Residents handbook African Inn Fall2012

Resident’s Handbook

African Inn

Rules and Regulations Fall 2012

Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction ……………......................................... 5 Chapter 2 The first few days in Rotterdam…………..………… 6 Chapter 3 During your stay in Rotterdam………………………10 Chapter 4 Facilities………………………………………………..… 13 Chapter 5 Final things to know…………………………………...16 Chapter 6 Important phone numbers………………………..….17 Chapter 7 Find your way in Rotterdam………………………….20

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African Inn International residence with studios. This 8 floor building is situated in a dynamic, multicultural neighbourhood on the South Bank of the city, close to Hoboken campus (Erasmus MC) and has quick access to the Woudestein complex. Travelling time by public transport is approximately 35 tot 40 minutes, by bike the journey takes you half an hour. For more travel information please visit http://www.ret.nl/ .

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Information about the building Building:

International student flat

Type of unit:

individual (1 studio)

Size studio:

21 - 33 m2

Bathroom & kitchen:

individual

Facilities for washing & drying:

available for common use inside the building (free of charge)

Telephone & Internet:

included in the rent

TV/radio:

cable connections available, no sets

Parking facilities:

available (free of charge)

City area:

Afrikaanderwijk (South Bank)

Address:

Christiaan de Wetstraat (Postal Code: 3072 VA)

Each room has a bed, mattress, mattress cover, notice board, wardrobe, desk, desk chair, bookcase and bedside table. Your kitchen has 2 hotplates and a fridge.

The mattress cover is to extend the life span of the mattress and can be washed regularly in the washing machine. Therefore the mattress cover should always be placed over the mattress. The mattress cover is not meant to sleep on it, so you should always put a fitted sheet over the mattress cover. The mattress cover should be washed and left clean on the mattress when moving out.

BUILDING INFORMATION • Central floor: Mailbox Bicycle sheds (4 separated spaces) • Second floor: Room 200: Managers and Resident’s Assistant’s office Mailbox at the wall outside room 200 • Third floor: Common room Washing machines and dryers • Fifth floor: Resident’s Assistant’s appartment • On each floor: At the end of both corridors (close to room G and M) there is a HOUSEKEEPING room, this is a common room for mutual use of the vacuum cleaner, ironing board and flat-iron. Please immediately return the borrowed item after using it. The key of this room is also placed in the kitchen of your apartment.

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Chapter 1 - Introduction Welcome to Rotterdam University, we hope you will enjoy your stay in residence African Inn. In this handbook you will find all relevant information and regulations which apply in residence Living together As most European schools, Rotterdam University offers community housing only. The student apartment buildings are located in parts of Rotterdam where not only students are domiciled.

There are also families living there. It is unlawful for any person to make, continue, cause or permit any unnecessary, excessive or offensive noise. This includes vocal or instrumental music and related sounds, live or produced mechanically, which disturbs the peace or causes the annoyance or discomfort.

Please bear in mind that there are children who go to bed early, working people who need a good night’s sleep and students who have to study for their exams. This means that you have to keep the noise down inside as well as outside the building, especially during the evenings and nights. Do not wake up the entire neighbourhood and all the other tenants in the building when you come home after an evening out.

A large student building has advantages and disadvantages. It is a social environment and you are never alone.

Sometimes tenants are bothered by their surroundings, for example, when your neighbour plays his stereo every night at maximum volume or does not clean kitchen, bathroom and so on.

Please note that in the Netherlands it is very common that you are quiet from 22.00 – 8.00 hrs. Usually tenants can sort out this kind of problems themselves; do not hesitate to talk to your neighbours if you want to solve a problem. If problems are not solved and you cannot come to an agreement, you can send your complaint to Student Housing Office. Student Housing Office will send a written warning and/or invite the tenant causing inconveniences. If the inconveniences continue a penalty will be given to the tenant causing inconveniences. Student Housing Office will also inform the study department at Rotterdam University and the home university about the misbehaving student.

“Be a good tenant and live in peace with each other, then life is easy!”

Length of stay In general new tenants arrive three times a year; at the beginning of each semester often in August and February and for summer courses in July or August.

Rooms offered by Rotterdam University can only be rented for one semester depending on the duration of your exchange period. Students who intend to follow the 2 semesters’ exchange should mention that on their housing reservation forms. GRSS students can only rent for one semester. These students should start apartment hunting as soon as possible after arrival to avoid unnecessary housing problems at the end of the first semester. Plan accordingly! This restriction is to ensure new students accommodation upon arrival.

Overstaying your contract (even for a few days) often results in losing your deposit.

Changing or canceling your rental agreement Once the housing contract is signed, it is not possible to change or cancel it. Changing rooms is NOT allowed due to safety precautions.

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Chapter 2 – The first few days in Rotterdam Rent Rent for rooms in residence African Inn is inclusive of furniture, local taxes, internet, gas, electricity and water. The first rent has to be paid at the front office of the rental company and owner of the building, Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen.

Address: Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen Goudsesingel 66 3011 KD Rotterdam Tel: 010 - 8007200 www.stadswonen.nl From then on you will receive an invoice for the rent each month. Rent has to be paid in advance every month before the first day of the month. Rent can be paid with a credit card (Visa- or Master card), a Dutch debit card or bank transfer. Pre-authorized debit is an efficient way of paying your rent as well. This way your bills are automatically deducted from your bank account.

For more information on pre-authorized debit, contact Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen shortstaystadswonen@vestia.nl. Rent cannot be paid in cash. Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 9.00 – 17.30 hours.

Please make sure to save all bank statements and/or receipts concerning rent payments so when you are leaving for home, you can prove that you paid all rent.

If you fail to pay your rent in time, Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen will send you a reminder and will charge a late payment fee of € 10,00.

Rent debts will affect the release of grade lists or diplomas.

Rent increase Each year rent for rooms in residence African Inn will increase with a maximum of 4% due to the annual rise of predominantly city and county taxes, the rise of city services and utilities and the actual rent. Rotterdam University also withholds the right to increase the rent at the beginning of Spring semester.

Registration with the local authorities Each international (exchange) student who will stay in Rotterdam longer than 4 months needs to register with the local authorities (GBA office at city hall). You will need a ‘Verhuurdersverklaring’ to register. This is a declaration by your landlord that he agrees with you registering and using one of his addresses. Upon arrival you will receive this form from Student Housing Office.

Visa and MVV For information regarding Visa and MVV you can contact the GRSS office RBS@hr.nl.

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Banks and currency Today’s Dutch currency is the Euro. Most people in the Netherlands pay with cash or (Dutch) debit cards in stores.

It will take approximately two to three weeks to set up a Dutch bank account. When you go to the bank you will need your housing contract, letter of acceptance which you received from the International Office, your id-card or passport and a social security number (sofinummer). Please contact the ‘Belastingdienst’ for more information on the social security number http://www.belastingdienst.nl/variabel/buitenland/en/citizen_service_number/citizen_service_number04.html. Credit cards are accepted in most stores but not in most supermarkets and small shops.

Most accepted cards are Visa- and Master card. There is a wide range of ATM machines.

Insurance Neither Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen nor Rotterdam University has you insured against theft, loss, damages etc. In case of theft, robbery or burglary we strongly suggest you report this to the police and ask for a copy of the report, as your insurer might need this to consider your claim.

The address of the nearest police station: Maashaven N.Z. 5, for assistance call tel. 0900 - 8844 Note that Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen will hold you responsible for all damages to your unit and/or room. Thus, you will be responsible for damages due to break-ins.

There are quite a few insurance companies in the Netherlands. A company that caters to foreign students, staff and employees is AON. For more information, visit their website www.myaon.nl/fellowss. We also urge you to arrange your health insurance before you arrive.

Key (card) All exchange students will receive their keys (cards) directly from Student Housing Office.

Tenants who live in a 2 persons unit will receive a key card.

Tenants who live in a 3 or 5 persons unit will receive a key card.

The key card opens the following doors: main entrance, unit and room.

The steel key opens the following doors: main entrance, unit, room, laundry room, mailbox (steel key), garbage container and door to the basement.

A key of the building must never get into the hands of strangers, as this would result in a risky situation for the entire building, since every key can open the main entrance door of the building.

You can report the loss of your key to Student Housing Office.

Losing your key is not only inconvenient, but also expensive. Student Housing Office will issue a new key which costs € 30,00 per key.

If you lose your key after Student Housing Office hours, you can go to Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen between 16.30-17.30 hours. There you can pick up a new key, which will cost € 40,00 per key. This will be deducted from your housing deposit.

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In case you lose your key or if you have any other urgent housing problems after Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen’s office hours you can call Vestia Rotterdam Stadwonen’s emergency number: 010 – 4123641. A constructor will be sent to your address to fix the problem. We advise to ask for the costs before the constructor is sent to your address, because this service is not free of charges.

On the end date of your housing contract you need to return the keys you received upon arrival to Student Housing Office. Failure to do so will result in a penalty of € 100,00.

Penalties Checklist Upon arrival in residence African Inn, you should find your room and unit clean. When you move into your room, make sure you complete the checklist and return it to Student Housing Office within the term that is noted on the checklist. This checklist will be used as a reference in future checkout reports. After you have left, you will not be charged for any damage that was already present when you moved in; the checklist will prove that you are not responsible. If you do not return it or return it too late, you will be charged for all damages (if any). Please note that the checklist is not a complaint form, it is not passed on to the technical service department of Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen. Any damage reported on a checklist is processed at the Student Housing Office for the purpose of the housing security deposit administration.

Requests for technical repairments can be send to studenthousingoffice@hr.nl.

Penalty system Tenants will be fined for placing garbage in the hallways, stairways, balconies or any other place then in the garbage container. Tenants will also be fined for unnecessary use of the fire-hose, for keeping an unit insufficiently clean, for leaving pieces of furniture like TV-sets etc. in the hallway or outside on the streets around the building or for bringing bicycles in the hallway. It is also forbidden to take your shopping trolley into the building.

Ignoring one of the house rules (you will find them in this document and on your room door) will result in a fine given by the student manager (Resident’s Assistant) or the manager. When you fail to pay this fine you will be invited for a meeting by Stadswonen. We will also inform student housing office about disregarding one of the house rules.

In case of other damages or costs like (due to irresponsible behaviour): damaged carpet by e.g. cigarette ends, cleaning cost, water damages, damaged smoke detectors etc in the corridors (or rooms), will be charged the responsible person. In case there is no particular person responsible we will charge everybody who is living on this floor.

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The following fines apply: • • • • • •

A rubbish bag left anywhere outside your unit Items left in the halls Unnecessary use of the fire hose Removing a door-closer Noise pollution, playing music too loud, etc.

Keeping an unit insufficiently clean

• • • • •

Leaving furniture like TV-sets, etc. in hallway Parking bicycles and shopping carts in the common areas.

Setting up cables/wiring through walls, doors, windowsills etc.

Any other damage done to the building both in- and outside Having kitchen sink or other drain unclogged

€ 25,00 to € 75,00 € 25,00 to € 100,00 € 100,00 € 50,00 € 25,00 to € 100,00 € 50,00 per resident per inspection € 25,00 to € 100,00 € 50,00 € 50,00 to € 300,00 € 50,00 to € 2.000,00 € 100,00

When you check out of your room, the caretaker and Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen will inspect your unit and room. You are obliged to leave the unit and room in the same condition as you find it when you moved in.

Examples of charges made after final checkout:

• • •

Bedroom door unlocked Mattress missing Mattress cover dirty or missing Removal of personal items trash) furniture) Refrigerator not cleaned and emptied Cables and wiring left Extra cleaning

• • • • •

Repainting room Removing graffiti Removing clothing lines Smoking in your room House rules (on your room door)

• • • •

€ 25,00 € 200,00 € 25,00 € 50,00 (e.g. clothing, to € 250,00 (e.g. € 80,00 € 50,00 - € 300,00 € 100,00 bedroom, € 300,00 common area (toilet, kitchen, shower) € 500,00 € 100,00 tot € 500,00 € 25,00 € 100,00 – 500,00 € 10,00

These lists of rules are not exhaustive! In case of misbehaviour, appropriate measures will be taken. These fines are to be paid to the caretaker in cash. Fines not paid are taken out of your deposit. Misbehaviour in the apartment buildings is expensive. If Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen or Student Housing Office fines are not paid, they will be deducted from your deposit with a 50% increase.

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Chapter 3 - During your stay in Rotterdam Your residence is just 15 minutes away from city centre by metro. Travel distance to Student Housing Office by bike: approx. 25 minutes. Walking distance to metro station: 10 minutes. For more travel information please visit http://www.ret.nl/?sc_lang=en. Across the street there is a shopping center.

Guests and unauthorized occupancy A resident may not sublet, transfer, or share a room, nor may an unassigned person reside there at any point during the academic year, including Summer. A resident may not trade places with another person in or out of the Rotterdam University housing system. If a resident is discovered at any point to be in violation, Rotterdam University reserves the right to cancel his or her housing contract and take disciplinary action as appropriate.

Safety You have to know some safety rules for your own safety and the safety of other tenants.

• Due to Fire Department Regulations and Safety Regulations bicycles, shopping carts etc. are not allowed in the common areas of this building. Taking shopping carts outside the premises of the supermarkets is considered theft and will be dealt with accordingly.

All foreign objects will be removed at your expense.

• Do not open the main entrance door for people you do not know! Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen, Student Housing Office and the cleaning company have keys to the building.

Always close the door when you leave your unit.

• There are fire-hoses in each unit in this apartment building to make sure damage is limited in case of a fire. These hoses must only be used in case of fire. If they are misused the carpet will be damaged and it will cause flooding and leakages. Penalties for misuse are charged to an entire unit if the tenant responsible does not come forward.

• Hallways and stairways must be kept empty, as they serve as fire exits.

• Never throw burning cigarettes on the floor or in a garbage bin. Never put cigarettes out on the carpet.

• Please note that you could also contribute to the improvement of your own safety, for instance: close and lock your (windows and) room and unit door when you leave your room and at night as prevention of burglary.

Also as a measure of precaution, we suggest you scan your passport, credit cards and insurance policy and keep it in your E-mailbox or make copies and keep them on you during your stay abroad. Note that in the Netherlands you are obliged to always have your id-card or passport with you. You should be able to show them in case a police officer asks for it. If you are not able to identify yourself it will cost you at least € 60,00.

Prohibited items You may not have hazardous items in your room at all. Possession of any items listed below will result in disciplinary action.

Prohibited items include: • Incense • Candles • Air conditioners • Electric cooking grills • Firearms or lethal weapons of any sort • Fireworks or explosives

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• • • • • •

Flammable liquids Gas-powered equipment Laser pointers Lighted smoking materials Pyrotechnic devices of any sort Heaters

Bikes There are a number of bike shops where one can buy both new and used bikes. Near the city centre there is the ‘All Bikes shop’ (Jonker Fransstraat 91-93 www.allbikes.nl) or ‘Megabike’ near metro station Oostplein (Burgemeester van Walsumweg 2 www.megabike.nl). Second hand bikes can be bought at most bike shops and the bike shelter under Central Station.

A bike shed is available in the basement of the building. Storage of bikes inside the building is prohibited. Bikes left in the entrance hall, corridors, on the parking lot or against one of the fences will be removed.

Pets Because of public health regulations, pets are NOT permitted in the apartments under any circumstances including brief visits or temporary stays. This includes but is not limited to dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, snakes or other reptiles, spiders, mice and other rodents.

Right of entry Rotterdam University and/or Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen reserve the right to enter a room or unit at any time when imminent danger to life, safety, health or property is reasonably suspected as determined by the Student Housing Office, Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen or their authorized representative.

They also reserve the right to inspect the condition of the room or apartment, conduct a room inventory, to show an apartment or room to prospective residents, to inspect for fire and health hazards, to enforce the rules and regulations of the ‘resident’s handbook’, to make repairs, installations, additions or alterations to the room or unit or building or to remove placards, signs, fixtures, alterations or additions to the premises which are in violation with Rotterdam University standards.

For your own safety: refuse entrance to unknown persons!

Garbage Your garbage needs to be taken to the large containers located in the basement of the residence.

For safety and hygienic reasons it’s not allowed to leave garbage (bags), boxes, furnishing, empty bottles or other items in the hall of your unit, in corridors and staircases nor in the street, even if the containers are full. Breaking this rule leads to a fine of € 25,00.

Containers and usage: - for garbage, in basement of the building - for glass, yellow, outside - for paper, blue, outside If you have large items in your unit which you do not intend to take with you when moving out, you need to make an appointment with Roteb (the local garbage company) to collect the large items. This service is for free. Make sure to contact Roteb at least 3 weeks in advance to schedule the pickup.

Roteb Tel: 14010

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https://concern.ir.rotterdam.nl/grofvuil-www/home (Dutch website) - choose for afspraak maken.

Drugs in the Netherlands The Dutch attitude towards drugs is a bit ambivalent. According to Dutch law, the possession, use, transportation and/or sale of drugs is a crime. However, the sale of soft drugs (e.g. marihuana) in small quantities is tolerated in certain selected locations (usually coffee shops).

The Netherlands have a reputation for tolerance towards a substance that is essentially illegal, but that does NOT mean that anything goes.

As a rule of thumb, you can safely visit a coffee shop, buy a small amount of the weed of your choice and smoke it right there. Although this is essentially illegal, if the law were interpreted strictly, this is tolerated. If you do anything else (e.g. take the drugs with you on the street) that's a good way to get into trouble. Please be aware that you do this at your own risk!

It is not permitted to use or smoke drugs or tabacco in your room!!!

It is not allowed to grow weed plants in this apartment building. The penalty is € 100,00.

Please note the legal drinking age is 16 (18 for liquors) and the legal age for smoking tobacco is 16.

No smoking in the building Smoking in the building is prohibited. Neglecting this prohibition will start the fire alarm!

Smoke detector in your room In case the smoke detector starts beeping please contact the building manager or residence assistant. The beeping means that the battery needs to be replaced. You are not allowed to remove the smoke detector which is attached to the ceiling of your room!

In case of an emergency you will hear the slow whoop (speaker in the corridor), please urgently leave the building by using the stairs, do not use the elevator!

Miscellaneous • Shops Most shops in Rotterdam are open from Monday to Saturday between 9.00 hours and 18.00 hours. Many supermarkets are open between 8.00 hours and 20.00 hours on weekdays.

Shops are mostly closed on Sundays, except shops in the city centre (12.00 hours to 18.00 hours). International food stores are available.

There are shops close by for daily necessities in the Pretorialaan. The public market is twice a week (on Wednesday and Saturday) on the Afrikaanderplein (right in front of the African Inn).

• Public transport Buses, trams and metro (subway) provide frequent service. Rotterdam's municipal public transport system, RET, has an extensive public transport network with excellent connections.

Tickets for the bus or tram can be purchased from the driver. To buy in advance is cheaper and is possible at all railway stations, post offices, at many bookstores and at some cigarette shops. Please visit www.ret.nl/nl-nl.aspx?sc_lang=en for more information.

Train tickets need to be bought before boarding at the railway station. Please visit www.ns.nl/cs/Satellite/travellers for more information.

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Chapter 4 - Facilities You live in a multitenant building and need to keep your room as tidy as possible. Residence African Inn offers a couple of facilities to make your stay comfortable.

Building Manager (office location: 2nd floor , room 200) Mr. Leo Tjong -> +31 6 396 356 20 Telephone number office: +31 10 300 5600 Residence Assistant Eder Linnenbank (location: 5th floor, room 13J) Email : ai.beh@beheerders.stadswonen.nl Telephone number : 06-39635621 Office hours are being held every week in room 200 at the 2nd floor on: - Tuesday from 20.00 hrs till 20.30 hrs - Thursday from 20.00 hrs till 20.30 hrs - Sunday from 20.00 hrs till 20.30 hrs Please do not disturb the residence assistant outside the office hours, except when you are dealing with an urgent problem (such as being locked out).

What to do in case you are locked out: See if the residence assistant is at home or contact him by phone.

This service costs you € 10,00 (from 10.00 hrs am till 22.00 hrs pm) or € 25,00 at night (from 22.00 hrs pm till 10.00 hrs am) See if the building manager is in the office and ask him to open your door for you. In case the building manager is not in his office: - Monday – Friday 9.00 – 16.30 hours (office Student Housing Office): pick up the spare key at Student Housing Office - After office hours Student Housing Office from 16.30 – 17.30 hours: get a new key at the office of the rental company Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen: Goudsesingel 66.

- Call the Stadswonen emergency number at 010-4123641 (after 17.30 – before 9.00 hours) and during weekends, make sure to ask for the costs, because this service is not free of charges.

P lease note the em ergency line is only for em ergencies outside the office hours and if the residence assistant is not at hom e!

Lights You should have one working light in your bedroom. If this is not the case, please send an email to studenthousingoffice@hr.nl .

Lights in the common area (kitchen, toilet and shower) need to be working as well. Stripe lights are replaced by the caretaker.

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The electric current, Hz and plug shape The electric current is AC 220 - 240 volts. Frequency (Hz) is 50. Electrical appliances from the UK are compatible. However, appliances from the US (110 volts / 60 Hz) need step-down transformers. For most appliances from EU countries, a simple adaptor should work for everything except the heavier appliances. These may require transformers as well.

Plug shape is the standard two-pinned type. Plug adapters can be bought in most electrical shops.

Telephone and internet facilities There are no ready-to-use telephone facilities available in the apartment building. Most international students buy a prepaid cell phone (mobile) with a sim card of a Dutch provider.

Some will bring their own cell phone and just buy the sim card. Both cards and phones are widely available at telecom stores throughout Rotterdam.

Internet is available in the dormitory and is included in the rent. User guides for the internet are provided by the Student Housing Office upon arrival. Student Housing Office has a limited numbers of internet cables. There for it is best if you bring your own internet cable.

Washing machine / dryer • Washing machines and dryers are available, free of charge, and can be found on the 3rd floor.

When you would like to use one you need to make a reservation by writing your room number in the diagram in the laundry room. The schedule is available every Thursday after 20:30 p.m.

A maximum of 4 washings per person per week is allowed. When making a reservation for a washing machine you automatically have a reservation for the dryer the next hour. Do not leave laundry unattended. The Student Housing Office nor the student managers are responsible for damaged or lost items. Use of laundry facilities is for residents of the African Inn only.

• Always clean out the spots of your spilled detergent on the floor, the machines and in the reservoirs or simply use a dosage-cap to prevent spilling.

• Prevent fire; always empty the dust filters after usage of the drying machines.

• Dispose your empty detergent boxes and/or garbage in the garbage bin, not next to it.

• Keep the laundry room clean Hygiene inspection Regularly there are hygiene inspections in the apartment building. You are obliged to keep your unit clean at all times. These inspections are not announced, so always keep your unit clean.

The inspectors are very strict. If something is not in order, no excuse will be accepted and the unit has to pay a penalty (see Penalty system). Special interest areas are kitchen, shower and toilet.

Since a new group of students inhabits this building every semester, it is necessary to take good care of the furniture, walls and carpets in order to offer the best possible accommodation to every new guest of the apartment building.

Blocked drains Drain blockages occur because tenants put materials into the drain, which should never go there.

Often liquid materials are put “down the drain”, and then solidify and cause clogging. Remember to just let materials harden, then place in trash, instead of in the drain. Don't pour grease down your drains; keep free of hair and other debris, such as food. To have a plumber come over to fix a plugged sink or fix lavatory and shower drains is quite expensive (€ 100,00) and the whole unit will be charged for the costs if this occurs often.

Vacuum cleaners Vacuum cleaners are available on each floor in the building, they are stored in the closets in the corridors. You will receive a key that gives access to this closet. Be sure to check if the vacuum cleaner needs a new bag before using it and report any problem with the machine to the student

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manager. It is not allowed to keep the vacuum cleaner in your unit as it is meant for common use. Vacuum cleaner bags can be obtained from the student managers during office hours.

General cleaning Residents are responsible for cleaning their rooms and keeping the common areas tidy. All kitchen appliances, work surfaces and benches should be cleaned after use.

Decorating your room Residents are not permitted to alter or add to any part of the building structure, mechanical, or electrical systems.

Students may not make holes, particularly with nails, tacks or screws in the walls, ceiling or floor of their rooms. In every room there is a notice board where you can place your pictures or posters. You will need to state all irregularities on your checklist to avoid charges on your own check out report from Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen.

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Chapter 5 - Final things to know Complaints If you have any complaints about your accommodation, the procedure is as follows.

Before you file a complaint, make sure you have read the ‘Resident’s Handbook African Inn’.

First send a specified email to studenthousingoffice@hr.nl . The caretaker will try to solve the problem or will request Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen to fix the problem. The problem has to be solved within a reasonable time depending on the nature of the problem, contractors, special days (such as holidays) etc. Usually a problem should be fixed within two weeks, three at the most.

If the problem is not fixed within a reasonable time file your complaint directly to Student Housing Office by email studenthousingoffice@hr.nl . Always clearly state your name, address, date, specific information about your complaint (incl. names of those involved) and other information that would help process your complaint.

Deposit Your deposit can only be transferred if all bank information is available, there are no charges, all rent has been paid (not paying your rent due will affect the release of your grades and diploma’s) and the key card and mailbox key are returned to the Student Housing Office in time.

Please make sure you leave your room clean, hand in your key card and mailbox key personally (unless other arrangements have been made with the Student Housing Office) on the end date of your housing contract as we will be compelled to charge € 100,00 per key if you are too late.

When you leave your room make sure your bedroom door and windows are locked, the heating is off and that no garbage and personal items (clothing, furniture, TV sets etc.) are left behind. If you are the last tenant to leave your unit, you will have to empty and clean the refrigerator and garbage can. You also need to turn off the refrigerator by pulling out its plug.

You will be charged for damages and missing items if you leave your bedroom door unlocked after you have moved out.

If the Student Housing Office has all the required information and the key to your room, the payment order (housing deposit minus the handling fee of € 30,00 and possible charges) will be sent to the manager of Student Housing Office who will then sign the order for approval after which the order will be sent to the Finance Department. After checking whether the deposit was indeed received, the money will be transferred. Please note that this procedure might take 2 to 3 months.

NOTE: You will not be able to use the housing security deposit for your last month’s rent payment, as we will not have any security deposit to cover any damages to your room, loss of keys etc. For the very same reasons, we will not be able to return the deposit in cash upon departure. In case we will have to use your deposit to settle any unpaid bills, a € 30,00 surcharge will be imposed.

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Chapter 6 - Important phone numbers Emergencies For all emergencies, no matter if you need the police, an ambulance or the fire brigade you should dial 112.

If you need the police, but it is not an emergency: call 0900 - 8844 For minor medical emergencies, you can call the doctor line: 010 – 4201100.

For minor dental emergencies, you can call the dentist line: 010 – 4552155.

Emergency help in case of accidents can be supplied by every hospital. Assistance is available 24 hours a day. For other matters, you can’t go to the hospital on your own initiative. If treatment in a hospital is necessary, a doctor will refer you. If you should have a medical emergency of the type that requires first aid, you can go straight to the EHBO (First Aid) for assistance. In the case of other types of emergencies, you can dial 112.

An apotheek (pharmacy / chemist) dispenses drugs on prescription from your family doctor or dentist, while drogisterij (drugstores) are limited to a wide range of over-the-counter, nonprescription medicines. Most pharmacies are open Monday to Friday from 9.30 hours to 17.30 hours, with at least one pharmacy on-call in each neighbourhood at weekends and at night. You will recognize a pharmacy by its sign with a snake.

The Dutch word for family doctor or GP is huisarts - which literally translates into 'house doctor'.

The general word for doctor is dokter or arts. If you need to see a doctor we suggest you go and see Doctor Oudeman as he treated our international students before.

Please note that if you visit a doctor (GP) you will need to pay cash. Don’t forget to ask for the receipts as your insurance will need these.

Dr. I.H.P. Oudeman ‘s Gravendijkwal 24 3014 EB Rotterdam Tel. 010 - 436 2243 If you need a dentist (tandarts in Dutch) please go and see Sanasmile Ruyterstraat 4-6 3071 PJ Rotterdam Tel. 010 - 414 1200 Website http://www.sanasmile.nl Vestia Rotterdam Stadswonen Goudsesingel 66 3011 KD Rotterdam Email shortstaystadswonen@vestia.nl Website http://www.stadswonen.nl/website_new/html/short_stay1.html Tel. 010 - 8007200 Stadwonen’s emergency number after 17.30 hours: 010 – 4123641

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Rotterdam University Student Housing Office, room number K.O2.224 B Kralingse Zoom 91 3063 ND Rotterdam Tel. 010 – 7946347 Office hours: daily 10.00 hours – 12.00 hours and 14.00 hours – 16.00 hours Email studenthousingoffice@hr.nl Website www.hr.nl/housing

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Disclaimer The information contained in this Resident’s Handbook is intended for general information purposes only. All information is subject to change without notices. You Should verify all information before relying on it. Decisions based on the information provided are for your own account and at your own risk. The Student Housing Office Rotterdam University has attempted to provide accurate and up to date information. This information may include technical or editorial inaccuracies or typographical errors. The Student Housing Office makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, as to whether information contained in e-mail, sites, letters, brochures etc. is accurate, complete or up to date. The Student Housing Office is not obliged to update the information or to correct inaccuracies or errors. No rights can be derived information.

Last updated: July 2012

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Chapter 7 - Find your way in Rotterdam

Explanation: A: Residence Koningslaan B: Rotterdam University, location C: Rotterdam University, location D: Rotterdam University, location E: Rotterdam University, location F: Rotterdam University, location

Kralingse Zoom Wijnhaven/Blaak Museumpark Academieplein Pieter de Hoochweg

More information regarding public transport in Rotterdam? Please visit www.ret.nl www.9292ov.nl www.ns.nl

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