Accommodation

Introduction to Accommodation

For anyone arriving for the first time in Birmingham, accommodation is likely to be a prime consideration. We provide a comprehensive service; covering both college owned and managed halls of residence and private accommodation within the City.

We have a dedicated service to help you find the accommodation you need, and are open throughout the year including during the summer period. Our Accommodation Service is available to all students enrolled at the College. You can use the service on a drop-in basis or telephone us for advice and information about any housing related issue.

Our aim is to provide you with a high quality, safe, affordable and happy environment for both your academic and social life. Hall managers, based in all College-managed accommodation, are responsible for your welfare and security as well as offering advice.

The Halls of Residence

We have different options to suit a range of tastes and budgets. Over 1000 students can be accommodated in halls of residence and accommodation can be offered to all years and programmes of study.

The main contract is 42 weeks running from September to July. We also offer contracts to students studying on Erasmus programmes and students undertaking a period of Placement.

Cambrian Hall

Cambrian Hall has an almost perfect location for any UCB student. Just 150 yards from the main UCB Site and a couple of minutes walk from shops, bars, restaurants rail and coach stations. It is also just a few minutes walk from Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. With an excellent location and keen pricing, Cambrian Hall is a very attractive option for many UCB students.

Cambrian Hall is a purpose-built hall of residence providing 247 student places. Popular with more mature and overseas students, it is a self-catering hall with each flat accommodating ten students in single study bedrooms. Each flat contains a well equipped kitchen and dining room. Bathroom facilities are shared between two students and comprise of a toilet, wash hand basin and shower. All rooms are fully furnished and have telephone and television points and each room has free Broadband Internet access.

There is a comprehensive CCTV system, installed for our students safety and security, this along with night time security guards and a new fob operated gate, have ensured students well-being is a top priority.

There are a number of ground floor rooms designed to accommodate students with specific requirements. A coin operated commercial laundry service with both washing and drying machines is available to the Residents.

Mail is delivered to your post box daily and parcels, recorded, registered or special delivery items may be collected from the Reception Office throughout opening hours.

As the rooms are all self-catering, you will have to provide your own cooking utensils and bedding. Please note there are no parking facilities at Cambrian Hall.

Weekly Rent 10/11

Standard	£70

All prices include heating, lighting and Broadband Internet.

The Maltings

A purpose built student accommodation site built on the site of a Birmingham brewery, Davenports in Bath Row. The Maltings is popular with students coming to UCB for the first time and is situated approximately 10 minutes walk from the college. There are 827 study bedrooms available including 809 en-suite rooms of which 5 are twin rooms.

All rooms are fully furnished and have telephone and television points as well as free Broadband Internet access and Internet Protocol Television which students can watch using their laptops or PC’s. Each study bedroom is centrally heated and is fully furnished with a fitted wardrobe, desk, chair, shelves, notice boards and bed. En-suite rooms have a toilet, wash hand basin and shower.

The gated, secure site has landscaped gardens and facilities include a sports hall, fitness suite, student bar, BarOne and a convenience store, Joshua's. Bar One provides the entertainment from bands and DJs and is also the centre for fund-raising activities and theme nights. The bar which has capacity for around 450 people, has plasma screens, two pool tables, a large bar area and an open plan dancing/seating area.

There are a number of ground floor rooms designed to accommodate students with special requirements, including accommodation for carers. A commercial laundry service is also available with washing and drying machines.

The site has full-time and part-time hall managers supported by night time security. The complex is situated in a prime location near the city centre within easy reach of not only UCB but also many shops, pubs, restaurants, rail and coach stations.

As the rooms are all self-catering, you will have to provide your own cooking utensils and bedding. Generally flats are mixed sex, typically housing between 6 and 9 residents. Each flat has its own fully fitted kitchen and dining areas with a fridge/freezer, electric cooker, iron and a kettle all provided.

There is a charge for car parking and the number of car parking spaces for residents is limited. Car parking spaces are issued on a needs basis, as a guide 2009/2010 car parking was £200 per semester.

Weekly Rent 10/11

Standard	£83
En-suite	£90
Twin	£144

All prices include heating, lighting and Broadband Internet.

How to Apply

UK 1st Year Undergraduate Students

Applicants who are applying to study at UCB for the first time are given priority during the allocation process. It is expected that all such applicants will be allocated a room in halls of residence should they wish.

In order to be allocated your first choice of accommodation, applicants are strongly advised to apply to UCB as soon as they can. Although applications are accepted until the start of the academic year, allocation of rooms is based upon a first come first served procedure.

Students studying at UCB for the first time will be offered accommodation in halls of residence if:

• UCAS and UCB have both received your Firm acceptance of an Unconditional Place
• The Accommodation Manager receives your completed Residency Agreement, Deposit and Pre-Payment by the offer date
• You are unaccompanied (you do not bring any dependants, such as a partner and/or a child) unless agreed in advance by UCB

Should the points above be satisfied, an offer of accommodation will be made. If you fail to satisfy 1 or more of the above points you should apply anyway, and we will try to accommodate your application request.

Students via clearing and awaiting results (in August)

If you join us through the UCAS Clearing scheme, you can still apply for a place in either of our halls. Your application form will be added to the allocation list and you will be contacted with accommodation. If you are applying via clearing please ensure you indicate at least 2 options on the application as places may be limited.

International Students

We will endeavour to accommodate all International students. You will need to apply as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing your first choice of accommodation.

International students studying at UCB for the first time will be offered accommodation in halls of residence if:

• UCAS and UCB have both received your Firm acceptance of an Unconditional Place
• Your £3,000 tuition deposit is paid
• The Accommodation Manager receives your completed Residency Agreement, Deposit and Pre-Payment by the offer date
• You are unaccompanied (you do not bring any dependants, such as a partner and/or a child) unless agreed in advance by UCB

Postgraduate Students

Rooms for Postgraduate Students are allocated on a first come first served basis. To be eligible you must have confirmed acceptance of a place on a postgraduate programme at UCB . Postgraduate student are normally allocated in their own blocks and/or flats and are located in the quieter areas of each site.

Application Form

The vast majority of students receive their first choice of accommodation. As you can appreciate there is a heavy demand for UCB managed accommodation, so applications that are received late may not always be housed in their first choice.

Accommodation Application Form for 2010/2011

Complete the application form available and return it to the one of the following:

Address

The Accommodation Manager
University College Birmingham
Summer Row
Birmingham
B3 1JB

Fax Number

+44 121 608 5551

Private Sector Accommodation

A list of accommodation in the private rented sector is available by completing the Accommodation Application and Registration Form (A2009/2010) and indicating the kind of accommodation you are interested in. Lists are also available throughout the year from the Student Services Unit. You are advised to visit Birmingham during the summer to look for private rented accommodation.

Whilst you will be advised of what is available, it is your responsibility to contact the landlord/householder directly. It is important that you visit the property before accepting it.

Please note that you, as a tenant, are entirely responsible for any signed agreement with the landlord /householder. If you are unsure about the terms of any agreement, please seek advice from the Student Services Unit.

Average current rates are £50 - £80 per week.

The above rates are exclusive of bills such as heating, lighting etc. Remember to take up your own meter readings when taking up residency. You are also advised to agree an inventory of fixtures and fittings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do when you send me an offer of Accommodation?

You will receive several documents relating to our Accommodation, and if you wish to accept our offer, you will need to fill out and send back the Residential Contract, Financial Guarantee and a Payment Options Form. To secure your room we will also need a £200 Security Deposit (refundable) and a £275 Pre-Payment.

What if I am travelling/on holiday/away from home when you send the offer?

If you are away when we send you the offer of Accommodation, a parent/third party is not allowed to sign on your behalf, only the named student can sign the contact.

The parent or third party should contact the Accommodation Manager at accommodation@ucb.ac.uk or call 0121 604 1000 Ext 331 stating that the student would like to accept the Residential Contract and the date you expect the student to sign and return the enclosed Contract.

The parent or third party should pay the £200 Security Deposit and the £275 Pre Payment on the student's behalf within 14 days of receiving the offer. The named student should then sign the Contract and return it to the Accommodation Manager on their return.

What should I do if I don’t want to accept the offer?

Please inform the Accommodation Manager on accommodation@ucb.ac.uk or call 0121 604 1000 Ext 331 immediately, stating that you no longer require accommodation. This will allow us to quickly allocate your room to another student.

Are the Halls of Residence catered of self catered?

UCB accommodation is self catered. We provide well equipped kitchens and individual lockable food cupboards. Self catering allows you the flexibility to cook when you want, and not be dictated by meal times of catered halls. It also gives you more responsibility to actually take care of yourself and prepare for real life . Self catered accommodation usually works out cheaper than catered and allows you to eat whatever you chose.