STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
The Accommodation Service is provided jointly by Herefordshire College of Technology (including Holme Lacy Campus) and Hereford College of Arts. There is no campus accommodation, so this service puts students in touch with private providers who offer accommodation locally, either in their own homes or in shared student houses. To be eligible to apply for accommodation assistance from the college all students need to be on full time courses and must either live outside the county of Herefordshire, or be too far away to be able to travel in to college each day.
Student accommodation in Hereford is generally considered to be of a good standard. The Accommodation Officer plays an active role in liaising with landlords, inspecting properties, and offering advice to both students and landlords in order to ensure that there is sufficient good and affordable accommodation, with particular attention being paid to health and safety issues. The aim is to ensure that at least minimum standards are adhered to, but standards are usually much higher. However, neither of the above-mentioned colleges, nor the staff working in them, can accept any responsibility for the quality or price of the accommodation offered. Students choose their own accommodation from the lists which are sent to them, and students (and their parents) must ensure that the accommodation they book is of an acceptable standard before they move in.
Lists of accommodation are sent out to students during the summer upon receipt of a completed Accommodation Requirements Form. These lists are sent out to students about a week after the current students have vacated their accommodation – usually during the second and third weeks of July. Student accommodation in Hereford is limited, and lists are sent out on a “first come, first served” basis. Numbers of students applying vary each year, as does the accommodation available, and for this reason it is not possible to guarantee that every student who applies will find suitable accommodation.
The lists are accompanied by an information pack to assist students in choosing and booking their accommodation. Students are advised to select at least two or three properties to look at, if possible, in order to compare and contrast. They should then ring the accommodation providers and make appointments to come to Hereford to view the accommodation. It is advisable to do this as soon as possible after receiving the lists to avoid disappointment. Most years demand outstrips supply, and last year most of the accommodation was booked up by the end of July. When looking for accommodation it is important to bring enough money to pay the deposit so as to secure the accommodation. The accommodation provider will then let you know when you need to start paying for your accommodation, which is usually the week before you move in. Prices are detailed on the lists, and payment is made directly to the accommodation providers. If you are applying for funding to assist with payment, you must inform the provider. Also, be aware that any financial assistance you might receive may not cover the whole cost of your rent, and you are responsible for making sure that the shortfall is paid to the provider.
If you are looking for accommodation after September then please eitherphone, e-mail or visit the Accommodation Office. Vacancies do occasionally occur for different reasons during the year, either when new accommodation is taken on, or if students leave. The Accommodation Office is open throughout the year, but it is advisable to make an appointment if you wish to see the Accommodation Officer as a large proportion of her time is spent out of the office visiting properties and new landlords.
There are three types of accommodation available:-
Shared Student Houses (Self-Catering)
Available only to students who will be over 18 at the beginning of the Autumn Term).
Students rent a room in a house and share the living room, kitchen and bathroom with other students. Most houses will accommodate four students, some are larger. Rent is based on a 10 month contract from September to July each year . (N.B. This applies regardless of the start and end dates of courses attending). Rent ranges on average between £55 - £70 per week, depending on room size, facilities, etc, and some of these might be inclusive of bills. When booking accommodation you will need to pay a booking and/or administration fee to the landlord to secure the room. Rent is usually paid two months in advance, or termly in advance and the landlord will advise you when you need to make your first payment. You are strongly advised to read any contracts very carefully before signing, taking note of what the terms and period of notice are. Most landlords will not release you from the contract unless you are able to find someone else to take your place. Landlords will not consider students who are under 18 for this type of accommodation as they are not legally able to sign a contract.
Home Share (Self-Catering)
Students rent a single room in the resident owner’s home on a self-catering basis, sharing the kitchen, bathroom, etc with the owner. The owner could be a single person or have a family, and some properties have other students in the house as well. This type of accommodation is popular with students who prefer a bit of independence, but don’t want to share with lots of other people. It usually works out cheaper than Student House Share as all the bills are paid by the home-owner, who will also provide basic essentials such as loo paper, washing-up liquid, dustbin bags, etc and rent is not payable during holiday periods as long as the landlord is told in advance. Many will just ask for a small retainer of about £20 a week during holiday times. Typical costs are from £55 to £75 per week, and rent is usually payable weekly or fortnightly in advance. One or two weeks’ notice is usually required if students want to leave. Check with landlord beforehand.
Lodgings (Catered Accommodation)
This type of accommodation is particularly suitable for the younger (i.e. 16 – 18 year olds) who are not eligible for Houseshare accommodation, or for those who may be travelling home every weekend because of family and/or work commitments. It is also used by students on ‘block release’ courses, such as the apprentices from the Farriery Training Service, who appreciate a cooked meal every evening! Students rent a single bedroom in the resident owner’s home and are provided with breakfast and evening meal on a 4, 5 or 7 night basis. Some of the properties have other students in the house, and this will be detailed on the accommodation list. Not many people offer accommodation at weekends as well, so it is advisable to book this type of accommodation as soon as possible. Typical rent is on average £16 - £20 per night and rent is payable either weekly or fortnightly in advance. As in homeshare, full rent is not usually payable during holidays and work experience periods as long as the accommodation provider is informed beforehand, but half-rent or a small cash retainer may be required for these periods – check beforehand with the accommodation provider.
For any enquiries relating to accommodation, please contact the Accommodation Officer:
Jane Young
Telephone: 01432 365319
Mobile: 07974966195
Email:
youngj@hct.ac.uk
