BIMM BRISTOL ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

WHERE TO LIVE EUROPE’S PUBLIC TRANSPORT MOST CONNECTED TYPES OF LETTING MUSIC COLLEGE MANAGING FINANCES

2017/18 BIMM.CO.UK CONTENTS

ACCOMMODATION 3

PRIVATE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION 4

HOUSE SHARES 5

HOUSE VIEWINGS 6

LOCATION 7

TRANSPORT 8

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 9 “ BIMM HAS HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND BRISTOL CULTURE 13 SOMETHING I’VE HAD A PASSION FOR ALL BRISTOL LIFE 14 MY LIFE… BUT IN NEW WAYS; LEARNING, SHOPPING 15 GROWING AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS 16 NETWORKING.”

NIGHTLIFE 17 ACCOMMODATION

One essential thing you must ensure you Bristol has various different types of have arranged prior to your studies at BIMM accommodation available, such as: Institute Bristol is your accommodation. Your living arrangements can be an important factor • Flats in your success as a student and the Student • Shared houses Services team is on hand to help when you are • Bedsits arranging this if required. • Part-board with a host family.

We do not have halls of residence at BIMM However, as Bristol is a university city there is Institute Bristol, which means you must a heavy demand for student accommodation. find housing privately but we have various We advise you to look as early as possible to resources available to help with every step of find a place that suits your needs. the process. PRIVATE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

BIMM has a close relationship with the following student housing agents:

KING SQUARE STUDIOS King Square Studios is a fairly recent development located in the very same square as BIMM Institute Bristol’s King Square building – in fact, it’s next In order to gain a quick door! Offering fully furnished apartments with understanding of Bristol’s various competitive rent rates, broadband internet, accommodation prices, here is an contents insurance and TV, the buildings also average price list for your viewing. house common areas, a games room, a home cinema and a gym! For further information visit AVERAGE PRICE GUIDE 1 WEEK www.crm-students.com or call 0844 371 5612 Student halls £121

1 bed studio/flat/house £146 IQ LETTING PROPERTY PARTNERSHIP 2 bed shared flat/house £109 IQ has developed student accommodation on Marlborough Street in Bristol – just a 5 minute walk 3 bed shared flat/house £85 from BIMM’s King Square site! The development 4 bed shared flat/house £68 offers various types of accommodation which are B&B (5 nights) £160 all inclusive of utility bills, contents insurance and broadband. For further information please visit: www.loveiq.co.uk or call 0117 927 7498

STUDIOS 58 There are two main student Studios 58 offers a range of contemporary studio accommodation lettings agencies: apartments, just along the street from King Square. Studios 58 has 99 apartments, a common ANTHONY JAMES AND CO room and communal courtyard. The Coach House To book, arrange a viewing or find out more, 38 Cotham Hill please visit www.crm-students.com Bristol BS6 6LA T: 01179 237 316 THE MANSION GROUP – HOTWELLS HOUSE www.antjam.com Hotwells House is in a great location on the Bristol waterfront. All flats have a large communal lounge JACKSON PROPERTY LETTINGS and contemporary open plan kitchen/ lounge area 141a St. Michael’s Hill with flat screen TV. The property has bike storage Bristol BS2 8DB and there is also secure car parking available. T: 0117 974 4121 Contact: 0117 927 7783 or visit E: [email protected] www.mansionstudent.co.uk W: www.jacksonproperty.co.uk HOUSE SHARES

It is always worth checking out the local HOUSE SHARES newspapers and accommodation websites Please be aware that the agents listed have for any accommodation that is on not been visited or vetted in any way by BIMM the market. Institute Bristol and you should therefore use them at your own risk. Ask what charges MAIN NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES you will have to pay before you enter into • Bristol Evening Post an agreement with them. If you do have (Tuesdays and Fridays) any concerns about the agency, contact the • The Mercury National Association of Estate Agents at www.naea.co.uk ACCOMMODATION WEBSITES www.thisisbristol.co.uk You could also find a number of existing www.purplefrogproperty.com house shares in Bristol, where you could join an established group of people. These can be www.kingsleythomas.co.uk found on the following websites: www.bristoldigs.co.uk www.gumtree.com/bristol www.gumtree.com/bristol www.accommodationforstudents.com www.studylets.com www.spareroom.co.uk www.bristolpost.co.uk/property TEMPORARY HOUSING www.accommodationforstudents.com If you are looking for temporary www.gumtree.com/bristol accommodation during the week whilst www.easyroommate.com studying, there are many hostels offering cheap rooms in the Bristol area. Please check www.spareroom.co.uk out the following information for more details: www.clickflatshare.com www.bristolbackpackers.co.uk does deals on In regards to letting agencies, you will more short and long term stays in shared dorms. than likely be asked for an admin fee, rent in There are other hostels which offer shared advance, a deposit and a guarantor up front, dorms and private rooms, such as: so be prepared for this. • YHA Bristol, Narrow Quay • The Full Moon Backpackers Hostel, Stokes Croft • Rock ‘n’ Bowl Hostel, Nelson Street HOUSE FINDING HOUSEMATES Facebook is a good way to link up with people VIEWINGS who are already at BIMM or who are starting at the same time as you. Some students set up groups prior to starting BIMM in order to find housemates. Using this facility is a great way to post information about yourself, the type of housing you are looking TIPS FOR VIEWING PROPERTIES for and also any rooms that you or others may know of which are available for rent. It’s the perfect • We recommend viewing a property at place for students to acquaint themselves with least twice. You’ll be more likely to notice their fellow course friends and find appropriate problems the second time around. Be aware housemates. Look for group names such as “BIMM however that student properties in Bristol Freshers 2015”. are in high demand and can be let very quickly, so be quick! • Take someone with you or let someone else know exactly where you are when you visit HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO a property, just to err on the side of caution. LOOK FOR WHEN VIEWING A PROPERTY? • It’s also a good idea to visit the area at night. If you do this, please ensure you stick We have checklists and tools to help to the point above and take someone when you’ re viewing properties. Use with you. the checklist below to make sure you • Make sure you and all your other ask the right questions and look into all housemates view the property. Don’t take the key areas: someone else’s word that the property is right for you. • Does the place look well • Compare a range of different landlords maintained? and properties. • Will you be warm enough in winter? • Take your time and don’t let landlords Are the windows double glazed? pressure you – there is a surplus of good This will also help reduce heating properties in the area and you will find costs throughout the winter. somewhere you like. • Will it be safe and secure? • When you go to view, take notes and • Does it have the space and facilities photos and use our checklist to make sure you need (i.e washing machine, you don’t miss anything. Photographic heating, fridge/freezer)? evidence of existing issues when you move • Are the current tenants happy into a property can also help when it comes with the landlord? time to reclaim your deposit. • Is the property affordable and • Get informed – knowing your rights will good value? help you view properties more critically and • Is the area suitable for your needs put you in a stronger negotiating position. Where to live: LOCATION

These areas of Bristol are well known for being lively and vibrant places to live: Kingsdown, Montpelier, St. Andrews, Bishopston, Horfield, St Werburghs and the centre of the city. Redland, Cotham and Southville are more residential areas of Bristol, which makes them a great place to live, however, there are less restaurants/bars and clubs in these areas. Clifton is a brilliant place to live and is full of students during term time. However the price of accommodation is above average for Bristol, and may be a bit of a stretch for student budgets.

Bristol is well connected WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING? through public transport services; frequent buses that BIMM Institute Bristol has a site the Passage Street site. There run all through the night, rail at 25 King Square, Bristol, BS2 is an abundance of student links and cycle lanes make it 8JN, and another about a ten accommodation within a fairly easy to get around. minute walk away at 1 Passage short distance of both College Street, Bristol, BS2 0JF. You sites. We expect students Please note there are no will have the majority of your to live within a reasonable parking facilities or allocated lessons in these two buildings, distance; please take into bike racks available for although depending on your consideration the cost of students at BIMM, but there course, some classes are held travelling and the time it takes are bike racks and rails offsite across the city however to get to the College from available nearby to still within a short distance of where you choose to live. the College. TRANSPORT

BIMM Bristol is well connected to the rest of the city via public transport.

BUS BIKE Both BIMM Institute Bristol sites are very Bristol is a very popular cycling city. It is a close to the city centre and the King Square more efficient way of navigating the very building is approximately 3 minutes’ walk congested roads and complicated one-way from the central bus station. From the Bear systems. If you cycle you will find you are Pit (Barton Roundabout) you can catch not alone and there are initiatives laid out buses to areas in both North and South by Bristol City Council to get people out on Bristol. their bikes.

70 – Bristol Temple Meads – Centre – Ashley TRAIN Down – UWE Temple Meads – Bristol’s central station. 73 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester Road – It is approximately a 20 minute walk from Filton Avenue – Bristol Parkway Rail Station King Square and only ten minutes from Passage Street and connects you the rest of 75/76 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester the country via First Great Western, Cross Road – Cribbs Causeway Country and Stage Coach. 8/9 – Bristol Temple Meads – Bear Pit – Clifton – Redland Parkway – a large station connecting Bristol The Passage Street building is a couple to Wales, surrounding Bristol towns. London minutes’ walk from Victoria Street in the and the Midlands. centre of Bristol. 1 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street Montpelier – King Square’s nearest platform. – Broadmead – Centre – Whiteladies Road – This is an inner-city station which connects Cribbs Causeway you to other parts of Bristol, including Bristol Temple Meads, Clifton, Lawrence Hill and 2 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street Stapleton Road. – Broadmead – Centre – Whiteladies Road – Cribbs Causeway Redland – another platform near King Square connecting you to other parts of Bristol, including Shirehampton, Avonmouth and Severn Tunnel Junction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT TO RENT A ROOM?

Most landlords/agents will ask you to sign a tenancy agreement. This is a legally binding document setting out each party’s rights and responsibilities. By signing it, both you and the landlord have certain rights protected in law which can’t be overwritten by the contract. Before you sign, make sure you understand all the clauses, so there can be no nasty surprises after you’ve signed.

If asked to sign an agreement, it is likely to be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and will normally last for at least six months, after which the tenancy will run on a monthly basis. However, many tenancies run for a fixed term, i.e. July 1st 2015 to June 30th 2016. In this case make sure that you are happy with the length of the contract as it is very unlikely that you will be able to end the tenancy early.

The terms of the agreement must be in plain, intelligible language and not be unfair. For example, the tenant should not be restricted from breaking a fixed term agreement if the landlord is not in the same way, nor should they be subject to unreasonable rent increases or held to unreasonable penalty clauses (for example, extortionate charges for late payment of rent).

Get a tenancy agreement checked first by an informed person such as an advisor from the Citizens Advice Bureau. If the landlord/agent won’t let you take the contract away to get it checked first, think twice about signing it. Spend a little extra time in getting your contract checked out to save time, money and stress later in the year. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE LANDLORD WHAT RIGHTS DO BOTH THE LANDLORD RESPONSIBLE FOR? AND TENANT HAVE? • Heating and hot water installation The landlord or his agents have the right • Baths, sinks, basins and other to access the property at reasonable sanitary installations times during the day to carry out repairs • The structure of the exterior of for which they are responsible for and the property inspect the condition of the property. • Repairs and safety of gas and 24 hours’ written notice to inspect the electrical appliances property must be given. Arrangement • Ensuring that any furniture that he or she for access to the property must be supplies meets fire resistant requirements written into the contract.

WHAT IS THE TENANT RESPONSIBLE FOR? Tenants have the right to possess and • Water and sewage charges enjoy the property during the tenancy without • Utility bills- gas, electricity, telephone any interruption from the landlord. This clause and internet connection (if any) does not limit any of the rights made under • To take care of the property this agreement that the tenant has allowed the • Use the property in a responsible way landlord/landlady to exercise. Neither does it • Pay the rent as agreed prevent the landlord from taking lawful steps • Keep to the terms and conditions of to enforce these rights if the tenant should the agreement break any of the terms of agreement. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT BILLS CAN I EXPECT TO PAY? CAN I DEDUCT MY DEPOSIT Depending on your own personal FROM MY LAST MONTH’S RENT? consumption you can expect to pay No, because to do so would be a breach of £10 – £15 per week for utility bills. your contract. It is important that rent and Remember that if solely full time students deposits are separate. occupy a property then they are exempt from Council Tax. If one professional lives WHAT IS A GUARANTOR AND WILL I NEED in a house with students, council tax TO SIGN A GUARANTOR FORM? requirements are reduced to 75% of the A guarantor is someone who signs an standard payment. Make sure to verify your agreement to pay for any rent or damages if council tax requirements in advance if you the tenant fails to pay up. The guarantor must live with any non-students. reside in the UK.

Some landlords ask for a guarantor but not WHAT IS A DEPOSIT? all do. So there are still plenty of properties to The deposit is generally the equivalent to choose from if you don’t have someone who one and a half month’s rent. Your landlord will be a guarantor for you, you’ll just need to or agent must, under the 2004 Housing look around. Act protect your deposit within 14 days of receiving it as part of the Tenancy Deposit A guarantor is taking on quite a large Protection Scheme and provide you with responsibility, particularly if you are signing a certain information relating to this. joint contract. For example, if your housemate This scheme ensures that deposits paid to hasn’t paid their rent, your guarantor could be the landlords are kept safe and that tenants made to pay. gets their deposits back at the end of the Do not sign a contract that requires a tenancy, so long as there hasn’t been a guarantor form until you and your guarantors breach of the tenancy agreement, such as have read the form and agreed to sign. If you unpaid rent. Remember that the money have already signed a contract but a guarantor held as a deposit remains yours at all times refuses to sign, you might not get the keys to and not the landlord’s, and only by mutual the property. A good landlord will give you agreement should any money be deducted. copies of the forms and time to check them Your deposit, or part of it, will be withheld through. if you: • Fail to return ALL keys at the end of Ask the landlord to accept a limited guarantee the tenancy from your guarantor e.g. just covering your • Are responsible for any damage to the rent/damages. Tell your guarantor not to give property, either wilful or negligent too much personal information on the form • Have not cleaned the property adequately e.g. Nl number, bank details or passport details • Have left rubbish which needs removing should not be necessary. from the property FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I AM LEAVING THE HOUSE A FEW WEEKS EARLY - CAN I GET MY DEPOSIT BACK EARLY? It may be possible for you to come to an arrangement for the early return of the deposit but the landlord/agent will obviously want to inspect the house and check all rent is paid.

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE FINAL UTILITY BILLS; CAN WE LEAVE OUR DEPOSIT OR THE LANDLORD/ AGENT TO PAY FOR THEM? No, not if the bills are in the name of the tenants- the utility companies will chase the named persons and not the landlord/ agent. Your deposit will be protected as part of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and therefore cannot be used by the landlord or agent.

FURTHER QUESTIONS If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Student Services team on 08442 646 666 or [email protected] BRISTOL CULTURE

Bristol is an exciting city with lots to offer. There is a huge variety of clubs, bars and pubs, many of which run weekly student promotions and offers. There is a great collection of independent cafés and restaurants with lots of different cuisines to try.

Art is very important to Bristol and you can find pop-up galleries all over town and a number of theatres, venues, museums and cultural centres to visit, including the SS Great Britain and the Arnolfini. Bristol has a “ reputation for its street art, music scene and self-sufficiency.

MUSIC THEATRE Music plays a huge part in maintaining For theatrical performances there is Bristol’s cultural prominence. There the Bristol Old Vic, the Hippodrome are venues everywhere – dive bars to and the Tobacco Factory, among swanky concert halls and everything others. The Hippodrome hosts in between. Within a half-mile radius pantomimes, musicals, plays, stand of both BIMM sites you can find up and more. It recently hosted the Colston Hall, O2 Academy Bristol, The award-winning Disney’s The Lion King. Canteen, The Attic and many more. Prestigious venues such as The Fleece The Bristol Old Vic hosts slightly more and the Louisiana are not far away sophisticated performances such as either. The Fleece is a three minute Dickens’ Great Expectations and the walk from the Passage Street building. Bristol Proms. The Tobacco Factory boasts an array of features and shows. There are open mic nights and jam They host local theatre productions, sessions most evenings and every live music, comedy and lots of other night you can find something to watch entertainment. and listen to. Crack magazine and Bristol Live are two excellent local publications that will be able to give you everything you need to know about the upcoming musical calendar. “

BRISTOL LIFE

CINEMA STREET ART FESTIVALS There are also a few Stokes Croft is on BIMM’s Bristol thrives in independent cinemas doorstep and showcases summer and there are which show international work by some of the UK’s festivals nearly every films, independent films, most prolific street artists weekend from late May classic cult films and including Stik, 3Dom and to September. These sometime host parties of course, Banksy. There include St Paul’s Carnival. and events. The most is a street art festival held Harbour Festival, Food notable of these cinemas every year by SEE NO Connections, Vegfest, Dot is the Watershed, along EVIL where many artists To Dot, Love Saves the Bristol’s Habourside and from across the world Day, Brisfest and many, The Cube, a three minute come to display their many more. walk away from King art on Bristol’s streets; Square. specifically Nelson Street in the city centre.

SHOPPING

Bristol is popular for shopping as it is There is some fantastic food to try and a the only major city in this part of the friendly atmosphere to socialise in. They South West. People flock from all over love to accept the Bristol Pound, a local North Somerset, South Gloucestershire initiative encouraging“ residents to put and Wiltshire to visit the many shops more into Bristol’s local economy. and boutiques Bristol has to offer. The town centre is home to Broadmead, There are lots of music retailers including the shopping district, as it were. Upon Idle Hands (very near King Square), Rise Broadmead sits a number of banks, cafés, and of course HMV and Fopp. There are a travel agents, and clothing and goods few musical instrument retailers including retailers. At either end of Broadmead you Drum Bank, Mickelburgh’s, Music Room will find Cabot Circus and the Galleries, and PMT. Hardy’s Music, a family run guitar both indoor shopping centres. Cabot and musical supplies shop, sits rights Circus boasts a collection of modern and across the street from BIMM’s Passage high-end retailers including Hollister, Vans Street building. Out of the centre you can and Urban Outfitters, There are also a get to Cribbs Causeway, a large plot with number of restaurants, a cinema, indoor lots of opportunity to spend money. It crazy golf and a few other entertainment contains a large indoor mall, a few retail outlets within the centre. parks including bowling, cinemas and other entertainment, a number of large If you venture out of the centre you can supermarkets and some restaurants. If visit Park Street or Gloucester Road. You you have more expensive taste, you can will find more independent boutiques and visit Clifton for a few fancy boutiques with charity shops which offer a more intriguing designer and made-to-measure clothing collection of clothes and accessories. You and accessories. will also find some fantastic independent bars, cafés and restaurants. Gloucester Road has been famed for its self-sustained nature and its anti-corporate attitude. “ THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Not far from the centre you can find the Clifton Downs. Clifton Village itself is a nice place to visit on a sunny day as you can sit in the shadow of Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy a drink at the White Lion. Opposite Clifton is Leigh Woods, a very nice patch of greenery and woods to take a walk through.

Bristol Harbour is also a nice place to visit and to take a walk along the river. There is lots to do and many pubs to visit along the route.

You can travel out to Cheddar Gorge, Blaise Castle, the Mendip Hills and many other beautiful spots around the South West with relative ease from Bristol. There are lots of nice towns to visit nearby too, like Bath and Gloucester, home of famous sites such as the Historic Docks and Gloucester Cathedral.

NIGHTLIFE “

There is a big dance music scene in Bristol Propaganda is held at The Fleece and is as the UK rave scene is often considered regarded as the UK’s biggest student night to have begun here. People would find with sets from guest DJs such as Huw abandoned warehouses, derelict homes Stephens and Jay from The Inbetweeners. or even disused sports centres to install a Everything from chart Pop to Indie to sound system, heavy on the bass, to throw some Dance anthems. parties. If you prefer something a little less intense, Lots of Drum & Bass, Breakbeat and House Mr Wolf’s is a great student bar. They serve music originated here. Trip-hop is a Bristol up noodles ‘til late in the evening and play invention and the city takes pride in the Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, Rock n Roll, Funk success of its artists Massive Attack and and occasionally some Disco. They also Portishead. put on live music and hold weekly open mic nights. Bristol nightlife is vast and ever expanding. There are a large number of student nights You can also find a more pleasantly across all different types of clubs, bars relaxed night out at Start The Bus, a and pubs. Some popular clubs are: Thekla, larger venue than Mr Wolf’s with a classic Bunker, the Lanes and, for the more American Diner vibe. They play a mixture seasoned clubber, Motion. of lndie, Funk and House, with a reputation for playing underground Indie music. 02 Academy also hosts club nights, including Ramshackle, a weekly rave for the student masses. Lots of Drum and Bass, Dubstep and Techno. BRITISH & IRISH MODERN MUSIC INSTITUTE BIMM.CO.UK

BIMM Bristol YOUR MUSIC CAREER STARTS HERE

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER Our student support team are here to help QUESTIONS ABOUT FINDING you and can be contacted on: ACCOMMODATION IN BRISTOL, PLEASE DON’T HESITATE Tel: 08442 646 666 TO CONTACT OUR STUDENT Email: [email protected] SERVICES TEAM.

08442 646 666 BIMM Bristol 1 Passage Street Bristol [email protected] BS2 0JF