Birmingham City University : Policies and Procedures



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Policies and Procedures

Rent

Rent is set annually as part of the University budget process. The prices reflect the University’s costs in maintaining its estate in a reasonable condition.

Prices are listed on each halls of residence page and include energy costs. Rent is payable either each term or monthly by direct debit from a UK current account or by credit/debit card. Further information on how to pay will be sent out with your offer of accommodation. All annual rents are based on a minimum 40-week contract.

Allocations policy

  • Providing students have an unconditional firm offer for a course at Birmingham City University, applications will be processed in order of the date they become unconditional from, and not from the date the accommodation application is made.
  • We cannot guarantee that you will be allocated your preferences. Priority for on-campus accommodation is normally given to applicants who will be studying at, or closest to the site concerned.
  • If there are medical or mobility factors which have a bearing on your accommodation needs, please provide full details and supporting evidence at the time of application to enable us to allocate appropriately. It is recommended that you contact the Disability Services team at Student Services for advice and assistance.
  • Allocations for September commence in mid July. If you are awaiting examination results, your offer of accommodation will be processed after the grades are confirmed.
  • Your Offer of accommodation will be done online. Once you receive an email informing you that a room has been offered, log on to the accommodation online services and follow the instructions provided. Please advise us in advance if you will be away from home (e.g. on holiday) for more than a fortnight at a time.
  • The standard accommodation contract covers a 40 week period from September to June inclusive. Students whose academic year continues into July/August can apply to extend their stay when vacation booking forms are issued during the Spring Term. Students should note that it may be necessary to transfer rooms for the summer vacation period. Students whose courses run for only one semester will be offered a contract from September until late January or January until late June inclusive. This is the minimum booking period applicable.
  • You will be able to move into Halls during the weekend before your course starts and your licence agreement indicates the date from which you will be liable for the accommodation fees. However, if you collect the keys before the start of the licence, even if you do not move in, you will be liable from the date of key collection. Please note that in most cases the accommodation will not be available any earlier than the start of the licence. Details of where and when to collect your keys will be in the online induction.
  • Smoking is not permitted in any areas within the Halls of Residence.
  • You will need to provide your own cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, bedding and towels. Further information can be found in the Information Handbook section of the website.

Termination of agreement

If you formally withdraw from study, your liability for rent continues for a 180-day notice period unless the room is re-let to an eligible student of Birmingham City University (i.e. one who is not already contracted to the University's portfolio of accommodation and whose conduct/payment history is acceptable). Written confirmation of withdrawal from study is required from the relevant faculty.

If you move out of University-owned accommodation but are still enrolled on your course you will continue to be liable for rent for the duration of your agreement, unless the room is re-let to an eligible student of Birmingham City University in the meantime. You are ultimately responsible for finding a replacement student for your room; however, we will assist by passing on your details if we are approached by students seeking accommodation.

The circumstances in which the University may terminate your agreement are detailed in full under Section 4 of the contract but examples include:

  • Overdue payment (you will continue to be liable for rent until the room is re-let).
  • Serious or persistent breach of your obligations as set out in the agreement.
  • If you do not have status as a registered student of the University.
  • If your health or behaviour is believed to constitute a serious risk to yourself or others, or the University’s or other people’s property.
  • If the accommodation or access to it is sufficiently damaged as to be unfit for habitation.
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