Changes for 2021-22
Your health, safety and wellbeing are our top priority in halls of residence. We have made a number of changes in response to COVID-19, so that we can ensure our residents are safe, secure and comfortable.
What we're doing for 2021/22
Single occupancy rooms
There will be no twin occupancy rooms for 2021/22 - all previous twin rooms will be let as single occupancy so that social distancing guidelines can be safely and comfortably adhered to.
Household Zones
You will be assigned a household zone, although you will be able to socialise and mix between them. In the event that someone in your household zone becomes symptomatic or tests positive for COVID-19, you will be required to self-isolate.
Rents and affordability
With the changes to twin occupancy rooms - and in recognition that some students may need additional support in 2021-22 - we have made amendments to our rents. These changes mean that 50% of rooms available now fall within the lowest cost categories. More details are available below.
What we're doing for 2021/22
Retaining Pembridge Hall and Parsons House
In order to ensure there are a wide range of affordable options available, we are retaining Pembridge Hall and Parsons House in the undergraduate portfolio. These halls, based in Notting Hill and West Kensington respectively, provide a range of lower cost bed spaces.
Enhancing cleaning services
In order to maintain a high level of hygiene across our halls of residences, we will be introducing enhanced cleaning services throughout communal areas, including kitchens, common rooms and entrances.
Hands, face, space, fresh air
In order to keep you safe, the College is recommending that you regularly wash your hands, keep rooms well-ventilated and avoid close proximity from others when in communal areas.
Frequently asked questions
We understand you will have further questions on these changes and how they may impact you. Some additional guidance is below and available on our other Residents 2021-22 pages.
Last updated 21 July 2021
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to share my room with anyone?
No, in order to ensure everyone can comfortably adhere to social distancing guidelines all twin rooms will be let as single occupancy this year. Although twin rooms will still be displayed as such in the application process, they will only be allocated to a single resident.
How have rents changed?
In recognition of the adaptations made to accommodation this year - alongside the fact that students may need additional support - we have made a number of changes to our previously published rents.
- We have ringfenced 423 standard single across the portfolio to be reduced by £50 per week. This will significantly increase the proportion of lower-cost affordable rooms, as defined by the NUS Affordability Criteria, to 50% of the overall portfolio.
- In addition, we have allocated an additional £5 per week discount at Woodward Buildings in recognition of the potential disruption anticipated by building works there this year.
- To ensure that there is a fair and consistent pricing structure when compared with facilities, we have increased the price of previous twin rooms to match an equivalent premium single room (or 10% higher than an equivalent standard single.)
Through these measures, we are able to ensure your safety and comfort whilst also strengthening our commitment to providing genuinely affordable accommodation for residents.
Will I still be living with the same amount of people in halls of residence?
Due to the removal of twin rooms, there will be a smaller number of residents in most halls. A range of measures are in place to ensure that residents are safe, secure and can comfortably adhere to social distancing guidelines. This will include staggered arrival times, clear self-isolation procedures, and amendments to corridor and communal space usage.
Will there be social activities in halls?
Our Wardening teams will be organising a wide range of social activities to help you settle into your hall. These may include small-group and online activities.
How will the College help me find private accommodation?
The Student Accommodation Office team can provide plenty of advice and support on finding private accommodation, even before you arrive at the College. The private accommodation website is full of useful information and resources, from how to search for properties, what to expect from a contract and your responsibilities to listings of agents and private halls providers. The Student Hub team can also answer any specific questions you may have and provides a free contract-checking service.