details of this are available in your welcome letter and via Myed, accommodation channel, student hub.
COMPLAINTS
We are here to help, if you have a complaint, if we cannot resolve the problem please follow the procedure outlined in the link below:
Comments problems complaints? We are here to help.
COUNSELLING
The Student Counselling Service offers counselling to assist students in working through their difficulty, understand themselves better and find ways of managing their situation.
Student Counselling Service website
CYCLING
Where there are secure BICYCLE SHEDS (or railings) please use them.
Cycling is a cheap and healthy way to get around. There is a network of on and off road cycle routes in Edinburgh.
Plan your route around Edinburgh using the cycle streets journey planner
Cycle maintenance - the University provides a number of facilities for cycle maintenance. For more information including free bike doctor sessions
Transport and Parking office website
Bikes are not permitted to be kept in the flat, stairwell or landing. Any damage caused to the flat, stairwell or landing by taking a bike into or out of the building will be charged to you. Any bike left in the stairwell or landing will be removed, as this constitutes a fire hazard.
You may obtain the code/key to the bike shed from the site office, where applicable, or from Pollock Halls Reception Centre. Please ensure you have a good lock for your bike, and that you remove it from the bike shed at the end of your tenancy.
Accommodation, Catering and Events is not liable for any damage caused to bikes kept in the bike shed. Please ensure you have sufficient insurance cover for your bike.
For further information on your insurance cover, please visit: www.cover4insurance.com
Note: additional cover is required for bikes.
The Edinburgh Cycle Hire Scheme operates bike hire stations across the entire city including several accommodation sites. These include Pollock Halls and Riego Street. The bikes can be easily hired with the Just Eat Cycles app. You can find more information here: https://edinburghcyclehire.com/
DAMAGES
BE WARNED: You will be charged for damages!
Respect your accommodation and other residents. Do not damage or vandalise your flat including any of the furniture and fittings. Any damage caused by you or your guests will be charged to you.
Un-attributable damage in shared areas (this includes the stairwells, pantries, kitchens, common rooms and laundries) will be split between ALL the tenants in the House or flat.
We'd like you to leave your room as you found it at the end of the year. This means no holes in the wall and no Blu-Tac stains either.
DISABILITY SERVICE
The Student Disability Service offer guidance and support for disabled students.
DISCIPLINE
All students are subject to the UNIVERSITY CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT
Serious breaches of discipline, whether caused by misuse of the fire equipment, breach of health and safety requirements, or use of illegal drugs will be dealt with under this code.
University Code of Student Conduct
EDINBURGH GLOBAL
Providing essential information for international students.
Emergencies
Ensure you know who to contact in an emergency
MEDICAL
- Contact the University Health Centre, The Richard Verney Health Centre, or your GP (General Practitioner) if registered elsewhere. For the University Health Centre, phone: 0131 650 2777.
- Out of hours, i.e., between 6:00pm and 8:00am on weekdays, at weekends and on public holidays, Lothian Health Service is responsible for medical care. To contact this service, phone NHS 24 on 111. In case of an emergency, call an ambulance by phoning 999.
SECURITY
- If you see an intruder, or anything suspicious, report it immediately to ACE Security Team (phone: 0131 667 1971).
- To report a crime, contact St Leonard's Police Station (phone 101).
- In an emergency dial 999.
ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY
One of Accommodation, Catering and Events' major business objectives is "to operate in a sustainable and environmentally effective and beneficial way". With the introduction in 2009 of a Sustainability Policy, we're actively working to reduce our environmental impact, and making our students and staff more aware of environmental issues.
While you are not paying the electricity bill directly, you are paying for the electricity consumed as part of your rent; please take measures to keep consumption low. This is not only environmentally friendly, but will help to limit increases in rents to meet increasing utility costs. You will receive updates on your power consumption to help you take steps to minimise your usage. You may be charged for excessive use.
RECYCLING
- Please use recycling facilities-more information available in Site/ House Office
- Please ensure that items that may create a fire hazard are not allowed to accumulate in kitchens/pantries.
EUSA
Edinburgh University Student's Association. Find out what your Association can do for you. Providing a wide range of information from What's on to The Advice Place.
FIRE SAFETY
The main causes of fire alarm activations are:
- Fumes from cooking
- Toast and burnt food and grill pans
- Smokers' Materials
- Steam (Including showers, irons and hair straighteners)
- Detector Interference
- Malicious use of fire alarm systems and extinguishers
- Disconnection of Door Closers
- Use of candles
- Aerosol use
- Heaters
Candles
Candles are a fire risk and are not permitted in University managed accommodation
Any student contravening this regulation will be fined up to a maximum of £250 under the code of student conduct.
FIRE ALARMS & WEEKLY TESTS
The weekly Fire alarm test is carried out by Accommodation, Catering and Events' staff. A different call point is tested every week. You do not have to leave your room during an alarm test, but if the alarm sounds for longer than 15-20 seconds then you must vacate the building.
All Houses are equipped with a Fire Alarm system. These have been installed for your safety and any misuse is a criminal offence. The break-glass in each House should only be used in the event of a fire. Each kitchen is equipped with a heat detector and each room with a smoke detector
NEVER COVER SMOKE AND HEAT DETECTORS, WEDGE OPEN FIRE DOORS OR DISCONNECT DOOR CLOSERS.
THIS IS STRICTLY AGAINST THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF YOUR TENANCY AND WILL RESULT IN A FINE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF £250.00
In the event of a fire, you should evacuate the building immediately; you must ALWAYS vacate the building when you hear the fire alarm. Please note that failure to leave the premises is a criminal offence; the Fire brigade may press charges and you will be subject to a fine up to a maximum of £250 under the code of student conduct. You may not re-enter the building until the Security Team/Fire Brigade has attended the scene, has ascertained that the building is safe and has given its consent for re-occupancy.
Please ensure that you read the fire alarm notice posted in your room.
Please do not use hairdryers, straighteners, aerosols, directly under the detector head in your room, as this may activate the alarm and charges could result.
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
NEVER TAMPER WITH FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT. It is irresponsible. Damaged or expended equipment can cost lives.
NOTE: ANY tampering with fire safety equipment is viewed seriously by the University and the Fire Brigade. It will result in DISCIPLINARY ACTION (See section 'D' for disciplinary) being taken against YOU, including a fine of up to £250.00. On occasion, such activity has resulted in CRIMINAL CHARGES being pressed against students.
However, if you use a fire blanket or extinguisher on a genuine fire, please inform the House/Site Office immediately and they will arrange to get it replaced.
GUEST POLICY
Please note that guests are only permitted to stay for a maximum of three nights. Residents who wish for their guests to stay longer should make contact with their Warden/ARLC via the site email address to request permission.
HARASSMENT
Contact your Warden or Accommodation Manager if you are suffering HARASSMENT
The University prohibits harassment of any type. This includes any threatening or offensive behaviour or language expressed orally or in writing, including electronically. We recommend that you take particular care when using social media web sites.
You are strongly encouraged to review the University guidelines on dignity and respect
For further advice and support contact The Advice Place
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Maintaining Health and Safety is everyone's responsibility, staff and students. To help you play your part please read our Health and Safety Guidelines for Students.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Students
APPLIANCES
The kitchens in self-catered accommodation are equipped with kettles, fridges/freezers, cookers and microwave ovens. Tidiness in the kitchen and security of food are responsibilities shared by the residents. Any additional appliances brought in by tenants for use in the kitchen must be fused and earthed to comply with UK electrical safety requirements.
The main cause of the loss of power in student accommodation is the circuit breakers tripping due to the use of non-compliant appliances and adaptors. This can lead to loss of power in the kitchen and so loss of food in the fridge/freezer.
Any adapters used must also comply with this leaflet
Additional cooking appliances (including kettles) and heaters are NOT permitted in bedrooms. Any such appliances found will be instructed to be removed by the individuals responsible.
FEELING UNWELL?
Upon arrival you should register with a local GP (Medical Practice). The University has its own Health Centre, the Richard Verney Health Centre, located in the Student Centre at Bristo Square; you may wish to register there. After registering, you should complete the medical notice in your room; this will help in the event of a medical emergency. For those unable to register with the University health service you will find details of local G.P surgeries via this web site:
If you have any special requirements linked to your health, which have not already been addressed, please contact your Accommodation Manager/Warden to discuss these.
| Service | Contact on |
|
Doctors and Pharmacy (University of Edinburgh, Richard Vernery Health Centre, Bristo Sqaure) |
Tel: 0131 651 2777 |
| Dentist | A full list of dentists in Edinburgh can be found here |
| Out of Hours Medical Advice - NHS 24 (provides health advice, available when GP Practices are closed). | Tel: 111 |
INSURANCE
As part of your tenancy agreement, you automatically receive basic contents insurance for your room. You should check the details of amounts insured:
Please note that additional cover is required for bikes and mobile phones.
If you have expensive items which exceed the stated limits, you are advised to take out further insurance to cover these. Please research which insurance provider best meets your needs.
If you are making a claim in relation to theft, you will be required to provide a crime reference number.
Information on your insurance can be found on your properties' webpage through the 'pdf download' button on the 'rooms available' tab through our accommodation search.
INTERNET AND TELEPHONY
Information on telephone and internet services in your property
KEYS
Please check the arrival info pages for key collection dates and locations
Always report any loss of keys / swipe cards / fobs immediately to the site/house office, or if this is closed, to the Pollock Halls Reception Centre. If you think the keys have been stolen, please contact the Police as well.
If you lose your key(s), the cost of replacements is £20.00 per set. Please do not tag your keys with an address - if a tagged key is lost the lock will have to be changed, as this has implications for your safety; the cost of doing the work will be charged to you.
Never give your key to anyone else. If you are locked out of your flat and require assistance from staff to get back into the flat, the following charges will apply:
|
Monday – Friday |
||
|
Time Period |
Access Granted By: |
Charge Attached? |
|
09.00 – 15.00 |
Local site staff |
£5 |
|
15.00 – 18.00 |
Site Porter/Security (as available) |
£5/£20 as appropriate |
|
18.00 – 23.00 |
Duty Residents Assistant |
£5 |
|
After 23.00 |
Security |
£20 |
|
Saturday & Sunday |
||
|
Time Period |
Access Granted By: |
Charge Attached? |
|
09.00 – 23.00 |
Duty Residents Assistant (by arrangement) |
£5 |
|
After 23.00 |
Security |
£20 |
All times when security has to attend, the cost is £20.
Please refer to your offer of accommodation for your correct postal address
NOISE
Noise should be kept to a minimum after 10:00 pm, and special consideration should also be given during exam time. If you are experiencing a problem with noise, please contact your Warden/ Accommodation Manager or ACE Security.
REPAIRS
It is your responsibility to report REPAIRS needed in your accommodation
Any repairs required in your home should be reported either by e-mail to your site Accommodation Manager or on a repair form in the Site/House Office. Please do not rely on the Domestic Staff to report repairs for you - this is not their responsibility. Please do not assume that someone else has reported a repair; they usually haven't!
In the event of an emergency repair and the site/house office is unattended; please contact the Pollock Halls Security on 0131-667-1971 or 0 from the phone in your room (Pollock Halls only).
Please note that University maintenance staff and outside contractors may require access to your flat and room to carry out repairs and maintenance. If you have reported a repair, you have granted permission for access to your home. All University of Edinburgh personnel have some form of identification; please ask to see if you are in any doubt about someone requiring access to your room.
If you have not received an acknowledgment of your repair within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) of reporting it, please contact your Accommodation Manager/House Office again.
Planned or routine maintenance will be notified 48hrs in advance.
RESIDENCE LIFE
The Residence Life team, (Wardens & Resident Assistants) are there to provide opportunities for you to meet others and provide a supportive community for you to live in. They can also offer support and advice when needed.
SECURITY MATTERS
Lock doors - ask for ID - report incidents
Ensure that your bedroom door is closed and locked at ALL times, even when you are in. It is also essential that you close your windows when you go out. Thefts can occur when students leave their rooms unattended and unlocked, however briefly.
Do not allow strangers to enter the building, and ensure the main door to the building is locked whenever you leave or enter the House. You will become familiar with the staff working in your accommodation, all University personnel should have either name tags or identification badges. Please do not hesitate to ask for identification from anyone who requires access to your accommodation.
In the event of your room being broken in to, please contact the Police on 101 to report the crime. Please also inform the Security team on 0131-667-1971 or 0 from the phone in your room (Pollock Halls only) and they will arrange for any repairs required to doors or windows.
Accommodation Catering and Events employ security staff who are based at Pollock Halls 24 hrs a day. If you require assistance from the Security Team, please contact them at any time on 0 from your bedroom handset (Pollock Halls only) or 0131-667-1971 from an external phone. You can also contact them via e-mail at Security24-7@ed.ac.uk. The Security Team always carry identification with them to prove who they are.
For the Security team to provide appropriate assistance to you please detail as much information about yourself and the situation you are reporting as possible. From the information given the Security staff will assess and decide whether immediate action is required or whether your email/call should be passed to an Accommodation Manager or the Residence Life staff for further action.
SMOKING
All of our accommodation is non-smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes. A fine up to a maximum of £250 will be applied under the Code of Student Conduct if any resident or their guest/s are found to be smoking in any of our accommodation.
SUSTAINABILITY
Help reduce our environmental impact
One of Accommodation, Catering and Events' major business objectives is "to operate in a sustainable and environmentally effective and beneficial way". With the introduction in 2009 of a Sustainability Policy, we're actively working to reduce our environmental impact, and making our students and staff more aware of environmental issues.
TELEVISIONS
There are heavy penalties for failing to have a Television licence
Every TV set requires a TV licence - this means that if you have a TV (including a TV card in your PC) you are required to have a TV licence.
Please note that it is YOUR responsibility to pay for the licence, and the fines for noncompliance with the law are extremely heavy. Licences and information on methods of payment are available from Post Offices.
UNHAPPY WITH YOUR ACCOMMODATION?
TRANSFERS - Read this BEFORE making arrangements to leave your accommodation
If you wish to transfer at any time before the end of your tenancy agreement, you must first discuss the matter with a member of the Allocations Staff, who will assess the situation and advise you as appropriate; they can be contacted via the Reception Centre at Pollock Halls. If you wish to transfer to another Hall of Residence or to a University Flat - and there is a suitable vacancy available - you can transfer on payment of a £50 administration fee. This charge covers the time and resources necessary to make the arrangements, adjust our systems and produce the required paperwork for any agreed transfer to take place. However, transfers will not normally be considered before week 6 of the first semester.
CAN I CANCEL EARLY?
If you withdraw from University you will be released from your Accommodation contract otherwise you must find a suitable replacement tenant to take your place. In line with your contract terms and conditions, if you vacate your accommodation without receiving official, written permission to do so, you will be liable to pay all rents due until your accommodation is occupied by another tenant agreed by the University.
VOTING
Use your VOTE
It is important that you register to vote.
To check your eligibility to vote and for advice on how to register to vote
- phone: 0131 344 2500
- or email: enquires@lothian-vjjb.gov.uk
- or visit: http://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk
