ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET
STUDENT HALLS
*Managed by Optivo
It’s a housing managing company that manages most of our residences. The halls that are managed by Optivo are rented through the summer, generally to summer schools. At this time they also do repairs. They are not normally offered to students for rent.
HOW TO APPLY
- Once students are made CF or UF they can begin the process of applying online for accommodation
- If a student hasn’t gone CF or UF because the process is different for a specific region (particularly where visas are concerned) you can ask the student to complete a paper application form. Once completed, send it to Lisette Metcalfe, the Student Housing Services Manager and she will create the online application for the student and issue them with an accommodation offer
- Students can indicate which gender they would prefer to live with on the application form. Any additional preferences (living close to a friend, preferring not to be on the ground floor etc) should be emailed to the accommodation team (accomm@mdx.ac.uk) who will try their best to accommodate
- Students get to select an option A and an option B for their accommodation preference when applying
- Rooms will be available for January starters too.
WHEN TO APPLY
The accommodation team starts to make offers at the end of April/ start of May, so if the student can apply around this time there’s a high chance they will get the accommodation of their choice.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
Students will be asked for an advance rent payment of £300 (which is deducted from the total rent payment)
ACCEPTING THEIR ACCOMMODATION OFFER
- Once they receive their accommodation offer (contract) they need to accept and sign it
- Once accepted they will be asked to pay the £300 advanced rent payment in order to secure their room.
WHEN TO MAKE A PAYMENT
September - first instalment of accommodation fees
January - second instalment of accommodation fees
MOVING INTO ACCOMMODATION
- Move in date this year is Monday 16th September.
- If they want to come early, it is possible but will need to contact the accommodation team who will work with Optivo to book it directly. In this instance, they will get to move into their actual room, and won’t need to move again on the official move in date.
- Parent’s/Guardians shouldn’t be staying in the accommodation overnight if they are helping their child move in. They should be directed to local accommodations, hotels, B&Bs, Airbnbs etc
- No bedding is provided, just a mattress - students can source this through UniKitOut where they can get a bedding pack delivered to the hall before they arrive. Students can save 10% off everything when they quote MIDDX10 at checkout.
- Worst case scenario there are a few spare packs students can use for the night, but can’t guarantee this (sometimes security can forget!)
COLLECTING KEYS
- Students can collect their keys from their accommodation office. They will need to have a copy of their contract, photo ID (for example, passport) and a completed residence form with a photograph before signing for keys.
- If students arrive outside accommodation office hours, they still need to go to the accommodation office where the security team can give them their keys (security works 5pm-9am weekdays, and weekends)
PETS
- None of our halls of residence accept pets due to allergies or fears. Students should contact local estate agents or consider PRA, but should be aware that it might be difficult to find accommodation that will allow pets.
COMING WITH FAMILIES
- No bedrooms in halls of residence are available for families. The team's advice is to speak with local estate agents or Nansen Village offers accommodation for families.
HEALTH EMERGENCY
- All accommodation staff are first aid trained
- First-year resident assistants (peer support) also are first aid trained and can be contacted on their mobile phones. Their numbers are listed in each kitchen area
- The accommodation team will assess the situation and contact 111 or 999 when required
REFUND PROCESS
- If a student accepts their accommodation offer, but the visa is rejected, we will refund their advance rent payment
- If they accept the offer, come to the UK and enrol with us, they are liable to take the room and pay for it. They need to be made aware of this. If they don’t take the room there is no guarantee they won’t have to pay for it as we can’t ensure that we will be able to fill the room. If they move in and are unhappy etc, the accommodation team will try to find a solution for them - but again no guarantee.
- Up to the 12th of September (ie. first date of arrival/contract start date) they can decline their offer and receive a full refund on any advance rent they have paid. This date will change each year, but it’s typically around this date.
- If withdrawing from the programme they have to give 1 months’ notice and they can get a refund of any paid fees. Otherwise, they’re liable for the rent, unless they can find another student to replace them.
PRIVATE RENTED ACCOMMODATION (PRA)
- Accommodations team offers a very basic level of service when it comes to PRA
- Students can use the MDX student pad website where they approve landlords. Checks are done to make sure the property is liveable, gas checks are done and general inspection. We do not have a lot of options on this website, so often the team directs them to Gumtree, Spareroom etc
- Advice for students - don’t pay out any money until you've arrived and actually seen the property. They should book a short-term stay for a few weeks to give them time to settle in and view accommodations
- Students could also stay in other private rented accommodation (which is becoming increasingly popular in central London. Some accommodations offer amazing views of the city, on-site restaurants and cafes, cinema rooms, karaoke rooms, bike and luggage storage, and a calendar of social events - but they can be expensive!)