USEFUL INFORMATION FOR OUR RESIDENTS

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COMMUNICATION

DAMAGES

ENERGY & SUSTAINTABILITY

HEALTH AND WELLBEING BANK ACCOUNTS

FIRE SAFETY FIRE FIGHTING

EQUIPMENT

INSURANCE INTERNET & TELEPHONY

MAIL NOISE REPAIRS

RESIDENCE LIFE SECURITY MATTERS

SMOKING

UNHAPPY WITH YOUR ACCOMMODATION?

DRIVING AND PARKING

CYCLING VOTING

DISCIPLINE

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

LOCAL AMENITIES/SERVICES

STUDENT SUPPORT CONTACTS

RENT

HARASSMENT

KEYS

BUS SERVICES

COMMUNICATION & CONTACTS back to top Check your sms e-mail account regularly Please note we will communicate with you via a number of different ways, e-mail, telephone

voice or text, and notice boards. In line with University policy, e-mails will be sent to your University SMS account; you must check this on a regular basis.

Your site also has a Facebook page which is monitored by your Residents' Assistants and you can chat with other tenants living on your site/ house. Details of this are available in your welcome letter.

Emergency Contacts back to top

Emergency Sevices (Fire, Police and Ambulance): Tel: 999 Police (Non-emergency): Tel: 101 Keycom Help Line (telephone/internet provision in your room): Tel 0131 545 5000 or 1590

from your room phone

Local Amenities/Services back to top Banks A list of eligible banks with which to open a bank account can be found on the bank letter in your MYED account once you check in to your accommodation. For more information please go to: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/new-and-prospective-students/arrival-information/opening-a-bank-account/

Please see relevant bank websites for

contact info

Environmental Health (Noise Pollution)

Contact Centre during normal business hours After Hours Response (Thurs Fri 5:15 4 am, Sat Sun 18:00 4 am)

Tel: 0131 529 3030 Tel: 0131 200 2000

Post offices

Post office Branch locator: http://www.postoffice.co.uk/branch-finder

Supermarkets

Tesco - http://www.tesco.com/storeLocator/ Sainsburys -

http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/sol/storelocator/storelocator_landing.jsp Asda - http://storelocator.asda.com Morrisons - http://www.morrisons.co.uk/Store-Finder/ Lidl - http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/www_lidl_uk/hs.xsl/785.htm

Student Support Contacts back to top

Residence Life For assistance with welfare/academic concerns call or email us. Alternatively, come to the Reception Centre, Pollock Halls between 09:00 17:00 Monday-Friday

Tel: 0131 667 1971 or dial 0 from your room phone. Email: accom.reslife@ed.ac.uk

The Advice Place Free impartial advice and information on anything and everything provided by your student association (EUSA) Student Centre, Potterow Bristo Square KB House, Kings Buildings For opening hours please see:

http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk//advice/how-do-i-get-advice/

Tel: 0131 650 2656 or 0131 650 5772 Email: advice@eusa.ed.ac.uk

University Chaplaincy Centre Bristo Square http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/chaplaincy

Tel: 0131 650 2595

Student Counselling Service Library - George Square & also at Moray House School of Education http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/student-counselling

Student Disability Service Library - George Square http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/disability-office

Tel: 0131 650 6828

Nightline Confidential Support for Students (8pm 8 am)

Tel: 0131 557 4444

EUSA Edinburgh University Students Association, 5/2 Bistro Square http://www.eusa.ed.ac.uk/

Tel: 0131 650 2656

International Office 33 Buccleuch Place http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/international-office

Tel: 0131 650 4296

DAMAGES back to top DAMAGES

BE WARNED: You will be charged for damages!

Respect your accommodation and other residents. Do not damage or vandalise your flat including any of the furniture and fittings. Any damage caused by you or your guests will be charged to you.

Un-attributable damage in shared areas (this includes the stairwells, pantries, kitchens, common rooms and laundries) will be split between ALL the tenants in the House of Flats.

Wed like you to leave your room as you found it at the end of the year. This means no holes in the wall and no Blu-Tac stains either.

DISCIPLINE back to top

All students are subject to the UNIVERSITY CODE OF DISCIPLINE

Serious breaches of discipline, whether caused by misuse of the fire equipment, breach of health and safety requirements, or use of illegal drugs will be dealt with under this code.

For further information, visit: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-

services/staff/discipline/code-discipline

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY back to top

One of Accommodation Services major business objectives is to operate in a sustainable and environmentally effective and beneficial way. With the introduction in 2009 of a Sustainability Policy, were actively working to reduce our environmental impact, and making our students and staff more aware of environmental issues.

For more information on Energy and Sustainability in your accommodation please visit: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/current-students/energy-and-sustainability/

While you are not paying the electricity bill directly, you are paying for the electricity

consumed as part of your rent; please take measures to keep consumption low. This is not only environmentally friendly, but will help to limit increases in rents to meet increasing utility costs. You will receive updates on your power consumption to help you take steps to minimise your usage. You may be charged for excessive use.

RECYCLING

Please use recycling facilitiesmore information available in Site/ House Office

Please ensure that items that may create a fire hazard are not allowed to accumulate in kitchens/pantries.

For more information on recycling in your area, please visit: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/current-students/energy-and-sustainability/waste-and-recycling/

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING back to top

Maintaining Health and Safety is everyones responsibility, staff and students. To help you play your part please read our Health and Safety Guidelines for Students which can be found at: http://www.ed.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.5163!fileManager/HealthandSafetyStudentGuidlines.pdf

APPLIANCES back to t

The kitchens in self-catered accommodation are equipped with kettles, fridges/freezers, cookers and microwave ovens. Tidiness in the kitchen and security of food are responsibilities shared by the residents. Any additional appliances brought in by tenants for use in the kitchen must be fused and earthed to comply with UK electrical safety requirements.

Any adapters used must also comply with:

http://www.esc.org.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/public/leaflets/Adapt-your-electrical-appliances-web-_July_2012.pdf

Additional cooking appliances are not permitted in bedrooms. Any such appliances found will be instructed to be removed. Failure to do so will result in Accommodation Services removing the items to store. Additional heaters are not required and are also not permitted.

FEELING UNWELL?

Upon arrival you should register with a local GP (Medical Practice). The University has its own Health Centre, located in the Student Centre at Bristo Square; you may wish to register there. After registering, you should complete the medical notice in your room; this will help in the event of a medical emergency.

If you have any special requirements linked to your health, which have not already been addressed, please contact your Accommodation Manager/Warden to discuss these.

Doctors & Pharmacy University of Edinburgh Health Service, Bristo Square: www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk/services/GPs/Pages/default.aspx

Tel: 0131 650 2777

Dentist For a list of Dentists in Edinburgh please visit: http://www.edinburghnhsdentist.co.uk

Out of Hours Medical Advice: NHS 24 provides health advice, available when GP Practices are closed

Tel: 08454 24 24 24

Bank Accounts back to top Non UK Residents should note that it may take up to three or four weeks after your arrival in the UK to open a bank account. What you will need:

Confirmation of your UK address. You will be able to print an approved letter for the bank from your MyEd record once you have checked into your accommodation.

Passport, or driving licence if you are a UK Resident.

Visa (If applicable)

Unconditional letter of acceptance. You can use your bank account to set up a Direct Debit mandate so that the money due for your rent will be collected automatically. For more information: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/accommodation-services/new-prospective/ready-to-apply/arrival-info/bank-accounts

Rent back to top All tenancies are on a sole and several basis, which means that each tenant is responsible for

his or her own rent payments only.

Rent can either be paid in full by debit/credit card on acceptance of your offer of accommodation or either monthly or termly by either a Direct Debit drawn on a UK bank account or via a Recurring Card Payment plan against a Visa or MasterCard. Setting up a payment plan is part of the conditions of acceptance of your accommodation offer. Exact details of the instalment amounts and the dates when these instalments will be taken will be sent to you within 2 months of the date of you accepting your offer of accommodation or at least 14 days before the first payment date. You will also be able to view these details through your MyEd account.

If you wish to request a postponement of an instalment you must inform Rent Payment Section in AS Finance at least 10 working days prior to the next payment. Generally the payment date is the 10th of the month or the nearest working day after this date. If you wish to alter either your Bank or Card details a new mandate needs to be set-up at least 14 calendar days prior to the next payment date.

Further details and important information regarding rent payments can be found at: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/current-students/paying-for-your-accommodation/rent-payment/

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, you should arrange to speak to someone from the Rent Payment Section as soon as you can. You can contact the Rent Payment Section: o By phone on 0131 651 2118 (keycom x 22118) o By email at accom.rentenquiries@ed.ac.uk o In person at the Reception Centre, Pollock Halls; Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

If you do not respond to any arrears letter sent to you, an outside agency will be

instructed to contact you regarding arrears. Their initial contact will incur costs of a minimum of 12% of the balance due and will be charged to you. This could also result in court action if a satisfactory conclusion is not reached.

This may have an effect on the following: your credit history; future offers of University accommodation and references to other landlords in the future.

FIRE SAFETY back to top

The main causes of fire alarm activations are: Fumes from cooking Toast and burnt food and grill pans Smokers Materials Steam (Including showers, irons and hair straighteners) Detector Interference Malicious use of fire alarm systems and extinguishers Disconnection of Door Closers Use of candles, joss sticks or incense burners Aerosol use Heaters For further information, please visit:

http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/current-students/university-policies-and-guidelines/ Fire Safety video (youtube):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWOrqyfEzM8

CANDLES (including joss sticks/ incense) back to top

Candles (including joss sticks/incense) are a fire risk and not permitted in University managed accommodation.

Any student contravening this regulation will be fined up to a maximum of 250 under the

code of student discipline.

FIRE ALARMS & WEEKLY TESTS back to top

The weekly Fire alarm test is carried out by Accommodation Services staff. A different call point is tested every week. You do not have to leave your room during an alarm test, but if the alarm sounds for longer than 15-20 seconds then you should vacate the building.

All Houses are equipped with a Fire Alarm system. These have been installed for your

safety and any misuse is a criminal offence. The break-glass in each House should only be used in the event of a fire. Each kitchen is equipped with a heat detector and each room with a smoke detector.

NEVER COVER SMOKE AND HEAT DETECTORS, WEDGE OPEN FIRE DOORS OR DISCONNECT DOOR CLOSERS. THIS IS STRICTLY AGAINST THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF YOUR TENANCY AND WILL RESULT IN A FINE UP TO A MAXIMUM OF 250.00

In the event of a fire, you should evacuate the building immediately; you must ALWAYS

vacate the building when you hear the fire alarm. Please note that failure to leave the premises is a criminal offence; the Fire brigade may press charges and you will be subject to a fine up to a maximum of 250 under the code of student discipline. You may not re-enter the building until the Fire Brigade has attended the scene, has ascertained that the building is safe and has given its consent for re-occupancy.

Please ensure that you read the fire alarm notice posted in your room.

Please do not use hairdryers, straighteners, aerosols, directly under the detector head in your room, as this may activate the alarm and charges could result.

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT back to top

NEVER TAMPER WITH FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT. It is irresponsible. Damaged or expended equipment can cost lives.

NOTE: ANY tampering with fire safety equipment is viewed seriously by the University and the Fire Brigade. It will result in DISCIPLINARY ACTION (See section D for disciplinary) being taken against YOU, including a fine of up to 250.00. On occasion, such activity has resulted in CRIMINAL CHARGES being pressed against students.

However, if you use a fire blanket or extinguisher on a genuine fire, please inform the House Office immediately and they will arrange to get it replaced.

HARASSMENT back to top Contact your Warden/Accommodation Manager if you are suffering HARASSMENT

The University prohibits harassment of any type. This includes any threatening or offensive

behaviour or language expressed orally or in writing, including electronically. We recommend that you take particular care when using social media web sites.

You are strongly encouraged to review the University guidelines on dignity and respect at the following website: http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/equality-diversity/innovation-development/dignity-respect

INSURANCE back to top

As part of your tenancy agreement, you automatically receive basic contents insurance for your room. You should check the details of amounts insured on the website: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/media/111822/2012_2013insurancepolicy.pdf

Please note that additional cover is required for bikes and mobile phones.

If you have expensive items which exceed the stated limits, you are advised to take out further insurance to cover these. Please research which insurance provider best meets your needs.

If you are making a claim in relation to theft, you will be required to provide a crime reference number.

INTERNET & TELEPHONY back to top

This property has internet aprovided by Keycom Plc. This service provides high quality broadband internet.

For more information about the internet and telephone services provided at this property please visit: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/services/it-facilities/

Through a unique arrangement with The Cloud, Keycom has been able to extend local WiFi connectivity on a national basis offering students the use of 10,000 hotspots across Europe. As a registered KeySurf user you have access to local and national services using a single login. The Cloud is Europes leading wireless network operator. Their extensive network covers locations that include airports, railway stations, hotels, business centres, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. o To find out where to find a Cloud Hotspot go to:

http://www.thecloud.net/About-us/

TELEPHONES back to top

Your room has a telephone, please ensure upon your arrival that you activate this so that you can make and receive telephone calls and messages. AS will use this to contact you, so please check regularly.

WIRELESS back to top

The Keycom wireless service is designed to be accessed in pantries, kitchens and common rooms ONLY. It is not designed to be used from within your bedroom. This does not mean that you will not get a signal in your bedroom, but that it is likely to be very slow. To ensure a reliable and fast internet connection in your bedroom, please use the wired service as described in the instructions you will find in your bedroom on arrival.

MAIL back to top

Please refer to your offer of accommodation for your correct postal address.

NOISE back to top

Noise should be kept to a minimum after 10:00 pm, and special consideration should also be given during exam time. If you are experiencing a problem with noise, please contact your Warden/ Accommodation Manager or AS Security.

For further information, please visit:

http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/media/111831/noise%20policy.pdf Environmental Health (noise pollution) can be contacted by telephone if you have an issue

with noise, contact numbers are listed in the contact information.

REPAIRS back to top It is your responsibility to report REPAIRS needed in your accommodation

Any repairs required in your home should be reported either by e-mail to your site Accommodation Manager or on a repair form in the Site/House Office. Please do not rely on the Domestic Staff to report repairs for you this is not their responsibility. Please do not assume that someone else has reported a repair; they usually havent!

In the event of an emergency repair and the site/house office is unattended; please contact the Pollock Halls Security on 6666 from your bedroom handset.

Please note that University maintenance staff and outside contractors may require access to your flat and room to carry out repairs and maintenance. If you have reported a repair, you have granted permission for access to your home. All University of Edinburgh personnel have some form of identification; please ask to see if you are in any doubt about someone requiring access to your room.

If you have not received an acknowledgment of your repair within 24 hours (Monday to Friday) of reporting it, please contact your Accommodation Manager/House Office again.

Planned or routine maintenance will be notified 48hrs in advance.

RESIDENCE LIFE back to top

The Residence Life team, (Wardens & Resident Assistants) are there to provide opportunities for you to meet others and provide a supportive community for you to live in. They can also offer support and advice when needed. http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/residence-life/

SECURITY MATTERS back to top Lock doors ask for ID report incidents back to to

Ensure that your bedroom door is closed and locked at ALL times, even when you are in. It is also essential that you close your windows when you go out. Thefts can occur when students leave their rooms unattended and unlocked, however briefly.

Do not allow strangers to enter the building, and ensure the main door to the building is locked whenever you leave or enter the House. You will become familiar with the staff working in the House, but all University personnel should have either name tags or identification badges. Please do not hesitate to ask for identification from anyone who requires access to your bedroom.

In the event of your room being broken in to, please contact the Police on 101 to report the crime. Please also inform the Security team on 6666, and they will arrange for any repairs required to doors or windows.

Accommodation Services employ security staff who are based at Pollock Halls 24 hrs a day.

If you require assistance from the Security Team, please contact them at any time on 6666 from your bedroom handset or 0131-651-2060 from an external phone. You can also contact them via e-mail at Security24-7@ed.ac.uk. The Security Team always carry identification with them to prove who they are.

For the Security team to provide appropriate assistance to you please detail as much information about yourself and the situation you are reporting as possible. From the information given the Security staff will assess and decide whether immediate action is required or whether your email/call should be passed to an Accommodation Manager or the Residence Life staff for further action.

Security 24/7 based at Pollock Halls but available for all University accommodation sites, to assist with lockouts, noise, emergencies, repairs

Tel: 0131 651 2060 or 0 from room phone Email:Security24-7@ed.ac.uk

KEYS back to top

Please check link below for key collection dates and locations http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/new-and-prospective-students/arrival-information/

Always report any loss of keys / swipe cards / fobs immediately to the site/house office, or if this is closed, to the Pollock Halls Reception Centre. If you think the keys have been stolen, please contact the Police as well.

If you lose your key(s), the cost of replacements is 20.00 per set. Please do not tag your keys with an address if a tagged key is lost the lock will have to be changed, as this has implications for your safety; the cost of doing the work will be charged to you.

Never give your key to anyone else. If you are locked out of your flat and require assistance from staff to get back into the flat, the following charges will apply:

o 09:00hrs 15:00hrs 5.00 (Contact House/Site Office) o 18:00hrs 23:00hrs 5.00 (Contact Residents Assistant) o After 23:00 hrs 20.00 (Contact Pollock Halls Reception Centre)

SMOKING back to top All accommodation is non-smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes. A fine up to a maximum of 250 will be applied under the Code of Student Discipline if any resident or their guest/s are found to be smoking in any of our accommodation.

BUS SERVICES back to top

The University is served by a comprehensive network of buses which are largely provided by Lothian buses: www.lothianbuses.com

See the Transport and Parking office website for more information on bus travel including the University shuttle bus service and the Traveline Scotland journey planner: www.ed.ac.uk/transport

UNHAPPY WITH YOUR ACCOMMODATION? back to top TRANSFERS back to to

Read this BEFORE making arrangements to leave your accommodation

If you wish to transfer at any time before the end of your tenancy agreement, you must first discuss the matter with a member of the Allocations Staff, who will assess the situation and advise you as appropriate; they can be contacted via the Reception Centre at Pollock Halls. If you wish to transfer to another Hall of Residence or to a University Flat and there is a suitable vacancy available you can transfer on payment of a 50 administration fee. This charge covers the time and resources necessary to make the arrangements, adjust our systems and produce the required paperwork for any agreed transfer to take place. However, transfers will not normally be considered before week 6 of the first semester. http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/current-students/accommodation-transfer-policy/

CAN I CANCEL EARLY?

If you withdraw from University you will be released from you Accommodation contract otherwise you must find a suitable replacement tenant to take your place. In line with your contract terms and conditions, if you vacate your accommodation without receiving official, written permission to do so, you will be liable to pay all rents due until your accommodation is occupied by another tenant agreed by the University.

COMPLAINTS b

If we have been unable to resolve any problems you have experienced, please follow the procedure outlined in: http://www.accom.ed.ac.uk/residence-life/complaints-were-here-to-help/

Voting back to top Use your VOTE

It is important that you register to vote.

To check your eligibility to vote and for advice on how to register to vote phone: 0131 344 2500, or email: enquires@lothian-vjjb.gov.uk or visit: http://www.lothian-vjb.gov.uk

CAR PARKING AND DRIVING back to top In the interests of the environment, keep car use to a minimum

To plan your route, you can use Transport Directs journey planner: www.transportdirect.co.uk

Tripshare is the Universitys car sharing scheme for more information see: www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/transport/driving/tripshare

For information on the United Kingdom city car club see: http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/

For more information about car parking see the Transport and Parking office website: www.ed.ac.uk/transport

CYCLING back to top Where there are secure BICYCLE SHEDS please use them (please do not use the railings and lampposts)

Cycling is a cheap and healthy way to get around. There is a network of on and off road cycle routes in Edinburgh. You can plan your route around Edinburgh using the cycle streets journey planner: www.edinburgh.cyclestreets.net

Cycle maintenance the University provides a number of facilities for cycle maintenance for more information including free bike doctor sessions see the Transport and Parking office website: www.ed.ac.uk/transport

Bikes are not permitted to be kept in the flat, stairwell or landing. Any damage caused to the flat, stairwell or landing by taking a bike into or out of the building will be charged to you. Any bike left in the stairwell or landing will be removed, as this constitutes a fire hazard.

Please ensure you have a good lock for your bike, and that you remove it from the bike shed at the end of your tenancy.

Accommodation Services is not liable for any damage caused to bikes kept in the bike shed. Please ensure you have sufficient insurance cover for your bike.

COMMUNICATION & CONTACTS back to topCheck your sms e-mail account regularly

Emergency Contacts back to topLocal Amenities/Services back to topStudent Support Contacts back to topDAMAGES back to topDAMAGESDISCIPLINE back to top

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY back to topRECYCLING

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING back to topAPPLIANCES back to tFEELING UNWELL?

Bank Accounts back to topRent back to topFIRE SAFETY back to topCANDLES (including joss sticks/ incense) back to topFIRE ALARMS & WEEKLY TESTS back to top

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT back to topHARASSMENT back to topINSURANCE back to topMAIL back to topINTERNET & TELEPHONY back to topTELEPHONES back to topWIRELESS back to top

REPAIRS back to topRESIDENCE LIFE back to topNOISE back to topSECURITY MATTERS back to topLock doors ask for ID report incidents back to to

SMOKING back to topKEYS back to topBUS SERVICES back to topVoting back to topUNHAPPY WITH YOUR ACCOMMODATION? back to topTRANSFERS back to toCAN I CANCEL EARLY?If you withdraw from University you will be released from you Accommodation contract otherwise you must find a suitable replacement tenant to take your place. In line with your contract terms and conditions, if you vacate your accommodation without re...COMPLAINTS b

CYCLING back to topCAR PARKING AND DRIVING back to top