Accommodation Services
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth Devon PL4 8AA
Visit plymouth.ac.uk/accommodation or scan
uniaccommodation@plymouth.ac.uk
@plymuniaccomm
@plymuniaccomm
Francis Drake hall of residence
Accommodation Edition
Find your home in our University-managed halls of residence. They are 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 Parliament-approved 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 to offer a place in halls (either University-managed or with an accredited private halls provider) or in other suitable student accommodation, to all new undergraduate students holding a firm offer, as long as they’re eligible under our terms and conditions and apply before the deadline stated on our website.
Meet some of this issue’s contributors:
Kelsey
Geography graduate
Kelsey shares her tips on researching and applying for halls, and information about the support provision. P.30
Melanie
Digital Media Design graduate
Melanie shares her experience of living in halls. P.15
Halls team
Support when you need it
The Halls team want you to feel safe and supported in halls. Find out how they will help you settle in. P.20
DON’T BE A STRANGER
When it comes to finding out if uni feels right for you, nothing compares to an open day. Talk to current students and quiz lecturers about your course. Scan for open day dates and to book your place:
Make sure you don’t miss out on crucial course information, insights into university life and an overview of our support services. Download or request your prospectus here:
P.6 Our halls of residence
With over 1,700 rooms spread across six halls of residence, we have accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets and requirements.
P.18 Accommodation booking guide
Guidance on how to secure a place in our halls of residence.
P.14 Pre-paid catered halls
Find out more about this great option if you don’t want to think about food shopping, cooking and washing up in your first year.
WE’RE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK!
The University is 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 air
Plymouth is approximately 109 miles (175 km) from Bristol Airport, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes. Exeter Airport is about 45 miles (72 km) away, with a travel time of around 1 hour. Newquay Airport is roughly 50 miles (80 km) from Plymouth, and the drive typically takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
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 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.
Average journey time to Plymouth via train
OUR HALLS OF
With over 1,700 rooms spread across six halls of residence, we have accommodation to suit a wide range of budgets and requirements. 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 University-managed halls.
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, along with their proximity to University buildings such as the library and the SU, and city centre amenities.
Our halls are across two locations: you can either live right in the heart of campus, or just a few minutes’ away in our Student Village.
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 cafes, 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.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
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 also offer single-sex and alcohol-free flats for students who would feel more comfortable living in these environments. They’re located across all of our halls and are perfect for those with specific requirements.
24/7 campus security
All-inclusive bills (contents insurance, heating, water and electricity)
Access to free Accommodation Services 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
EN-SUITE ACCOMMODATION
PRIVATE BEDROOM AND BATHROOM, SHARED KITCHEN
YOUR FLAT
Our en-suite 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 that are home to more than six students will benefit from a larger kitchen with double the appliances and storage space.
YOUR ROOM
Enjoy the comfort of your own spacious sleeping and study space, with private wet room bathroom. All of our en-suite rooms are equipped with a fitted wardrobe, desk and chair, bed with underbed storage, and an abundance of shelving and storage space. Each bathroom is fitted with a shower, shower curtain, toilet and sink.
“I chose Mary Newman because it’s on campus, close to the library and I wanted to be social!”
Annette, Mary Newman resident
• On campus
• 315 en-suite rooms available
• Various en suite sizes available
• Catered option available
• Single bed in a standard en suite
• 3–10 bed flats
• Lift access
• 41- or 42-week licence available
• Single occupancy rooms
• 2 minute walk to lecture theatres, the SU and the library
MARY NEWMAN
• On campus
• 157 en-suite rooms available
• Various en suite sizes available
• Catered option available
• Single bed in a standard en suite
• 5 or 10 bed flats
• Lift access
• 41- or 42-week licence available
• Single occupancy rooms
• 2 minute walk to lecture theatres, the SU and the library
“It was easy to make friends, both within our flats but also in the areas around us, as most people in halls are sociable. And with everyone nearby it made life easy.”
Alexandra, Francis Drake resident
FRANCIS DRAKE
“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
ROBBINS
• Student Village
• 162 en-suite rooms available
• Catered option available
• Single bed in a standard en suite
• 4–8 bed flats
• 41- or 42-week licence available
• Single occupancy rooms
• A few minutes’ walk from campus
“I love the social aspect of living in halls. My flatmates are now some of my best friends and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.”
Jasmine, Radnor resident
• Student Village
• 408 en-suite rooms available
• Various en suite sizes available
• Catered option available
• Single bed in a standard en suite
• 6 beds per flat
• 41- or 42-week licence available
• Single occupancy rooms
• A few minutes’ walk from campus
RADNOR
“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 en suites with the private bathrooms, which I thought was a cool addition and nice to have.”
Imogen, Pilgrim resident
“Living in halls was the absolute best decision for my first year at uni. There’s so much support from the Accommodation team (and freebies) – it’s definitely a cushioned fall from moving out of home.”
Emily, Robbins resident
• Student Village
• 237 en-suite rooms available
• Various en suite sizes available
• Catered option available
• Single bed in a standard en suite
• 6, 7 or 8 beds flats
• 41- or 42-week licence available
• Single occupancy rooms
• A few minutes’ walk from campus
PILGRIM
SHARED ACCOMMODATION
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 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
• Student Village
• 268 standard and loft rooms
• Catered option available
• 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
“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 standard room
Robbins loft room
GILWELL
• Student Village
• 197 standard and loft rooms
• Catered option available
• Vanity basin in room
• Single bed
• 5–6 bed flats
• 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
PREPAID CATERED PACKAGE
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 cafes with our prepaid catered halls package. Available to any University of Plymouth student, 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 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 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
BSc (Hons) Digital Media Design, Robbins resident I found halls such an exciting experience with my university life overall! Meeting new people in halls helped me to be social towards different kinds of people, as well as introducing me to the atmosphere of what university was like.
When I first applied for accommodation, I made sure to look at the plan of each hall. If there was an en suite, what the layout of the halls would look like, how people would share a kitchen, how close it was to campus, and so on. I found that whatever I needed to know was on 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 Accommodation Services 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.
What I also found so useful was the fact that the Accommodation Services 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.
Staying in halls is an experience I think everyone should have. I found that Freshers Week in halls was so much fun, mainly because I got to meet many different people, not only from my halls, but from all the other halls nearby.
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.
MAKE PLYMOUTH YOUR FIRM CHOICE
First, you need to make sure that you’ve chosen the University of Plymouth as your firm first choice on UCAS.
RECEIVE YOUR INVITATION
You’ll receive an email inviting you to make a booking. It can take up to 72 hours for our system to update after you’ve made us your firm first choice.
CHOOSE YOUR ROOM
Our accommodation is first come, first served, so make sure to log into the Portal and complete your booking as soon as you can. Please let us know if you have any additional requirements. Your reservation will be confirmed within 72 hours.
SECURE YOUR BOOKING
By the end of July, you’ll be directed to sign your licence agreement and pay two weeks’ advance rent. Once complete, your room is confirmed!
PREPARE FOR ARRIVALS
Towards the end of the summer, you’ll be sent an email with your arrival timeslot. This email will also include route maps, a parking permit for unloading your car and a list of what to bring. Time to get packing for the big day in September when you move into your new home!
Book your accommodation now
“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
No matter which type of room you book in our halls of residence, your rent includes all your utility bills, WiFi and contents insurance – plus a free weekly cleaning service of all your shared areas! All of our rooms come with a desk, chair, wardrobe, shelves and noticeboard as standard.
SUPPORT FOR YOU
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 Accommodation Services Halls team Hi! We’re your 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 available seven days a week throughout the year. Our job is to provide support and advice to help you 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 and/or 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 themself and tell you more about 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 just 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
Unibuddy student blogs Visit Unibuddy to read more student blogs and to chat with students currently studying your chosen course!
Hall Officers
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 or by Zoom or telephone callback.
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
Student Services
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.
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.
International advice
Plymouth is a home away from home for our international students, and our Student Immigration 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.
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 Halls team who can advise you on the best places to purchase any items that you cannot bring with you!
COMMUNITY
To help you settle in and integrate into the halls community here at Plymouth, we have put together an exclusive Accommodation Services 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.
LIVE SUSTAINABLY
Household recycling facilities available in each flat
Sensored lighting, to help conserve energy
The University is ranked a 1st class university in the country by the People & Planet University League 2024/25
Paperless check-in, inventory and checkout procedures
Food bank and clothes donation points located around halls at the end of term to reduce wastage
Private bedroom, bathroom and kitchen-diner
Find out more about Francis Drake hall.
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 and/or physical access needs or who will benefit from studio living, can enjoy private facilities at the heart of the campus. The hall 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, along with 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 the library
Moving-in day marks the start of your new journey! Arrivals Weekend is carefully coordinated so you and your flatmates move in and meet one another around the same time.
A few weeks before the Arrivals Weekend, you’ll be invited to book an arrival date and time slot on the Accommodation Portal. Once this has been booked, you’ll gain access to your temporary arrival parking permit and a city route map, and you’ll be asked to complete your hall induction.
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’ll be greeted by our friendly team, who will be there to help you check in and collect your keys. We’ll then help you to unload your belongings and take them to your room, making your arrival experience as stress free as possible.
of our students agree that our arrivals and move in is smooth and trouble free
If you are moving into student accommodation, you’ll need to bring some essentials with you. Here are a few suggestions.
BEDROOM AND BATHROOM ESSENTIALS
Duvet
Duvet covers
Pillows
Pillowcases
Flat bed sheets
Fluffy blanket
Washing basket
Decorative items and pictures to make it homely
Towels and flannels
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Toiletries
Toilet rolls
Cleaning products
KITCHEN ESSENTIALS
A frying pan or wok
Saucepans
Cutlery
Plates and bowls
Mugs and glasses
Food and drink
Utensils
Tea towels
Cleaning products
LIVING IN HALLS
KELSEY’S TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST YEAR
In your first year at uni you will learn a lot. 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 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 en suite bathrooms, etc. The biggest difference, in my experience, is that you will find in University-managed halls, you are surrounded by more first-year 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 living, etc.
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 flatmates and hall mates are 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 and have flat outings or cooking nights and other social activities that make your experience at university one of a kind.
Lastly, all the Universitymanaged 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 who organise these are amazing as they run many trips throughout the year (zoo visits, ice skating, rock climbing, etc.) and competitions such as best decorated flat, and so on.
