s u p m a c d r bedfo odation m m o c ac 15 2014/20
At the Student Village, University of Bedfordshire, we recognise that being a student is not just about studying – it’s also about your lifestyle and your whole student experience. So, deciding where to live is very important. Iain Wilson Village Director Student Village, University of Bedfordshire
d n a o hell . . . e m o c l e w We understand that moving away from home for the first time can be both exciting and a little daunting, which is why we make every effort to help our students settle in quickly. All our staff are focused on making the Student Village, University of Bedfordshire a great place to live, and they really enjoy what they do. We recognise that being a student involves studying and socialising and so we provide a space to live, learn and grow. With a variety of accommodation to choose from, this guide will help you to make the right decision. Part of our commitment is to maintain a safe and comfortable community, so we have staff on hand 24/7 to help. Maintenance issues are resolved by our team quickly so you don’t have to worry about the little things – any concerns you have, come and share them with us.
accommodation team. Applications can be made online at studentvillagebeds.com. Working in partnership with the University of Bedfordshire, our teams operate and manage all University accommodation on the Bedford Campus. Our staff work closely with the University to ensure a seamless service for all residents. Liberty Park is operated by Liberty Living. We look forward to meeting you soon.
We will help find suitable accommodation for first year students who register with the 1
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Student Village, University of Bedfordshire offers more than just a room; we offer a place that students can really call home. Space for you to Live, Learn, Grow
a v plus member, you can get access to all our events for free or with huge discounts – so you don’t have to worry about the cost.
Our aim is to provide a memorable residential experience where you will make friends, have access to support when needed, achieve your The membership is just £30 for the whole year study goals and develop skills to last a lifetime. and the total package is worth over £100, plus We work hard to maintain an environment you instantly join a group of people who want where you can live, learn and grow. to make the most of life at uni and get involved in as many things as possible. What better way Community, Inclusion and Diversity are three key elements of our community at the Student to start university life – by making friends and Village. We work with the Village community to saving money? To become a v plus member, all organise a series of programmes and activities you have to do is add it to your shopping cart when booking your room. Your membership that provide social interaction and facilitate learning. These events range from theme park card and welcome pack will be waiting for you when you arrive. trips to exercise clubs and study sessions.
v plus Making friends and being part of a community can be a big part of where you live. At the Village, we run a wide range of events and activities throughout the year. By becoming 2
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r o f g n i y l p ap n o i t a d o m accom You will be able to apply for your accommodation online at studentvillagebeds.com. You will need your Student ID number which can be found on your University offer letter. We try to make life easy for you, which is why all your bills are included in your rent and applying to stay with us is incredibly simple.
As this will all need to be done online, please ensure you have a valid email address as all paperwork will arrive this way.
Apply online and the process will only take you around 10 minutes to complete. Visit studentvillagebeds.com and click ‘apply now’.
All this is very straight forward so there is no need to panic! Should you have any problems, you can contact us on 01582 405000 or via studentvillagebeds.com
You can book your room as soon as we send you an offer.
To secure your room at Liberty Park, you will need to pay a deposit of £200. The first For students from overseas, the International term’s rent is payable on the commencement Office will also provide you with a of your contract. confirmation letter that will enable you to Your deposit will be returned in full within apply for your visa. 28 days of your departure provided there are To confirm and secure your room in no rent arrears, cleaning charges or damage Student Village, University of Bedfordshire to the property. The £50 administration fee accommodation, you will need to: pay a £200 is non-refundable (not applicable to Liberty security deposit, £50 administration fee Park). and one month’s rent installment of £300. 4
With each block of accommodation on campus, you’re never far from your studies or your friends.
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We offer more than just a room; we offer a place that you can really call home.
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m o o r your Student Village, University of Bedfordshire The Student Village offers a variety of room types from flats with en-suite facilities and shared kitchen and living area, to standard and study rooms with shared bathroom and kitchen. Each flat houses 9-16 students and communal living areas offer a great way to study in groups or to relax and socialise. Each standard study bedroom comes equipped with: • • • • • •
A single bed and mattress Desk and drawers Desk chair Washbasin or en-suite Wardrobe Heating
All of our accommodation is arranged in blocks, which have secure entry. Each flat also has its own front door and unique key for the bedroom
to make you feel safe and comfortable. With each block of accommodation on campus; you’re never far from your studies or your friends. We also offer a token operated launderette, open from 6am to 10pm. Overview • 168 rooms • Undergraduate and postgraduate • Self-catered • En-suite, standard or study rooms available • Free internet access • Mixed-sex flats • On-site laundry facilities • 24-hour security surveillance Flat facilities • En-suite or shared bathroom • Shared kitchen • Shared living area (En-suite only) 7
Liberty Living, Student Accommodation Liberty Park, managed by Liberty Living, provides students with excellent quality student accommodation in a highly secure and comfortable environment. Offering four types of En-suite rooms – Single, Deluxe (double bed), Super Deluxe and disabled access plus self-contained Studio apartments. The accommodation is arranged in 3, 4 and mainly 5 bed apartments. All study bedrooms share a fully fitted kitchen and living area. Studio apartments are self-contained with their own kitchen and bathroom. Located on the Bedford campus, Liberty Park is within easy reach of the town centre,
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allowing residents to participate fully in the town’s diverse culture and exciting social scene. All local amenities and transport links are close by, including Bedford railway station. Liberty Park is fully staffed with an on-site management and maintenance team. Offering 24-hour security for our residents including a comprehensive CCTV system monitoring the site, electronic entry systems for access to and from the residence plus a manned reception area 24-hours a day for maximum security. The residence also provides a spacious communal living area and on-site laundry facility.
Overview • 517 rooms available (Single study rooms and self-contained Studios) • Free high-speed internet access • Undergraduate and Postgraduate • Self-catered • En-suite shower, toilet and washbasin in bedroom • Shared kitchen and living areas • Fully inclusive rent • Free contents insurance • Summer accommodation available
Facilities • Electronic entry systems • 24-hour security with CCTV • On-site management team • On-site maintenance team • On-site laundry facilities • On-site gym • Large common room with entertainment facilities
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Student Village, University of Bedfordshire We split the payment of your accommodation into manageable monthly chunks to make it easier for you to keep track and upto-date with payments. To accept your accommodation offer, you will need to pay the first rent payment, the administration fee (£50) and the security deposit (£200). We can’t guarantee your room until all these payments have been made. The administration fee is non-refundable and the security deposit will be returned within 28 days of your departure providing that there are no rent arrears, cleaning charges or damage to the property. You can also pay the full year in advance before you arrive and you’ll receive a 5% discount.
end of your tenancy, providing that there are no rent arrears, cleaning charges or damage to the property. All utility bills are included within the rental amount, plus free personal contents insurance up to the sum of £5,000 and highspeed internet access. Accommodation contracts are for a minimum of 42 weeks. 2014-15 Weekly Price*
University managed accommodation En-suite
£106
Standard Room
£100
Study Bedroom (single room with shared study area)
£96
Liberty Living, Student Accommodation
Liberty Living accommodation
Payments are split into three convenient instalments.
En-suite
£113.50
Deluxe (double bed)
£121.50
Paying your full year rent in advance will attract a 2% discount. A £200 deposit is required to confirm your booking and the first term’s rent is payable on the commencement of your contract. Your deposit is held by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and returned within 4 weeks of the
Super Deluxe
£125
It is important to know that to accept and confirm your room at the Village you will have to sign a Licence Agreement. This is a legally binding document, which commits you to payment for your room for the life of your contract (a minimum of 42 weeks). You can find more information on the terms of your contract in our frequently asked questions section. *Prices and dates may be subject to change.
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FAQs: Student Village, University of Bedfordshire How do I apply for accommodation? You should complete the online application form available at studentvillagebeds.com.
the bills. Plus, with our 42 week contract - you don’t waste money on rent when you are not at university.
Will I have to pay anything in advance? When you accept your offer of accommodation at Student Village, University of Bedfordshire you will need to pay a £300 rent instalment and an advance payment of £250. The £250 comprises a £50 administration fee, which is non-refundable and a £200 security deposit. To accept your offer at Liberty Park a £200 deposit is required and the first term’s rent is payable on the commencement of your contract. The £200 deposit will be returned provided that there are no rent arrears, cleaning charges or damage to the property.
Your rent includes:
Are my personal contents insured? Yes, through Endsleigh Insurance: basic contents insurance, which includes cover for your laptop computer and amounts to £4,000. What does the rent include? We make life simple by charging one weekly rate which includes all your bills, internet, insurance and more. Making it simple means you don’t need to argue with your flatmates about who is paying
• Water, gas and electricity bills • Contents insurance • Internet • Online maintenance reporting • Onsite maintenance staff • 24-hour reception • Parcel Service • Great community • Hospitality welcome and service How much does Internet access cost? Free internet access is available in the Student Village, and Liberty Park. I want to share with friends; can we apply for a flat together? Yes, you actually allocate your own room in The Student Village, University of Bedfordshire accommodation and can choose to live with your friends. If you are applying for Liberty Park, add the names and student numbers of those you wish to share with.
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Do you have rooms for couples? All rooms are for single occupancy only. We’re not able to provide accommodation for couples or families.
Can I bring my car? Parking is limited. You can purchase a parking permit for the academic year, one term or per month.
What if I have a disability or medical condition? We do have some accommodation for students with disabilities. You should contact our Disability Advisers in the first instance to discuss specific requirements. If you need special consideration because of a medical condition, you may be asked to provide a supporting letter from your Doctor. Please include any information you can on your application.
Is there a communal TV set in the flat? No, there isn’t. You can bring your own TV if you wish although we cannot guarantee good reception. You will also need to have a licence. For more information, please visit: tvlicensing.co.uk
What kind of household things do I need to bring with me? You can get fully prepared for life at university via our Village Shop. We like to make life as easy for our residents as possible, so you can purchase everything you need at the Village, such as bedding and kitchen packs. Visit studentvillagebeds.com/the-village/ village-shop.html What are the rules about bringing electrical appliances? All electrical appliances that are over 12 months old must be ‘PAT’ (Portable Appliances Test) tested. A qualified electrician or domestic appliance engineer can carry out the test and issue a safety certificate. Can I bring my pet? Sorry, pets are not allowed in any of our accommodation for reasons of health and safety.
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When will I be expected to move into my room? Over the ‘key weekend’, usually in September. Staff will be there to welcome you and help you settle into your accommodation. Will I have to sign a Tenancy Agreement? Yes, you will be asked to sign an agreement for a minimum of a 42-week period. This is a legally binding document and you will be held to this unless a student who is not already in student accommodation can be found to take over your room for the remaining period. You will be able to see the agreement online before you accept the offer. If I am not satisfied with my room can I change it? Once the initial settling in period is over (October), you will be given the opportunity to change rooms, subject to availability. Who cleans the accommodation? Communal areas of the accommodation, such as stairwells and the grounds are cleaned by the accommodation staff. Residents are wholly responsible for their rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces within their flat.
FAQs: Liberty Park Can I choose who I live with? Rooms are allocated on the following basis: • Room type (Single/Double or Super Deluxe) • Contract length • Gender • Year of study • Other preferences
a stressful time, and that initial teething troubles are usually resolved within the first few weeks. Liberty Living’s policy dictates that room changes will not be considered within a minimum of 6 weeks following move-in.
Can I invite guests round to my flat? All visitors must report to security and sign in. This is for reasons of safety, security, and in Liberty Living endeavours to allocate students the event of an emergency; the management to flats that are appropriate to their situation team will know who is on-site. There is 24-hour and preferences. There is a data field on the security presence on-site to ensure that all postal application form and online booking visitors are valid and that the residence is kept service to state any preferences you may have secure. Comprehensive CCTV coverage is and with whom you would like to live with. available at all residences. Please note that Liberty Living can make no guarantees and all allocations are subject to Is everything local to the residence? availability. The location of Liberty Park fits perfectly with How many people will I be living with? Most flats have five en-suite bedrooms and a communal kitchen. The exception to this is our studio flats which have their own self-contained kitchen. What if I am not happy with my allocated room or my flatmates? The Liberty Living team hopes that all students will endeavour to “get on with” their flatmates who could be from differing backgrounds and cultures. If a student is extremely unhappy then room changes can be considered (subject to availability and a £75 administration charge). It is important to remember that moving to University is
studies, as well as the other aspects of student life in Bedford, with all the town’s amenities just a short walking distance away. Bedford is a relatively compact town, meaning you can reach any location within around 30 minutes, and major areas such as the town centre and shopping streets are just 10 minutes from Liberty Park by foot. Liberty Park is also well served by transport links, meaning students will find it easier to visit their families back home or to take trips around Bedfordshire and the south of England. Bedford St Johns railway station can be found just a few streets away from Liberty Park, while the main Bedford train station is just a walk into the town centre.
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Where can I store my bike? There are 50 cycle stands on-site where students can lock their bikes. These are left at the owners’ risk. No bikes are allowed in the flats. Motor Cycles are allowed at the discretion of the local management team. When will I get my deposit back? You will get your deposit back within 28 days following the end of your contract. Any damages will be deducted from your deposit. It is your responsibility to return your room in the same condition as you moved in to it and we would advise that you record the condition of your room/flat on the inventory given to you when you check-in. This must be returned within 48-hours of move in. Where can I smoke? Smoking is not permitted in any Liberty Living residence, this policy includes all communal areas, lounges, hallways, corridors and stairwells as well as bedrooms, and it also extends to external courtyard areas. The smoking area for Liberty Park Bedford, is located just outside of the building entrance. Is there a limit to how many visitors are allowed? Each student is permitted a maximum of one guest at a time; any more than this can only be permitted with prior agreement of the local management team. To ensure that the residence stays secure, visitors are required to sign in and out when they enter and leave the residence; anyone who does not comply will be asked to leave the site immediately. What about safety? We provide 24-hour security, CCTV, electronic
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access control and guards on duty between the hours of 6pm-7am. Access is limited to residents, their authorised visitors, Liberty Living staff and nominated contractors. Fire alarms are tested weekly, appropriate emergency signage is displayed and fire evacuation drills undertaken at the start of each academic year. Where can I collect my post? Post sent to the residence will be put directly into your post box or held at reception. Parcels and recorded deliveries are signed for at reception and are available to pick up at anytime, providing ID is shown. Can I personalise my room? You are responsible for ensuring that you leave your room and flat in the same condition that it was given to you. You will be asked to fill in and return an inventory to record the condition of your room and must do so within 48-hours of moving in. Generally speaking, blu-tac, white-tac or pins put into walls will require re-painting after you have left and you may be charged in line with our standard schedule of charges. The management team will carry out several room and flat inspections at the end of your contract and we would advise you to make an appointment for inspection well in advance. Can I view the accommodation? You can arrange to view our show flat by contacting us on 01234 359332 or libertypark-bedford@libertyliving.co.uk. Pictures can also be viewed on our website: www.libertyliving.co.uk/studentaccommodation/bedford.
t ’ n o d and … t e g r fo Living in the Student Village is a great way to start your new life away from home. Here are just some of the benefits: • Help at hand – you can contact staff or security 24/7. Staff will be available between 9am and 5pm to provide support and guidance with any queries you may have. • Protected environment – our on-campus accommodation offers a secure home to all of our students. • No hidden costs – once you have paid for your accommodation, you will not have to worry about other bills -they’re covered by your rent. This includes the internet and contents insurance. • A homely touch – whichever hall you decide to reside in, our friendly and helpful staff are on hand to help with any problems you may have. • Easy access – living in our accommodation will provide you with easy access to the University’s facilities. • Instant friends – you will find yourself instantly mixing with people who are in exactly the same boat as you. You may even be lucky enough to find people in your flat
who are on the same course as you. Either way is a guaranteed way to make some fabulous friends. • Independent living – we provide a supportive environment where you can live independently but help is always on hand when you need it. • Get involved – with a calendar of events organised throughout the year by our v plus team there will be a whole host of exciting activities for you to get involved with.
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contact us to find out more visit
studentvillagebeds.com
email info@studentvillagebeds.com tel
01582 405000
visit
www.libertyliving.co.uk/student-accommodation/bedford
email libertypark-bedford@libertyliving.co.uk tel
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01234 359332
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