If you’re not sure what to expect from university accommodation, or how to prepare for your move, we’ve addressed all the most common queries here. Remember, you can always get in touch if there’s something we’ve missed.
Will my contents be covered by any insurance?
All accommodation in the BU accommodation portfolio benefits from personal contents insurance.
It is important all students understand their level of cover to ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered. Once you receive the details of your cover from your accommodation team please check:
- What is and what isn’t covered
- Key exclusions - where cover isn’t provided
- Policy excess – the amount you pay when you make a claim
- How to make claim
- Personalise cover
If you live in Dorchester House, Student Village, Unilet or St John's your personal contents cover is provided by Cover4Insurance (select for more information)
If you live in any other sites within the BU portfolio your personal contents is provided by Endsleigh (select for more information)
What do I need to bring?
You don’t need to bring lots with you and you should be aware that most student bedrooms have limited space and storage but there are a few important things that you should remember to bring. Visit our preparing to move here web page for a list of handy items.
What items are supplied in my accommodation?
Do you get a kettle, microwave, toilet brush etc? View our handy table (pdf 172kb) of what items are supplied in which accommodation.
What standards should I expect in my accommodation?
As a minimum, all sites within the BU accommodation portfolio conform with standards as set out in one of the approved National Codes of Standards. Find out more about these codes.
All Unilet houses conform to the HMO standards as defined by the local Council. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions web page or by visiting the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council website.
When can I move in?
January 2025 entry
Your contract commences on Saturday 25 January and you can collect your keys from this date. Your accommodation provider will be in touch nearer the time with further information about your arrival.
September 2025 entry
If you have secured a room in the BU accommodation portfolio then your accommodation contract commences on Saturday 20 September. However, you can arrive earlier, from Thursday 18 September, at no extra cost.
At the beginning of September, we will be in contact with details of your online pre-arrival induction, where you will get a lot of important information about your accommodation. Once you have completed your induction, you will then be able to book your arrival slot.
Can I bring my bicycle?
Yes. We would encourage you to do so. All halls of residence and both campuses have secure cycle parking provision. We recommend that you bring a Gold Standard D lock to secure your bike within our secure compounds and don't forget your helmet and lights!
Does the accommodation have internet access?
All of our accommodation has wireless internet access, the cost of which is included in the rent. You will be subject to a fair usage policy in relation to the internet services in your building and we cannot guarantee that high bandwidth activities can always be supported. You will be supplied with full details on how to connect to the internet when you move into your accommodation.
Are guests allowed to stay in my accommodation with me?
Each hall has its own guest policy that will be supplied but you are normally allowed over-night guests so long as you sign them in with your local accommodation team. You will also be responsible for your guests and their behaviour for the duration they are staying with you.
Do I need a TV licence?
You will need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or record live programmes (including BBCiplayer) on any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder. Depending on where you live and what type of tenancy agreement you have, you may need a separate TV licence to watch such programmes on a device in your own room. If you vacate your accommodation for the summer you can apply for a refund. Without a valid licence, you risk prosecution and a maximum penalty of up to £1,000, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay. Find out more.
Are parties allowed in the flats/houses?
We want you to enjoy yourselves during your time in your accommodation but you need to understand that you are sharing your accommodation with other students. We ask that you are respectful of your flatmates and neighbours and keep any noise to a minimum. Further information will be available in your accommodation contract and associated rules.
Is car parking available?
Please do not bring a car as there is no parking provision within the student accommodation or at the BU campus sites. We recommend walking, cycling or taking public transport to get to/from campus and for travelling around the local area. There is plenty of secure cycle storage at the halls of residences and the campuses. Remember to bring your helmet, D lock and lights.
What about anti-social behaviour?
Serious anti-social behaviour, including bullying, is unacceptable and, if proven, will be a breach of your accommodation contract and BU Student Agreement. Any allegation of anti-social behaviour will be investigated by an accommodation manager under the disciplinary procedure (which, if proven, may result in eviction from your accommodation and could also impact on your academic course). If you experience anything that could be this type of behaviour we ask that you speak with a member of your local accommodation team immediately.
What about drugs and alcohol?
Drugs
We cannot accept the use, sharing or selling of illegal substances in our accommodation. It is against the law but also will be a breach of your accommodation contract and BU Student Agreement. If you are found with illegal substances you will be dealt with by an accommodation manager under the disciplinary procedure (which may result in eviction from your accommodation and could also impact on your academic course). We will also report any incidents to the police so they can take their own action against you.
Alcohol
While we want you to have an amazing time and immerse yourselves in the excitement of the start of term, we'd also like to encourage the concept of mindful drinking. Mindful drinking is an attitude. It's the attitude that you can change the way you think and feel about alcohol for the better. When you drink mindfully, you become aware of how your body and mind are affected and can decide whether you're drinking for the right reasons. You get that bit of space to pause, reflect and take control of your actions. For many people, this can involve swapping some alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic ones, sticking to a certain number or type of drinks, choosing lower-alcohol options or cutting out alcohol entirely to pursue another goal (exams, projects, fitness, etc).
Is there a cleaning service?
It is your responsibility for keeping your flat clean and tidy. There will be periodical inspections of the accommodation to check that you are all working together to keep it in good condition. If it is found that you are unable to maintain the accommodation to an acceptable standard then cleaners can be contracted and you and your housemates charged (cost of charges will be supplied by your local accommodation team).
How is excessive noise dealt with?
Living in a student community you do have to expect noise! You will be living with lots of other students and we ask that you show consideration for them when it comes to noise. We request that you keep noise to an acceptable level at all times and persistent offenders will be spoken to by the local accommodation team, with serious incidents being dealt with by an accommodation manager under the terms of your accommodation contract.
Is smoking allowed in the rooms/flats?
Smoking (including vaping) is not permitted in any of our accommodation. Information on the designated smoking areas for each accommodation will be supplied upon your arrival.
Can I stick posters on the walls?
Please avoid sticking or pinning posters or pictures on the walls of your room, you may be charged for repainting if there are marks left on walls when you move out. There are pin boards supplied in most rooms that you can use for this.
Can I bring pets?
No. You cannot have any pets in your accommodation.
What laundry facilities are available?
There are on-site laundry facilities in all of the halls of residence and unilet houses for you to use.
How much do the laundry facilities cost?
| Laundry Costs in Residences (correct as at September 2024) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence | Laundry operated by | Cost of Wash (£) | Cost of Dryer (£) |
| Cranborne House | Washstation | 2.70 | 1.30 |
| Corfe House | Circuit | 3.70 | 2.20 |
| Purbeck House | Circuit | 3.50 | 2.10 |
| Bailey Point | Circuit | 3.40 | 2.20 |
| Chesil House | Washstation | 2.70 | 1.30 |
| Dorchester House | Circuit | 3.00 | 2.00 |
| Lulworth Housing | Circuit | 3.20 | 2.20 |
| Lyme Regis House | Washstation | 2.70 | 1.30 |
| Okeford House | Washstation | 2.70 | 1.30 |
| Student Village | Washstation | 2.70 | 1.30 |
Are there prayer rooms in the accommodation?
No, however, we do have a prayer room on our Talbot Campus on the first floor of Talbot House within the Faith & Reflection Service.
What do we do about rubbish?
Bins will be provided but you need to remove all rubbish/waste from your accommodation. Information about recycling and where your bins are located will be supplied when you move in.
Do bills have to be paid separately?
All bills such as internet, gas, water and electricity, are included in the rent.
What happens if something breaks or does not work?
You can report any fault to your accommodation team who will arrange for it to be fixed. Details of how to report maintenance will be supplied to you upon your arrival.
What should I do about condensation?
Condensation can be a common problem in shared accommodation where several people are living together cooking, showering and generally living communally, as a lot of moisture is generated. One of the best ways to avoid condensation is to ventilate by opening windows and using extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom when you are cooking or showering. You should also keep the kitchen and bathroom doors closed when these rooms are in use to prevent the moisture circulating. The build-up of condensation in the accommodation can lead to the emergence of mould if not managed. If this happens report it to your local accommodation team immediately.
What should I do in an emergency?
In the event of a fire and/or fire alarm activation, you should evacuate the accommodation immediately and call 999 to request the fire brigade.
In the event of any other type of emergency, e.g. to report a crime, a serious accident, a bomb alert or suspected terrorist activity, you should call 999 and request the approproriate emergency service.
You should also call BU's 24/7 emergency number 01202 962222 to report the incident so the university can support as required.