2 3

Student Welfare – Accommodation 3

Paragon Student Lets – Brentford 5

Location 6

Facilities 7

Licence agreement 8

Applying online 9

Deposit and rent 10

Important information 11

Deadline checklist 13

Local amenities 14

Berkshire student accommodation 15

Private rented accommodation 16

General information 17

Useful addresses and contacts 19

The Student Finance Department will support you in many ways during your time at the University of West London, including helping you with your accommodation needs.

This handbook provides accommodation information for prospective and existing University of West London students. We hope it will answer any questions that you may have about accommodation.

Before completing the online applicationform for Paragon Student Lets, please readthis handbook and save a copy for future reference. If you have any further queries after reading this handbook please feel free to contact the Student Finance Department.

How to contact us

Student Finance Department7th Floor - Villiers HouseEalingLondon, W5 2NU

• +44 (0)20 8280 0283

• financehelp@uwl.ac.uk

• uwl.ac.uk/accommodation

This handbook is available in alternative formats upon request.

Contents Student Welfare – Accommodation

4 5

This award- winning building was opened in September 2006 and provides purpose built student accommodation.

Paragon Student Halls has been accredited by the Accreditation Network UK (ANUK), National Code of Standards for Larger Developments.

Your living accommodation

The site consists of four blocks of accommodation arranged as studios and shared study flats.

There are 810 rooms in shared study flats. They have en-suite bathroom facilities and between six and eight study bedrooms per flat. There is a communal kitchen/dining room in each flat.

There are also 29 studios, each with a fitted integral kitchen area and an en-suite bathroom. All rooms are accessible by wheelchair, served by lifts and fitted to the highest standard with wi-fi broadband internet access.All rooms are non-smoking.

Paragon Student Lets – Brentford

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Paragon Student Halls is located one and a half miles south of the Ealing site (St Marys Road). There are excellent bus and rail services nearby providing quick and easy access to central London. In addition, the University offers a free regular shuttle bus service linking the Paragon and Ealing sites, with drop off points at South Ealing and Ealing Broadway stations. The site has excellent transport links:

Tube

Boston Manor (Piccadilly line) – approximately 15 minutes walk from the Brentford site on Boston Manor Road.

Train

Brentford station – approximately five minutes’ walk from the Brentford site with a 30 minute journey into central London ending at Waterloo station.

Bus

• 195 to Southall and Hayes

• E2 to Greenford

• E8 to Ealing Broadway

• 65 to the Ealing site,

Richmond and Kingston

• H91 Hounslow West to Hammersmith

The Local Council and the University of West London are committed to reducing the impact of cars on the environment. We hope that where possible most students will make use of the public transport system (buses, tubes, trains) and the enhancement of our cycling facilities and local cycling routes.

Parking

There is no car parking available on site for students, or their visitors/guests. All cars parked without permission will be clamped or towed away.

Study bedrooms

• single bed

• bedside cabinet

• study worktop and chair

• internet connection (router supplied)

• wardrobe with hanging

space, shelf and mirror

• en-suite bathroom

Communal fitted kitchen/dining area, including individual lockable storage cupboards.

Studios

The studios have similar facilities as outlined in the study bedrooms with an added integral kitchen area.All studios are wheelchair accessible and include an en-suite bathroom.

Communal facilities

Common room

The common room, known as ‘The Hub’ has a large screen television, pool table, table football and vending machines.

Landscaped gardens

There is a roof garden above the common room and seating in the central courtyard.

Laundry

There is a pay launderette on site, located behind the Common Room. It is operated on behalf of Paragon Student Lets by Circuit Laundry who regularly visit to check and maintain the machines. The machines are swipe-card operated and these can be purchased from the vending machine in reception. They cost £5 to purchase with a £3 credit for the first use. These cards can then be conveniently topped up online by way of a PayPal Account.

Shops

A Co-op is situated next to the site, which has a free cash withdrawal machine. Larger shops and supermarkets are within walking distance in Brentford.

Refectory/Library Services

These facilities are available in the academic block.

On-site support

The main entrance to Paragon Student Lets and each block are accessible through the access control system using fobs. Flats and study bedrooms are accessed via keys.

Paragon Student Lets has an in-house management team located in the office at the entrance behind reception. The reception is manned 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Location Facilities

8 9

Licence Agreement

Your License Agreement (contract for the year) will apply to the 2018-19 academic year only. If you are joining in September at the start of the academic year, you will have the choice of a 41 week license, which are limited and subject to availability (September – July), or a 51 week (September – September) license.

If you apply to stay in Paragon Student Halls during the academic year, rooms are subject to availability, so please contact the Accommodation Service for further details.

If you wish to continue to live at Paragon Student Halls, you will be required to re-apply before your current License Agreement ends (see page 11 of the License Agreement).

Further information If you would like to receive additional information, or to ask any further questions, please get in touch with the Paragon Student Halls team.

• 020 3815 0561

• paragon@nhhg.org.uk

• paragonlets.com

To be able to apply for Paragon Student Halls you must have accepted your place on the course with UWL being your first choice university.

Once your application is an unconditional firm (U/F) or conditional firm (C/F) you will be eligible to proceed with your application.

The online application is open to all full-time University of West London students. Once you have registered via the UWL online process, you will receive application instructions by email on how to proceed.

Students will be able to do the following online:

• Apply

• Allocate a room

• Accept the license agreement

Offer of accommodation

Once your online application has been received, you will be contacted via e-mail regarding your specific offer of accommodation. It is therefore obligatory that all applicants provide a current e-mail address on their online form.

You must abide by the terms and conditions of your Student License Agreement. Please make sure that you read and understand it before signing.

You will receive the following documents by e-mail:

• Paragon accommodation offer letter

• Paragon Student Accommodation License Agreement

Please read these documents thoroughly.

Please note that once you have signed your License Agreement, you have entered a legally binding contract with Touareg Trust and all the terms and conditions set out in the Agreement will apply. Your offer letter will advise you on how to make payment.

If you do not have an unconditional firm (U/F)/conditional firm (C/F) offer of a place for your course, we will be unable to process your online application.

License agreement Applying online

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Deposit

You will be required to pay a £500 deposit to confirm your room. Your deposit is refundable but will be held against any outstanding debt, and/or damage incurred within your room, at or block, or for the loss of items of furniture and equipment.

Deposits are non-refundable unless you fall into the following categories:

- Failure to meet the entry criteria to the University (new students)

- Refusal of a student visa.

Rent Payment

The rent is payable in three instalments as follows:

41 Week Tenancy:

1st Installment: 07/09/18, £2687.87

2nd Installment: 05/01/19, £2055.43

3rd Installment: 06/04/19, £1739.21

51 Week Tenancy:

1st Installment: 07/09/18, £2687.87

2nd Installment: 05/01/19, £2055.43

3rd Installment: 06/04/19, £3320.31

Studio 51 Week Tenancy:

1st Installment: 07/09/18, £3663.67

2nd Installment: 05/01/19, £2801.63

3rd Installment: 06/04/19, £4525.71

You should ensure that you have sufficient funds for your rent before you enter into the License Agreement. You will not be permitted to move in until you have made your first rent payment.

Please note that rent is charged from Saturday; if you move in mid-week, you will be charged from the previous Saturday. We will notify you by e-mail of the arrangements regarding rent, including instalment deadline dates and payment details. All monies (deposit and rent) are payable to UWL.

The rental charges are as follows:

Study bedroom

£158.11 Per week, inclusive of bills (heating, hot and cold water, light, power, contents insurance and internet connection)

Studio

£215.51 Per week inclusive of bills (heating, hot and cold water, light, power, contents insurance and internet connection)

Payment methods

Students can make payments online by clicking the link below

uwlaccommodation.co.uk • Please remember that until you have paid the deposit and first rent instalment, you will not be able to move in your room in Paragon Student Halls. This also applies to returning students.

First Year students applying for accommodation before 1st May 2018 will be prioritized for a place in the Halls of Residence. It is important that those who would like to apply for accommodation at Paragon Student Halls do so in a prompt manner.

It is expected that most students will choose to be accommodated in the Hall of Residence. However, should you wish to secure your own accommodation in the private rented sector, we can advise you on the options available. There are groups of students for whom halls accommodation will not be suitable. Please read the section ‘Private rented accommodation’.

Please note that Paragon Student Halls are unable to accommodate students who are under eighteen years of age and students with dependents and pets.

Rent arrears

Rent arrears are subject to normal credit control debt collection procedures. You are therefore advised to pay the rent when it is due. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to an eviction.

Eligibility

There are a number of student groups for whom residential student accommodation may not be suitable. This would include:

Under 18s

Some housing providers will accommodate under 18s with a parental guarantor. Please contact the Student Welfare Team for details. Alternatively, we can provide a list of hostels, which may be suitable.

Deposit and rent Important information

*Maximum Occupancy: 1 person per room

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Students with dependents/families

Currently we are unable to accommodate students with families in university accommodation.

However, we can provide you with information on seeking accommodation in the private rented sector, such as lists of letting agents or hostels, which may be suitable for you.

You are advised to start looking early especially if you wish to secure hostel accommodation, as demand is high. You should only bring your family with you once you have arranged permanent accommodation.

If you fall into one of these categories, please contact the Student Welfare Team as soon as possible. Please also see the section on ‘Private Rented Accommodation’.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in any internal area of both accommodation sites, including bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, the launderette and the common room.

Anti-social behaviour and drugs

There is a zero tolerance policy towards illegal drug use and anti-social behavior. Failure to abide by the terms and conditions of your License Agreement may result in the termination of your contract.

However, you will still be liable for payment of rent for the duration of your License Agreement.

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There are many supermarkets, pubs and restaurants in the local vicinity as well as a wide range of leisure activities, including:

• KEW GARDENS

• FOUNTAIN LEISURE CENTRE

• THE GLOBE PUB

• BRENTFORD FOOTBALL GROUND

• SHOPPING AT EALING BROADWAY

• QUESTORS THEATRE EALING

• BOSTON MANOR AND

GUNNERSBURY PARK

• TRAILFINDERS RUGBY CLUB

• WATERMANS ARTS CENTRE

For more information visit the ‘leisure’

section of brentfordtw8.com

Students studying a pre-registration nursing or midwifery course in Berkshire are advised to stay in student accommodation as 80% of the course in the first year is based in our Reading Hub. UWL has arrangement with student housing providers taking into consideration students budgets and preferences.

We advise students to apply as soon as possible as allocations will be made on a first come, first served basis.

Unite – Crown House

Built in 2012, Crown House Hall provides a modern home for students - only a 10-minute walk to UWL’s Berkshire Institute of Health and a 5-minute walk from Royal Berkshire Hospital. Reading train station is only a 15-minute walk away too.

Crown House provides allocated accommodation for students from the University of West London on a first come, first served basis. This means that if you book early, you will not only secure the best rates but also be provided accommodation with UWL students.

You can choose from en-suite rooms in shared flats for two or four people as well as a range of studios. Facilities include a large TV, comfy seating, vending machines and large outdoor areas with barbecues and ping pong tables ideal for summer events. There is an open study area, an on-site launderette and bike storage area.

Regular events for all Unite students take place in both Crown House and Kendrick Hall, plus you can hire the common room for your own party. All bills and Wi-Fi are included in the price. In addition, Kendrick Hall has 24- hour security, secure door entry, a customer service team and a maintenance team.

For more information and to apply, visit:

unite-students.com/reading

Other student housing providers in Reading:

-Central Studios Reading freshstudentliving.co.uk

-Fawley Bridge Student Accommodation fawleybridgestudents.com

-Queens Court crm-students.com

-Sovereign Housing Association sovereign.org.uk

On occasions, we run accommodation fairs and will be happy to assist and advise if you wish to secure private accommodation for the upcoming academic year.

If you would like to discuss your accommodation options, please speak to our Accommodation Team:

• financehelp@uwl.ac.uk

• 020 8280 0283

Berkshire Student AccommodationLocal amenities

16 17

The Student Welfare Team will be able to assist you with information about the private rented sector.

There is a wide variety of accommodation suitable for students available to rent close to the University of West London. We can provide you with lists of letting agents, hotels, guest houses or hostels.

The Student Welfare Team can also advise you of the current legislation regarding health and safety issues in the private rented sector.

For further information, please contact Student Welfare or visit:

• uwl.ac.uk/accommodation

Code of Conduct

Students are reminded that at all times and whilst in residence they should abide by the University Regulations and Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the current student handbook, uwl.ac.uk/studenthandbook

Student status confirmation/council tax exemption

You will be required to confirm you are a student by providing your housing provider with documentary evidence. Student status/ Council Tax exemption letters are available from the University once you have enrolled.

Student support

Students have access to all student support services which are normally provided across all university sites. Students are encouraged to register with the local doctor’s practice to ensure they have primary health care cover in place. Student Services at our Ealing site can provide further information.

Safety

Irrespective of your accommodation arrangements, you must take responsibility for the safety of yourself, other occupants, personal property and dwellings. You must remember to close front doors and lock all windows when leaving the premises. Never give your front door key/access card to anyone else. Due to increased risk of fires, the Student Welfare Team advises you not to use naked flames such as candles, or incense. You should also be aware that pickpockets and bag snatchers target the London Underground and crowded shops and streets. Mobile phone theft is common, take care when using your phone and keep it in a safe place at all times.

Insurance

Contents insurance is covered in the rent for both shared study flats and studio rooms and is provided by Endsleigh. See: endsleigh.co.uk/personal/home-insurance/

your-student-cover/?HHRef=HH1531 for details of cover.

Private rented accommodation General information

18 19

International students and visas

For students who are seeking detailed information about Entry Clearance visas, please contact the International Office (see useful addresses and contacts). However, you may wish to refer to the following websites:

• uwl.ac.uk/international

• ukvisas.gov.uk

• ukcisa.org.uk

• homeoffice.gov.uk

• britishcouncil.org

Television (TV) license

You are advised that if you bring a television to residential accommodation, you must ensure that you purchase a TV license. Even if you watch a program on a device such as a laptop as it is being shown on TV, you will need a license. For full details please visit:

• gov.uk/tv-licence

Communal living

You must make yourself aware of and comply with fire and safety regulations as outlined in your Tenancy or License Agreement

Being housed together with new colleagues takes some effort on everyone’s part to ensure a harmonious co-existence. You should consider how you will manage the following matters and collectively agree some ‘house rules’ about:

• General consideration for each other

• Communal area cleaning rotas

• Saving methods for utility bills (if applicable)

• Paying for additional hired facilities in the accommodation e.g. telephone, internet connection, television or video/DVD

• Acceptable noise levels (music, late night TV)

• Visitors (how many and how late)

• The general good order of the accommodation.

Moving out of accommodation

You must abide by the terms and conditions of your Tenancy or License Agreement.

University of West London William Brake Student Services Centre

St Mary’s Road, Ealing, W5 5RF

Ealing Site: The Street, SMR Satellite: From Brentford/Reading

• 020 8231 2335 • UAS@uwl.ac.uk

Student Advice Team

• 020 8231 2591 • studentadvice@uwl.ac.uk

Wellbeing

• 020 8231 2739 • wellbeing.team@uwl.ac.uk

Counselling Team

• 020 8231 2218

Chaplaincy Team

• 020 8231 2365 • chaplaincy@uwl.ac.uk

Finance Department

• 020 8280 0283 • financeaccomm@uwl.ac.uk

Students’ Union [UWLSU]

St Mary’s Road, Ealing, W5 5RF

• 020 8231 2276 • uwl.su@uwl.ac.uk

UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON

Ealing Site: St Mary’s RoadEaling, W5 5RF

Brentford Site: Paragon House Boston Manor Road Brentford Middlesex, TW8 9GA

• 0800 036 8888

• uwl.ac.uk

Disclaimer:

The University of West London does not accept responsibility for accommodation acquired by students themselves.

The information given in this publication is accurate at the time of going to press.

Amendments may be made without notice.

Useful addresses and contacts

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