Student Life Accommodation Edition 2023 by University of Plymouth

STUDENT Accommodation Edition

OUR HALLS OF RESIDENCE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOU GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEW HOME – BRITAIN’S OCEAN CITY

Accommodation Services University of Plymouth Drake Circus Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA

residencelife@plymouth.ac.uk @PlymouthUniAccommodation @plymunireslife @plymunireslife

Francis Drake hall of residence

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH Find your home in our University-managed halls of residence. With the stunning waterfront and local beaches, natural harbour, rich heritage and close proximity to natural wonders such as Dartmoor National Park, Plymouth is a beautiful and unique place to live and study. Living in University-managed halls is the perfect way to meet people and form new friendships without ever being more than a few minutes’ walk from your lecture theatres, the sea or the amazing facilities our city centre campus has to offer. Accommodation you can trust Our six University-managed halls are accredited under Parliamentapproved codes of practice and by Universities UK under the Student Accommodation Code – the only halls in Plymouth holding this accreditation. The code outlines best practice and provides benchmarks for the management and quality of student housing in the Higher Education sector. Our accommodation guarantee We guarantee a place in halls – either University-managed or from accredited private providers – to all undergraduate first-year students who make Plymouth their firm first choice and apply before the date stated on our website.

Inside... P.26 Kelsey’s accommodation tips for your first year Many people get extremely nervous about the ‘living’ aspect of university. Living away from home, sharing with strangers, life in halls, cooking, laundry, living alone etc.

P.6 Our halls of residence With over 1,700 rooms spread across 6 halls of residence, we have accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets and requirements here at the University.

P.16 Accommodation booking guide Guidance on how to secure a place in our halls of residence

YOU’RE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK! We’re well connected by road and rail to the rest of the country, and by ferry to Europe. So it’s easy to get here to start your journey of a lifetime. By rail Plymouth railway station is just a few minutes’ walk from the campus. The regular train service from London Paddington to Plymouth takes around three to four hours. Other direct train services head to Plymouth from across the South West, South Wales, the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland. By coach Plymouth coach station in the city centre is about ten minutes’ walk from the campus. The station offers regular daily coach services from major cities to Plymouth. A typical coach trip from London Victoria to Plymouth takes around six to seven hours. By car Plymouth is easily reached by following the M5 motorway and then continuing on the A38 Expressway at Exeter. It takes about four-and-a half hours from London to Plymouth. Sat nav ref: PL4 8AA.

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With over 1,700 rooms spread across 6 halls of residence, we have accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets and requirements here at the University. Although our halls may differ in size, shape, location and facilities, they all benefit from many of the same support services to ensure that you feel safe and secure while living in Universitymanaged halls.

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Our main campus is located right in the centre of Plymouth, meaning all of our halls are just a few minutes’ walk from the hustle and bustle of city life! Our campus map gives you an idea of how closely our halls are located to one another, the proximity to University buildings such as the library and the SU, and city centre amenities.

All-inclusive bills (contents insurance, heating, water and electricity) Access to free Residence Life events Weekly cleaning of flat kitchens and communal areas 24/7 maintenance Secure WiFi on the University network Dedicated student receptions Laundry facilities Free secure bike storage Free watersport equipment storage

The Student Village The Student Village is located opposite our main campus and is home to four of our six halls of residence. Close to city centre amenities including The Box, local restaurants, bars and cafés, the Student Village is a vibrant student hub, perfect for those wanting to be a part of a friendly student community. The Student Village has its own laundry facilities, free secure bike storage, free watersports equipment storage and a central student reception where you can collect your post, find out about events and speak to our friendly team. On campus Live in the heart of our lively city centre campus and experience the convenience of having University facilities on your doorstep! These include key campus amenities such as the Students’ Union, library, gym, campus cafés and lecture theatres.

ENSUITE Accommodation PRIVATE BEDROOM AND BATHROOM, SHARED KITCHEN.

Your room Enjoy the comfort of your own spacious sleeping and study space, and private wet room bathroom. All of our ensuite rooms are equipped with a fitted wardrobe, desk and chair, bed with underbed storage, an abundance of shelving and storage space. Each bathroom is fitted with a shower, shower curtain, toilet and sink.

Your flat Our ensuite flats have between three and ten rooms and a shared kitchen that varies in size depending on how many flatmates you have. Your flat will have a well equipped spacious kitchen that includes a large fridge freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, electric hob and ample storage space and cupboards. Flats also have a dining area and sofa, making them a great social communal space. Flats that are home to more than six students will benefit from a larger kitchen with double the appliances and storage space.

MARY NEWMAN

On campus 157 ensuite rooms available Various ensuite sizes available Catered option available Single bed in a standard ensuite 5 or 10 bed flats Lift access 41- or 42-week licence available Single occupancy rooms

“Choose Mary Newman because it’s on campus, close to the library and I wanted to be social, so that’s why I chose it!” Annette, Mary Newman resident

FRANCIS DRAKE On campus 315 ensuite rooms available Various ensuite sizes available Catered option available Single bed in a standard ensuite 3–10 bed flats Lift access 41- or 42-week licence available Single occupancy rooms

“I’ve made so many new friends living in halls. It’s the best way to meet people when you start university.” Katie Bradley, Francis Drake resident

2 minute walk to lecture theatres, the SU and the library

ROBBINS

Student Village 162 ensuite rooms available Catered option available Single bed in a standard ensuite 4–8 bed flats

“You’re living in such a tight-knit community that it is really easy to make friends with people from your halls. You meet people not only in your flat but also from the flat across from you, above and below you.” Heather, Robbins resident

41- or 42-week licence available Single occupancy rooms A few minutes’ walk from campus

ENSUITE Accommodation

RADNOR Student Village 408 ensuite rooms available Various ensuite sizes available Catered option available

“ I chose to live in University-managed halls because I feel like you know what you’re getting.” Paula, Radnor resident

PILGRIM

Single bed in a standard ensuite 6 beds per flat 41- or 42-week licence available Single occupancy rooms A few minutes’ walk from campus

ROBBINS

Student Village 237 ensuite rooms available Various ensuite sizes available Catered option available Single bed in a standard ensuite 6, 7 or 8 beds flats 41- or 42-week licence available Single occupancy rooms A few minutes’ walk from campus

“I chose Pilgrim because I felt it was quite a social hall as it was quite close to everyone else in the other halls around it. I liked the ensuites with the private bathrooms which I thought was a cool addition and nice to have.” Imogen, Pilgrim resident

“I chose to live in halls because I wanted to experience the social side of the first year and I thought it would be easier to make new friends and meet new people.” Frazer, Gilwell resident

SHARED PRIVATE BEDROOM, SHARED BATHROOM AND KITCHEN. YOUR ROOM We offer two types of shared accommodation. Loft rooms are located in the top floor flats and feature a Velux skylight window and apex roof while standard rooms are located on the middle and lower floors of each block. Each room features a single bed with space for underbed storage, a desk, wardrobe, shelving and storage, and a vanity basin. YOUR FLAT Our shared facility flats benefit from weekly cleaning of the shared bathrooms, kitchen and communal areas. These flats are home to between 5-8 students and both mixed sex and single sex flats are available. Your flat will have a well equipped spacious kitchen that includes a large fridge freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, electric hob and ample storage space and cupboards. Flats that are home to more than six students will benefit from a larger kitchen with double the appliances and storage space.

 ROBBINS HALL • Student Village • 268 standard and loft rooms • Catered option available • Single sex • Single bed • Vanity basin in room • 4–8 bed flats • 41- or 42-week licence available • Single occupancy rooms • A few minutes’ walk from campus

Robbins standard room

“I did a lot of research and made Robbins hall my first choice. It’s cheap and cheerful. The place feels like it’s lived in and it’s close to campus and the Student Village, plus I have a lovely balcony, which is great. It’s really affordable so I have lots of money left over to buy groceries and to go out!” Elsa – Robbins resident

Robbins loft room

 GILWELL HALL • Student Village • 197 standard and loft rooms • Catered option available • Vanity basin in room • Single bed • 5–6 bed flats • Single sex • 41- or 42-week licence available • Single occupancy rooms • A few minutes’ walk from campus

“Gilwell hall is great value for the price and I have everything I need. The location is awesome as I’m so close to the local shops and really close to the Uni.” Lara – Gilwell resident

Gilwell loft room

Gilwell standard room

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Find out more about our halls of residence

Here at the University we offer a small range of studio flats located in Francis Drake hall. These flats can be adapted to cater for a range of requirements and are generally allocated to students with specific needs. Those with a medical issue, physical access needs or who will benefit from Studio living can enjoy private facilities at the heart of the campus. The halls is conveniently situated in the middle of the University campus with Drake’s Kitchen, the Students’ Union, library, gym and lecture theatres all close by. Our studio flats feature a spacious sleeping and study space equipped with a fitted wardrobe, desk and bed with space for underbed storage, an abundance of shelving and storage space. Each flat is fitted with a shower, shower curtain, toilet and sink. Your flat will have a well equipped spacious kitchen with a large fridge freezer, kettle, toaster, microwave, oven, electric hob and ample storage space and cupboards. There is also a dining area making it a great social space to invite friends back for dinner!

Benefits and facilities • • • • • • • •

On campus 15 studio rooms available Catered option available Double bed Lift access 41- or 42-week licence available Single occupancy rooms 2 minute walk to lecture theatres, the SU and library

ACCOMMODATION BOOKING GUIDE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS Step 1

Step 2

Make sure University of Plymouth is your firm first choice on UCAS.

Receive an email invitation from Residence Life to begin your application. Don’t panic if it doesn’t arrive straight away, it can take up to 72 hours for our system to update after you’ve made us your firm choice.

Step 3 Browse University-managed halls on our website. Top tip: it can be helpful to make a list of pros and cons for each accommodation type/hall. Rooms are booked on a first come, first served basis; the rooms you can see on the Accommodation Portal when you log in are available to book.

Step 5 SPRING 2023: things get official. We will email directing you to the portal to sign your licence agreement and pay two weeks advanced rent. Once complete, your room is confirmed! You will then be invited to join the Facebook group for your hall and you can start getting to know your hall mates.

Step 7 SEPTEMBER 2023: MOVE

INTO YOUR HALL AND EXPLORE YOUR NEW HOME!

Book your accommodation now

Step 4 Made your choice? Head to the booking page to reserve your hall and room type. Make sure you let us know of any special arrangements required, e.g. access needs. Your reservation will be confirmed within 72 hours.

Step 6 SUMMER 2023: you will receive an email with your specific room number and your arrival slot for moving in day. This will also include maps on how to find us, a temporary parking permit for unloading your car and a list of what to bring. Time to get packing!

“An advantage of living in halls is that as part of the application process you complete a personality questionnaire so you are matched with people similar to yourself.” Lauren, Hall resident

CHECK LIST

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

All our rooms come with a desk, chair, wardrobe, shelves and notice board as standard. See the table for specific room types. Ensuite

Mary Newman

Francis Drake

Ensuite (Standard) Ensuite (Large) Ensuite (Extra Large) Ensuite (Standard) Ensuite (3-bed flat) Ensuite (Large) Studio

Pilgrim

Ensuite

Radnor

Ensuite (Large) Ensuite (Superior) Ensuite (Special) Ensuite

Robbins

Ensuite (Superior) Ensuite (Special) Loft

Gilwell

Loft Standard

Single bed

Double bed

Underbed storage

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Standard Ensuite

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Visit our website to find out more about different room types and prices plymouth.ac.uk/accommodation

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It is important to us that you feel comfortable and at home in your accommodation. If you require room adaptations, specific living arrangements or additional items to be added to your room for medical purposes, please ensure you list these during the application process. Accommodation Services work closely with the University Disability Services, so please ensure you contact studentservices@plymouth.ac.uk to find out how they can support you with your accommodation application. We will try to allocate you a room that meets your requirements where possible. Our adapted rooms are located across all our halls of residence.

SINGLE SEX AND ALCOHOL FREE ACCOMMODATION We offer all applicants the option to live in a single sex or alcohol free flat. These flats are located across all of our halls and are perfect for those with specific requirements.

SUPPORT We want you to thrive while living in halls as our accommodation isn’t just for sleeping and studying in, it’s where you’ll build lifelong friendships and make enriching memories that will last a lifetime. Living in halls is a rite of passage and a huge part of your University experience. Moving away from home for the first time to a new city can come with its challenges which is why we offer 24 hour wrap around services to ensure that you feel supported during your time in halls. The Residence Life Halls team

Hi! We’re your Residence Life Halls Team and we’re here to ensure that you make the most of your time in University-managed halls of residence, while feeling safe and supported. Our team is made up of staff and students, and we’re based in halls from 11am - 9pm throughout the year. Our job is to provide support and advice to help you to settle in and integrate into your first year at university and your new home. We have a duty phone number which you can call if you need assistance, advice or if you’re feeling a little homesick and just fancy a chat! During your first few weeks following arrivals, you can expect one of the team to visit your flat and introduce themselves and on what we do. You can take this opportunity to ask us any questions about life in halls, request recommendations for places to explore or eat in Plymouth, or to chat to us about any concerns you may have. We’re also on call to deal with any complaints, to let you into your flat when you forget your keys (yes this will happen a lot) and to organise events in halls! We look forward to meeting you soon, The Halls Team

Hall Officers

Facebook live chat every Monday evening. Here you can privately message the team and speak to them about any financial worries you may have or ask for advice.

Hall Officers are available Monday – Friday to provide support and to deal with more serious issues and complaints in halls. If you would prefer to discuss any issues you may be facing privately, you can book a confidential appointment with a Hall Officer. These appointments may be in person, by Zoom or telephone call back and include early evening slots for your convenience. Hall Officers can assist with: • any concerns you have • advice about your licence • resolving complaints • assisting with communal living issues • serious incidents in halls.

Support is available 24/7

Our friendly campus security team are on site 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year to offer out of hours support to residents living in halls. The team are first aid and mental health first aid trained and are just a phone call away whenever you need them.

International advice

Student Services

The Student Hub is the University’s first point of contact for all non-academic student queries and wellbeing support. Our dedicated advisers are here to help you to get the most out of your time at University. No issue is too big and no question is too small. Our friendly, confidential and impartial team will be pleased to help you.

Budgeting and financial advice

We understand that things like budgeting, monitoring your finances and paying rent can be a completely new and daunting experience for some students, especially those who are moving away from home for the first time! To help our residents get financially savvy and confident in their budgeting abilities, the Accommodation Finance team host a ‘drop-in’ session over

Plymouth is a home away from home for our international students and our International Advice team are here to support you every step of the way. The team work closely with Accommodation Services to offer specialist student immigration advice, and can provide practical tips and advice to help you prepare to move to Plymouth, settle in and get accustomed to the culture.

COMMUNITY Life in halls To help you settle in and integrate into the halls community here at Plymouth we have put together an exclusive Residence Life events programme. These events are a fantastic way to meet new like-minded people outside of your course and flat. As a resident of University-managed accommodation you are automatically enrolled on the programme, and from day one of your life in halls you can join in as many of these events as you would like. Almost all of our events, giveaways and day trips around Devon and Cornwall are free and are the perfect way to make the most of student life.

GET TO KNOW YOUR HALL MATES BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Once you’ve completed your application for a room in halls you’ll be invited to join your private resident Facebook group which you can use to connect to your future neighbours, find out about events and chat to your Halls team.

LIVE SUSTAINABLY Household recycling facilities available in each flat

LIVE CHAT What should I bring? Where’s the best place to do my food shop? How can I access mental health support?

T he University is ranked in the top 10 greenest universities in the country in the People and Planet University League for 2021. Planet University League Paperless check in, inventory and checkout procedures

The Halls Team run a live chat session every weekday between 2pm – 4pm, offering residents the opportunity to ask questions, get advice or to just have a chat if they’re feeling a little homesick.

ensored lighting helping to S conserve energy

Food bank and clothes donation points located around halls at the end of term to reduce wastage

BSC (Hons) Digital Media Design, Robbins Hall Resident Being a first year, I am finding halls of residence such an exciting experience with my University life overall! Meeting new people in halls has helped me to be social towards different kinds of people as well as introducing me to the atmosphere of what university is like. When I first applied for accommodation, I made sure to look at the plan of each hall. If there was an ensuite, what the layout of the halls would look like, how people would share a kitchen, how close it is to campus and so on. I found that whatever I needed to know was on the home page of the University website, and that was very useful, so I would totally check it out if I were you! On top of all that, I looked at what I would be

able to afford, in terms of paying the rent on time. Luckily, the Residence Life team are always there to help, and so in certain circumstances if you were not able to pay the rent on time, they would give you an extension to pay it, which I found very helpful in one situation of mine.

know on the Facebook group page so that you can meet your flat mates online then in person is great! I found that Freshers Week in halls was so much fun, mainly because I got to meet so many different people, not only from my halls, but from all the other halls nearby.

What I also found so useful was the fact that the Residence Life team would always keep me updated about what would be happening with my application, and overall it made the whole experience of being accepted so exciting! I was always looking forward to the next email, and even talking on the phone to them about my application for halls was exciting.

Overall, I would highly suggest that everyone should stay in halls. Even though you might have to share a bathroom, toilet and kitchen, it is an experience I think anyone should live through. The first year of university should be easing you out of college or wherever you are coming from and into an atmosphere where you can easily socialise with people around your age. With me it’s just lounging around and watching YouTube videos with my friends. However, whatever it may be, you would want to have as much of a good time as you can.

Staying in halls now is an experience I think everyone should have. The starting process of getting your room via email then letting people

THE EDEN PROJECT 1 hour drive from campus

With picturesque beaches, the lively Barbican, waterfront harbour and natural wonders such as Dartmoor National Park on your doorstep, studying in Plymouth really is a unique experience! Plymouth offers a rich history, a diverse city and close connections to beautiful Cornish beaches and landscapes. Here’s how some of our residents spend their free time exploring Plymouth and the wider South West.

BARBICAN WATERFRONT 15 minute walk from campus

WEMBURY BEACH 20 minute drive from campus THE HOE 10 minute walk from campus

DRAKE SHOPPING CENTRE 2 minute walk from campus

WHAT TO BRING

checklist

If you are moving into student accommodation you’ll need to bring some essentials with you. Here are a few suggestions!

• Duvet

• Decorative items and pictures to make it homely

• Duvet covers

• Towels and flannels

• Pillows

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

BEDROOM AND BATHROOM ESSENTIALS

• Pillowcases • Flat bed sheets • Mattress protector • Washing basket

KITCHEN ESSENTIALS • A frying pan or wok • Saucepans • Cutlery • Plates and bowls

• Toiletries

• Mugs and glasses

• Toilet rolls

• Food and drink

• Cleaning products

• Utensils • Tea towels • Cleaning products

ADVICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS To avoid additional airport luggage fees, some international students only bring their essentials (clothes, toiletries and homely items) with them and purchase their bedding and kitchen equipment on arrival. There are many budget friendly shops within close walking distance to our halls of residence where you can easily purchase all of these items. Get in touch with the Residence Life team who can advise you on the best places to purchase any items that you cannot bring with you!

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PREPAID CATERED

halls

FORGET ABOUT COOKING, FOOD SHOPPING AND WASHING UP THIS YEAR, AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS OF A FLEXIBLE, PREPAID WAY TO EAT WHILE STUDYING HERE. Enjoy sustainable, locally sourced, fresh food from a range of our award-winning campus cafés with our prepaid catered halls package. Available exclusively to those living in University-managed accommodation, this package spans over 35 weeks of the year, providing your breakfast and a two course dinner from Monday to Friday, excluding the Christmas break and bank holidays.

HOW DOES IT WORK? BOOK YOUR ROOM IN UNIVERSITY-MANAGED HALLS. Residents living in any of our six halls are eligible for the prepaid catered halls package. GET IN TOUCH. Once your accommodation is booked, head to our website or contact catering@plymouth.ac.uk to enquire about our availability, access sample menus and to ask about any specific dietary requirements. CONFIRM AND ENJOY! Confirm your booking on the University eStore before the deadline stated on our website. Just show your student card to the Catering team during the allotted times to claim your meals and enjoy your freshly cooked meal, hassle free!

find out more

Many people get extremely nervous about the ‘living’ aspect of university. Living away from home, sharing with strangers, life in halls, cooking, laundry, living alone etc. In actuality, that first year is the most exciting year! You learn a lot of life skills, meet loads of people, learn more about yourself and make memories that will last you a lifetime. Here are some tips and information to help you make those key decisions when it comes to accommodation at university.

Applying for accommodation

As soon as you receive that well deserved offer from the university, it is time to take the next step, finding your new home! The process is fairly simple. My first suggestion is to create a criteria by which you will find your new ‘home’. How much are you willing to spend in rent? Do you want a small or a

big room? How many people are you comfortable sharing with? Do you want to be close to the university or a bit further? Do you want your bills included? Do you want to share a bathroom? What amenities (e.g. gym) are you looking for? Your answer to these questions is your guide when looking for accommodation. The next step is to have a look at the options available to you, both private and University-managed. Follow through to the application in a timely manner. Accommodation can go very quickly so ensure you submit your form ASAP. Yes, at many universities including the University of Plymouth, first years are guaranteed a room but

it is all first come, first served. Therefore, the earlier you get this in, the more likely you will get exactly what you are looking for. My second suggestion is to know the difference between private and university-managed halls. The latter tend to be closer to campus, may be architecturally older, shared bathrooms are more common, social activities exist, can be cheaper and can offer more support. Private halls may be more modern, more expensive, have less support, have more luxuries and ensuite bathrooms etc. The biggest difference, in my experience, is that you will find in university-managed halls, you are surrounded by more firstyear students whereas in private it is a mix of first, second and third years, postgraduates, etc. Being surrounded by fellow first years is great because you are all going through the same changes of moving away from home, and experiencing independent learning, etc.

Unibuddy student blogs

Visit UniBuddy to read more student blogs and to chat with students currently studying your chosen course!

What to expect at Arrivals Weekend Moving in day marks the start of your new journey! Arrivals Weekend is carefully coordinated so you and your flat mates move in and meet one another around the same time. A few weeks before the Arrivals Weekend you will be invited to book an arrival date and time slot on the Accommodation Portal. Once this has been booked you will gain access to your temporary arrival parking permit, a city route map and you will be asked to complete your hall induction. Although general parking is not available on campus or around our halls, we issue temporary parking permits that are valid for your specific arrival date and time, to ensure the day goes smoothly. Once you arrive on campus you will be directed by our team to your designated hall parking area. As soon as you park up you will be greeted by our friendly team who will be there to help you check in and collect your keys. We will then help you to unload your belongings and take them to your room, making your arrival experience as stress free as possible.

My final suggestion is YouTube! Many students might do a vlog or a video of what their life is like in halls, so I suggest having a search of the hall you are interested in and see what students are saying about it. This can help you get a better view of what it may be like.

Support in halls:

One of the greatest parts of living in halls is the vast amount of support available to you. Firstly, you are a part of a community. Your flat mates, building mates and hall mates are mostly all in the same boat as you. Everyone tends to be very friendly, going through similar circumstances and can be a source of comfort on those down days. Further, you can go to the movies, have flat outings or cooking nights and other social activities that make your experience at university one of a kind.

Lastly, some halls will have schemes where they run activities and competitions, etc to get people meeting others and truly engaging in the social side of the university experience. At Plymouth’s University-managed halls, we call this ResLife! The team is amazing as they run several trips throughout the year (zoo visits, ice skating, rock climbing, etc) and competitions such as best decorated flat, etc.

Airport pick-up service Get in touch with our International Advice team at studentservices@plymouth. ac.uk to find out more about our University airport pick-up service during international arrivals.

Please note: you can only book your room once you have made Plymouth your firm choice.

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Head to our Accommodation Portal to complete your application for a room in University-managed halls of residence.