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RESIDENTS’ HANDBOOK 2006/2007
w ww.connaught-hall.org.uk CONNAUGHT HALL
Connaught Hall is a fully catered University of London intercollegiate hall of residence; full-time students from all the colleges and institutes of the University are eligible for accommodation here; we aim to provide a secure, supportive, friendly, and tolerant environment in which our residents can study, relax, and socialise.
Connaught Hall was established in 1919 by HRH Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn — the third son of Queen Victoria — at 18 Torrington Square as a private hall of residence for male students, a memorial to the Duchess of Connaught, who died in 1917. The Duke gave the Hall to the University of London in 1928, but it was not until 1961 that Connaught Hall moved out of Torrington Square to its present location in Tavistock Square: a converted Georgian terrace with a Grade II listed façade. Women were admitted for the first time in 2001.
One of eight intercollegiate halls of residence, Connaught Hall now accommodates 215 full-time students of the various colleges and institutes of the University, with an even mix of men and women, and a great diversity of cultural and social backgrounds. The majority of residents are first-year undergraduates, with around 20% being allowed to return for a second year; approximately 10% are postgraduates, and about a third are overseas students.
Most accommodation is in single study-bedrooms; there is room for ten students in twin rooms. There is a washbasin in every room, but toilet and shower facilities are all shared. Every room has telephone and internet connections. Amenities include a fitness room, laundrette, common rooms with TV, computer room, library, private courtyard garden, and a bar managed and staffed by Hall residents. Numerous meeting rooms are available, which are hired out during the day and early evening; in the summer, residential courses and conferences are held in the Hall. These activities make a direct financial contribution towards keeping student fees down and facilitating improvements throughout the Hall.
Many of the residents in Hall are experiencing life away from home for the first time; for some, home is on the other side of the world. And whilst London is undoubtedly a vibrant and exciting place, in can sometimes be a lonely and impersonal city in which to live. So at Connaught Hall, we hope to be a warm and welcoming “home from home”. The Warden, Vice-Warden, and four student Senior Members, all resident within the Hall, deal with matters concerning residents’ welfare and discipline; they can offer advice and assistance on academic and pastoral matters, and help with any disputes between residents. The elected Residents’ Club Committee, meanwhile, organises social events and runs the Hall bar on behalf of the residents, under the supervision of the Warden and Vice-Warden. You are encouraged to get to know the Warden’s team and to participate in the activities of the Residents’ Club Committee to shape the social programme to your requirements.
The Warden, Bursar, and all the staff wish you an enjoyable and successful time at Connaught Hall.
CONTENTS
RESIDENTS’ HANDBOOK...... 2 REGULATIONS...... 2 HALL STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION...... 3 EMERGENCIES...... 4 RECEPTION SERVICES...... 5 KEEPING UP TO DATE...... 5 RESIDENTS’ CLUB COMMITTEE...... 6 FACILITIES COMMITTEE...... 6 CONNAUGHT HALL RESIDENT’S ID CARD...... 6 HALL FACILITIES AND AMENITIES...... 7 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE, DEPOSIT, AND FEES...... 10 HOUSEKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS...... 11 CATERING ARRANGEMENTS & RESTAURANT RULES...... 12 NOISE...... 13 DAYTIME VISITORS...... 13 OVERNIGHT GUESTS & GUEST MEAL TICKETS...... 14 HALL SECURITY...... 15 SMOKING...... 16 DRUGS...... 16 RIGHT OF STAFF TO ENTER ROOM...... 17 PROSELYTIZING, DISCRIMINATION, AND HARASSMENT...... 17 CARE OF ROOMS AND HALL PROPERTY...... 18 FIRE AND GENERAL SAFETY...... 19 TAVISTOCK SQUARE GARDENS...... 20 HEALTH...... 21 GETTING HELP AND MAKING SUGGESTIONS IN HALL...... 23 EXTERNAL SOURCES OF HELP...... 24 WARDENIAL STAFF...... 25 FIRE ACTION...... 26
This symbol is used to This symbol is used to highlight especially highlight important important information supplementary and to emphasise regulations to your points from the accommodation i Licence Agreement agreement
1 RESIDENTS’ HANDBOOK
This booklet aims to help you understand the Hall, its structure, and normal procedures. It forms part of your accommodation agreement with the University, and should be read in conjunction with, and interpreted so as to be consistent with, the University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement. You are expected to observe the letter and spirit of these
i conditions; any breaches will be dealt with under the Student Disciplinary Procedure and may lead to expulsion from the Hall.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING THIS HANDBOOK AND THE LICENCE AGREEMENT WITH YOU WHEN YOU MOVE IN AT THE START OF THE YEAR.
REGULATIONS
In addition to this Residents’ Handbook, you need to be aware of the following documents relating to your accommodation at Connaught Hall: University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement E-mail and Internet Rules of Use (Schedule 2 to the Licence Agreement) Student Disciplinary Procedure (Schedule 3 to the Licence Agreement) Student Complaints Procedure (Schedule 4 to the Licence Agreement) Telephone Service Conditions (Telephone Registration Form) University of London Ordinance 26 – Student Discipline (www.london.ac.uk/66.html) University of London Ordinance 27 – Student Complaints (www.london.ac.uk/66.html) Universities UK Code of Practice for the Management of Student Housing (www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/acop)
Visit the residents’ website at www.connaught-hall.org.uk to download copies of this Residents’ Handbook, the University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement, telephone service conditions, and other important documents. i
2 HALL STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION
Warden PROF. JOHN BRODHOLT Warden’s Office
Vice-Warden DR. ADRIAN CLARK Warden’s Office
Bursar LESLEY OLIVER Bursar’s Office
Deputy Bursar ABRAHAM GHONEIM General Office
Assistant Bursar BERNARD LEAHY General Office
General Office hours – 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.
The Bursar has overall management responsibility for the Hall’s buildings, furnishings, and finances; she and her staff are responsible for the provision of catering, maintenance, telephone, internet, housekeeping, and reception services. They also look after the Hall’s commercial activities, including conferences, bed & breakfast, and group bookings.
The Deputy Bursar deals with financial and accommodation matters (including room allocation, invoices, and Hall fees) and the day-to-day administration of the telephone and Internet facilities; the Assistant Bursar deals mostly with maintenance, health & safety, housekeeping, and conferences.
The Warden, Vice-Warden, and four student Senior Members are resident members of staff responsible for student welfare and pastoral care; discipline; student re-admissions; Hall community and social life; and out-of-hours emergency cover.
The Wardenial staff are all experienced academics, teachers, or postgraduate students within the University of London. They are here to offer support and guidance if you need it, and can help with problems both inside and outside the Hall, including academic difficulties, medical or emotional problems, social concerns, financial worries, and problems with the behaviour of other residents (e.g. noisy neighbours).
All the Wardenial staff are resident in Hall, so you will often see them around the building. The member of staff living on your floor is often a good first point of contact. You are welcome to approach any member of the team whenever you see them in Hall; if they are not immediately available, they will arrange a time to meet. The Warden and Vice-Warden are available to see residents most evenings and weekends; please leave a note at Reception if you would like an appointment. If you don’t need to discuss things in person, you can simply write to them about the problem. You can email the Vice-Warden at [email protected].
3 EMERGENCIES
A member of staff is available 24 hours a day. During office hours, the Bursar’s staff are available in the General Office. You may approach them for assistance with any urgent problems. At night and at weekends, a member of the Warden’s team is on call to help with any emergencies. You can contact the on-call i Duty Officer any time by asking at Reception.
FIRST AID & MEDICAL EMERGENCIES Report all accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies to Reception. A first aid box is kept at Reception, and a qualified first aider can be summoned to help. The nearest A&E department is at UCH, at the junction of Euston Road and Gower Street. Further guidance on pages 21-22.
FIRE Fire safety guidance on pages 19-20. Full FIRE ACTION instructions on outside rear cover. c You must always evacuate the building promptly when you hear the fire alarm. Get to know two or three different escape routes.
MAINTENANCE If you spot a potentially hazardous maintenance problem (such as leaking water, electrical fault, or smell of gas), report it to Reception immediately and ensure that your message is relayed . to the Bursar’s Office or on-call Duty Officer. Further maintenance advice on page 18.
Call 999 in an emergency for:
999 POLICE – AMBULANCE – FIRE BRIGADE
4 RECEPTION SERVICES
Reception is open 24 hours a day. Desk Porters operate the switchboard, receive payments, organise incoming mail, and ensure that guests are signed in and out. They will be pleased to answer any questions about the Hall or the local area. You should report maintenance problems to the Desk Porter, so that a maintenance request can be filed. In emergencies, the Porter will put you in contact with other members of staff for help, advice, or first aid. You can call Reception on internal extension 8200.
Postal address: Name Room Number Connaught Hall 41 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9EX
Telephone number: 020 7756 8200 Fax number: 020 7383 4109 Email address: [email protected] Websites: www.connaught-hall.org.uk & www.london.ac.uk/halls
Mail is sorted by surname into the pigeon-holes opposite Reception. Parcels and registered mail are kept behind the desk and a note put into your pigeon-hole to collect the item from Reception. Please check your pigeon-hole regularly.
Fax and photocopy services are available at Reception for a fee. Note that you will be charged for incoming faxes in your name whether they were authorised or not.
KEEPING UP TO DATE
Notice boards are for important messages and approved notices only. Please check the notice boards at least once a week for notices that might affect you.
Connaught Hall residents’ website & email list – www.connaught-hall.org.uk: Visit the website and sign up to the mailing list to keep up to date with all events and activities in Hall, and the latest news from the Bursar’s Office, Wardenial staff, and Residents’ Club Committee. You can also download photos, leaflets, posters, forms, regulations, and handbooks from the website (including copies of this Resident’s Handbook). You are strongly advised to sign up to the email list, as you may otherwise miss important announcements.
Annex 4 to University of London Ordinance 26 sets out the rules for using notice boards and the residents’ website. You must not circulate any poster, notice, sign, or other communication which is offensive, intimidating, indecent, or illegal or which makes – or might reasonably make – others fearful, anxious, or apprehensive.
5 RESIDENTS’ CLUB COMMITTEE
The Residents’ Club Committee is made up of five elected Hall residents: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sports Officer, and Entertainment Officer; the appointed Bar Manager, Warden (as Clerk to the Club), and Vice-Warden (as Senior Treasurer) are also members of the Committee. The Committee runs the bar and organises various social and sporting functions, funded by the subscriptions which all residents pay; this income is also used to provide newspapers and magazines. Joining the Committee is a great way to get involved in the life of the Hall, meet lots of people, and make the most of your time here. It’s also a really good addition to your CV.
The Warden and Vice-Warden organise the elections in October, and then continue to oversee the Committee’s activities and financial management during the year; ask them for details if you are interested in standing for election. If you have any suggestions for the Committee during the year, email them to [email protected].
FACILITIES COMMITTEE
The Facilities Committee meets four times a year to discuss catering, health & safety, housekeeping, environment, maintenance, security, and reception services issues. The Committee is chaired by the Vice-Warden and meetings are attended by representatives from the Bursar’s staff, catering company, Senior Members, Residents’ Club Committee, and ordinary student residents. There are six places for student representatives; names will be selected randomly if more than six residents apply. Email [email protected] if you are interested in joining.
CONNAUGHT HALL RESIDENT’S ID CARD
You will be given a Hall ID card when you have: a paid your deposit in full b returned your accommodation acceptance forms c returned a correctly completed medical details form d provided three passport-size photographs of yourself Your Hall ID card is your proof of residence and of entitlement to Hall services and facilities. You must carry it at all times when in the Hall, and may be asked to produce it at any time by a member of staff. You must produce your Hall ID card in order to collect meals in the Restaurant, request a packed supper, or borrow any of the sports, entertainment, and leisure equipment owned by the Residents’ Club Committee. If you lose your ID card, you must pay £5.00 for a replacement.
6 HALL FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Email suggestion box - [email protected]: Send your ideas for improving any aspect of Connaught Hall life to the email suggestion box. Suggestions might include ideas for social events, favourite recipes, building improvements, health & safety campaigns, or comments on catering, maintenance, or housekeeping services. All suggestions are reviewed by the Vice-Warden and forwarded to the most appropriate staff member or committee for consideration and action.
Telephones: You can use the telephone in your room to call internal extensions free of charge. If you wish to make external calls or use the voicemail facility, you will need to register for a pay as you go account. You can register and top up your account at the General Office, where telephone service regulations, call charges, and instructions on how to use the service are also available. When you first arrive in Hall, you can obtain your extension and direct-dial numbers from Reception. Report any problems with your telephone connection to the General Office during working hours.
Internet: Every room has a data socket for connection to the University internet system. Ask in the General Office for details. Regulations for use of the network, are printed in the Schedules to the Licence Agreement. Report any problems with your internet connection to the network Service Centre on 020 7862 8092 (open Monday 10.00 am – 12.00 pm, Wednesday 2.00 – 4.00 pm, and Friday 10.00 am – 12.00 pm).
Television: All rooms are equipped with a TV aerial socket.
You must have your own TV licence if you want to use a TV set in your room; you are not covered by any Hall licences or by any licences held at your permanent home address. TV Licensing inspectors are able to check individual rooms, so don’t get caught out (£1000 fine!). i
Library: This is located on the ground floor and is intended for use mainly by students sharing twin rooms. Residents are asked not to leave work out on the desks as it prevents others from working and may go missing. The library is for quiet, private study only and will be closed if users do not respect this rule.
Computer room: The computer room is located in the basement. The computers are for the use of Connaught Hall residents only. File downloading and use of disk drives, etc have been disabled on all the computers. Use of the computers is subject to the University’s internet policy detailed in the Schedules to the Licence Agreement.
Laundrette: Coin-operated washing machines, tumble driers and ironing facilities are available in the basement laundrette.
7 The bar is located in the basement and is run by the Residents’ Club Committee under the supervision of the Warden and Vice-Warden. A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at very reasonable prices. Opening hours will be publicised around the Hall by the Bar Manager. The bar has a pool table and table football. Please use the Bar responsibly: it will be closed indefinitely if it becomes a focus for poor behaviour.
Common rooms are located on the third and fourth floors and are for the benefit of all residents. Both common rooms contain a television, and there is also a table tennis table in the fourth-floor common room. The televisions and table tennis are the property of the Residents’ Club Committee, so any problems should be reported to them. Please treat the equipment with respect and turn it off when not in use.
Private parties are not allowed in the common rooms.
If the common rooms are misused, left dirty, or become a focus for noise or other antisocial behaviour, they will be closed for an indefinite period.
Please remember that smoking is not permitted in the common rooms.
Fitness room: This is situated in the basement. A range of equipment, including a multi-gym and rowing machine, is available. The equipment is owned and maintained by the Residents’ Club Committee. Gym keys are available to book out from Reception. Please use the gym with care to ensure your own safety and that of others, and to enable future years to enjoy the use of the equipment.
Pantries, each containing a sink, microwave and refrigerator, are located on every floor. The pantries must be used sensibly, taking care not to set off a fire alert through a build up of smoke or steam. These facilities must be left clean and tidy at all times. Residents are asked to respect each other’s property and only use food from the fridges if it actually belongs to them. The fridges are inspected regularly for hygiene and any decaying items will be thrown away.
Drinking water is available from all the pantries, the fountain in the Restaurant, and from the machine at the rear of the reception lobby.
i There is no drinking water supply to study bedrooms.
8 Bike store: There is a locked bicycle store in the front basement area, to the right of the main entrance. You may hire a key to this facility on payment of a small charge plus a refundable deposit of £10. Bicycles are left in the bike store entirely at the owner’s risk; the Hall will not accept liability for loss or damage. For health & safety reasons, it is expressly forbidden to bring bicycles into the Hall or attach them to the railings outside the Hall. Bicycles found inside the building will the confiscated.
Car parking: We advise you not to bring your car to London. There is only very limited (unreserved) on-street parking in the local area for holders of Camden residents’ permits. The Hall is within the central London Congestion Charging zone.
Garden: The Hall’s private courtyard garden is available for the peaceful enjoyment of all residents between 8.00 am and 11 pm; you should be aware that the door to the garden is alarmed overnight, and CCTV is in operation. When using the garden, please remember that other residents may be trying to sleep or study in the rooms overlooking the courtyard. Please keep the garden tidy.
Music, ball games, and private parties are not permitted in the Hall garden. You must keep noise to a minimum.
Barbecues require written permission and are not allowed unless arranged in advance with the Bursar’s Office and approved by the Warden or Vice-Warden.
Newspapers are purchased by the Residents’ Club Committee and placed in the seating area at the back of the reception lobby. Some magazines are also subscribed to and are available for short-term loan from the Reception desk.
Games: The Resident’s Club Committee provides a number of board games and table tennis balls & racquets (for the table in the fourth-floor common room). These can be borrowed from Reception, leaving your Hall ID card as deposit.
DVD / VCR: The Resident’s Club Committee owns these items. They can be borrowed from Reception for short periods using your Hall ID card and upon payment of a deposit; precise rules are published by the Committee each year.
Vending machines: There are several vending machines on the ground floor and basement selling soft drinks and snacks at reasonable prices. There is a condom machine in the laundrette (in the basement), along with a range of sexual health information leaflets and posters. The vending machines are operated by external companies, but you may raise any problems with the staff in the General Office.
Tennis courts: All residents of the intercollegiate halls are allowed to use the tennis courts in Cartwright Gardens for a small fee. You will need to show your Connaught Hall residents’ ID card. Ask the Receptionist at Hughes Parry Hall for details.
9 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE, DEPOSIT, AND FEES
Your period of occupancy is determined by your college’s official term dates. You are expected to take up residence the day before the beginning of your academic year and remain in residence until the day after the end of your academic year. It may be possible to arrange an earlier arrival date or later departure, on payment of the applicable fee, although availability cannot be guaranteed. No credit will be given for late arrival or early departure.
Arrival: On arrival, you should register at Reception where you will be issued with a room key and front door card. You will be deemed to be in residence once your room key has been collected. You are expected to arrive no earlier than 2.00 pm on your arrival date, unless you have arranged otherwise.
Accommodation fees: Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of October, January, and April. Any additional invoices issued throughout the year must be paid within one week of the issue date.
If you are unable to pay an invoice by the due date, you must contact the Deputy Bursar to discuss the situation: the earlier you do this, the better. The Bursar’s Office is sympathetic to students with genuine difficulties. It is often possible to arrange payment by instalments instead of one lump sum. However, if you do not keep the Bursar’s Office informed of your situation, or if you fail to make i agreed payments, you will be pursued rigorously. Ultimately, the University’s solicitors will pursue the debt through the courts.
Deposit: A deposit is taken on acceptance of a place in Hall. A charge may be subtracted from your deposit in the event that you cause deliberate removal or vandalism of any part of the Hall or its property. A charge may be divided between all residents’ deposits for the removal or vandalism of any part of the Hall or its property that cannot be attributed to any particular resident(s). You have the right to appeal against any common damage deductions from your deposit.
Food rebates: You are entitled to a rebate for the value of the meals you miss if you are absent from the Hall for five or more consecutive days during the Christmas or Easter vacations only. You must give advance notice of your planned absence in order to claim a rebate. Further details are given in your Licence Agreement.
Termination of contract: You may terminate your contract on 31st December, without any liability for the next term’s fees, by giving us 28 days’ written notice. This opportunity is not repeated during the remainder of the academic year. If you choose to leave the Hall at any other time, you will be required to pay your Hall fees up to the end of the academic year, unless someone else can be found to occupy the room; an administration fee will be charged. Refer to your University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement for further details. 10 Departure at the end of the year: You must depart by 10.00 am on the day after the last day of the academic session. You must sign out at Reception and return your door key and swipe card. If you do not sign out, you will continue to be charged for your room. A charge will be levied if you fail to return your key or card. Rubbish must be left in bin bags and the inventory of items and their condition should be as it was at the start of the year, unless a damage report has been made to Reception. Unreported damages will be deducted from your deposit, and a cleaning charge will be subtracted if your room is left in an unsatisfactory condition.
Deposit return: You must leave a stamped addressed envelope for the return of your deposit. Your cheque will not be issued until you have provided a stamped addressed envelope. Deposits will be refunded by sterling cheque only.
HOUSEKEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Please note that it is a condition of your Licence Agreement that the cleaner is allowed into your room each day.
We understand that some days you may want to sleep in, and the cleaner will normally respect your wishes, but disciplinary action will be taken if you persistently refuse to allow the cleaner entry to your room. i
Rubbish will be emptied from your bin daily, Monday to Friday. Please do not leave your bin outside your door, as this causes an obstacle which could prove dangerous if the Hall had to be evacuated because of fire.
Room cleaning: Your room will be fully cleaned once a week, including vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the washbasin. Signs will be posted to indicate which day each room will be cleaned. Please ensure that your room is made accessible and sufficiently tidy to allow cleaning to take place. Disciplinary action may be taken if you persistently fail to maintain your room in a reasonably hygienic condition.
Room checks will be undertaken, without prior notice, to reclaim any crockery and cutlery taken from the Restaurant. Any fire hazards (such as candles, incense sticks, and the like) will be removed immediately. You will be given a written notice to remove any other unauthorized items, or risk having it confiscated.
Bed linen will be given to you at the beginning of the year in an individual bedding pack; the pack is yours to keep, and includes a pillow, pillowcase, sheet, duvet, and duvet cover. You are responsible for cleaning this linen, or any other bedding that you may buy for yourself. The Hall does not provide towels.
If you have any comments or suggestions on housekeeping services, please speak to a member of the Bursar’s staff or send an email to [email protected].
11 CATERING ARRANGEMENTS & RESTAURANT RULES
The Hall Restaurant is located in the basement. All meals are included in your fees.
Meal times
BREAKFAST Monday to Friday 7.45 am – 9.00 am BRUNCH Saturday and Sunday 11.00 am – 12.30 pm DINNER Monday to Friday 5.45 pm – 7.00 pm Saturday and Sunday 5.45 pm – 6.30 pm The Restaurant is locked 15 minutes after the end of service; please help the catering staff by vacating the Restaurant before i this time. Occasional changes to the usual times and menus may occur, e.g. at the beginning or end of term, on bank holidays, and during vacation times.
Packed suppers – consisting of a sandwich and packet of crisps with a carton of fruit juice and either a yoghurt or a piece of fruit – can be arranged on weekdays if, for academic reasons only, you cannot get back to the Hall by 7.00 pm. You must leave your Hall identity card at Reception before 10.00 am on the day the packed supper is required; late requests cannot be accepted. You may collect your supper from Reception after 7.00 pm. Please note that packed suppers are provided instead of a meal in the Restaurant: a charge will be applied if you take both.
Mugs: you will be given a mug at the beginning of the year; this is yours to keep and to look after; please take it with you to the Restaurant as no cups are provided there.
You must show your Hall ID card in order to take meals in the Restaurant. If you do not have your card, you will not be served. Guests are not allowed in the Restaurant without a meal ticket. Meals are to be consumed inside the Restaurant only. You must not remove crockery or cutlery from the Restaurant. Keep a reasonable standard of dress – no bare feet, dressing gowns, or pyjamas allowed in the Restaurant. Smoking is strictly prohibited. Please switch off mobile telephones and do not bring bags or books into the Restaurant.
Please show respect for the catering staff and raise any problems in a sensible and constructive manner with the duty catering manager or chef, or by email to the suggestion box at [email protected].
12 NOISE
Noise disturbance generally creates the most dissatisfaction with Hall life, but every student should be able to study or rest without unreasonable disturbance from others at any time. Remember that other students may want to study or sleep at different times than you, and try to respect their needs for quiet time.
You are expected to make no noise audible from outside your room between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am. In addition, excessively loud music and other noise are not allowed at any time of day.
Residents – or their guests – who are unable to adhere to these guidelines will face disciplinary action and possible removal from the Hall.
If your neighbour(s) are making too much noise, please try to talk to them yourself first. If this is ineffective, call Reception and ask for the on-call Duty Officer. We can help you a lot more if we actually hear the noise for ourselves and speak directly to the person responsible at the time. It is much more difficult if you wait until the next day to tell us about it!
If you are finding your neighbour(s) to be persistently noisy, you should talk to the Senior Member on your corridor, or write a note to the Warden or Vice-Warden.
DAYTIME VISITORS
As detailed in your Licence Agreement, you are personally responsible for the conduct of your guests at all times; you may face disciplinary action for – and be liable for the cost of – any damage or disturbance caused by your guests.
Hall staff have the right to refuse admission to any non-resident, or to require them to leave the premises at any time. i
You must meet all your guests in person at Reception and sign them into the guest book.
No visitors will be allowed beyond the Reception area without being collected by a resident student. Please co-operate with the Reception staff when they call you to come and sign your guests in, and ensure your guests understand and abide by these rules.
13 OVERNIGHT GUESTS & GUEST MEAL TICKETS
As detailed in your Licence Agreement, you are personally responsible for the conduct of your overnight guests at all times; you may face disciplinary action for – and be liable for the cost of – any damage or disturbance caused by your guests. Hall staff have the right to refuse admission to any non-resident, i or to require them to leave the premises at any time.
One night’s stay: To have a guest to stay for one night only, you can simply sign them in using the dedicated overnight guest sheet.
Two or three nights’ stay: To have a guest stay for two or three nights, you must complete an overnight guest form including your guest’s usual address.
More than three nights’ stay: The Warden or Vice-Warden’s permission is required if you want to have a guest stay for more than three nights. You must complete an overnight guest form at least seven days in advance and leave it at Reception for authorisation.
If your overnight guests are not properly booked in and authorised, you will be charged the full commercial guest rate for the duration of their stay (approximately £25.00 per night).
Camp beds: We have a few camp beds available for hire by prior arrangement, complete with pillows and bed linen. You can request a camp bed at Reception when you book in your overnight guest; we advise you to book camp beds early to avoid disappointment, and in any case no later than 10 am on the day the bed is required. Any requests after 10 am may be accepted at the discretion of the Desk Porter, depending on availability of domestic staff to make up the bed. Camp beds may be collected from Reception after 4 pm on the first day of the booking, and must be returned no later than 10 am after the last night of the hire.
Charges are as follows: Deposit £10.00 (refundable) First night hire charge £3.00 Subsequent nights £2.00 per night Late return charge £5.00 per night
Guest meal tickets are available to buy from Reception at the following prices: Breakfast £1.50, Brunch £3.00, Dinner £4.00. Guests may not enter the Restaurant unless they have a valid meal ticket, even if they do not intend to eat there.
14 HALL SECURITY
Be vigilant at all times. Report suspicious behaviour to Reception immediately. Always lock your door and close your window(s) when you leave your room.
Always use your swipe card when entering the Hall; otherwise, the Porter will expect to see proof of residence. The Porters will not normally open the door for you. Never lend your swipe card or room key to anyone else.
Sign your guests in & out: Always follow the procedure for signing in your guests, and make sure they sign out. These procedures are designed to help ensure your safety in Hall, so please co-operate with the Porters and do not ask them to waive the rules. Never admit anyone to the Hall unless you know them; do not let strangers follow you in. Ask the Porter to help challenge anyone who is following you.
Failure to observe these rules will be viewed extremely seriously and could result in disciplinary action under the student disciplinary code.
Further safety and security advice is available at www.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Replacement swipe card or room key: Replacement swipe cards and room keys cost £10.00, of which £5.00 will be refunded if you find the original. Damaged cards or keys will be replaced for a non-refundable fee of £5.00. If you cannot pay immediately, you may leave your Hall ID as deposit and pay the fee within 24 hours.
Valuables: The Hall has no secure storage for valuables, and will not accept responsibility for loss or theft. You are advised not to leave valuables in Hall.
Lost property will normally be retained at Reception for three months; higher value items will be retained for six months.
Insurance: The University provides a basic policy to insure your personal property within the Hall. You should take out additional insurance to cover your property outside the Hall and high value items not covered under the terms of the basic policy.
15 SMOKING
You may smoke tobacco in your study bedroom and in the Hall bar only. Smoking is strictly prohibited in all other areas of the Hall. When smoking in your room, you should ensure that the window is open to avoid setting off the fire alarm.
DRUGS
As detailed in the Schedules to the Licence Agreement, unauthorised possession and use of controlled drugs is illegal and is a serious disciplinary offence. Residents using or possessing illegal drugs in Hall, or allowing others to use or possess them in Hall, are liable to be dismissed without notice and may have the matter referred to their college or to the police. i Any guests involved will be required to leave immediately.
You are reminded that cannabis, although recently reclassified from a class B to a class C substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, is still illegal in the United Kingdom.
Drugs are injurious to health. If you need advice or information about any drug related problem, including concerns about your own use of drugs, you should contact one of the national help lines or support groups (some are listed at the back of this handbook), or your own general practitioner, where professional assistance will be non-judgmental and confidential. If you have difficulty finding support, you are encouraged to talk to the Warden or Vice-Warden, or the Welfare Officer at the University of London Union.
The police are interested in the patterns of supply of drugs. If you possess information which could be helpful, you are encouraged to share it with the police, or speak to the Warden or Vice-Warden in strictest confidence.
16 RIGHT OF STAFF TO ENTER ROOM
The Warden, Bursar, and their representatives have the right to enter your room without your permission, at any reasonable time and for any reasonable cause. You will be given prior notice wherever possible, but this specifically excludes circumstances where immediate access is required to uphold discipline, for urgent health or safety reasons, or in connection with criminal matters. The cleaner will come into your room daily to empty your bin, and once a week (as shown on the cleaning schedule) to clean your room. A member of staff will also access your room during any scheduled fire drill for which advance notice is given.
PROSELYTIZING, DISCRIMINATION, AND HARASSMENT
The University of London prohibits discrimination on the grounds of age, race, sex, creed, disability, political belief, social class, or sexual orientation. Personal harassment of any kind is wholly unacceptable behaviour and can be grounds for disciplinary action under the student disciplinary code, which may include expulsion or dismissal. i
In accordance with this policy against harassment, proselytizing is not permitted within the University’s halls of residence. Members of any faith or sect are entitled to their own beliefs, but may not seek to influence or recruit others in any way within University accommodation.
Any incidents of personal harassment, aggressive behaviour, or proselytizing should be reported (in confidence) to the Warden or Vice-Warden.
17 CARE OF ROOMS AND HALL PROPERTY
Pin boards are provided in most study bedrooms. Any posters, maps, etc., must be put up with non-marking “putty (e.g. BluTack). Any marks left on the wall will incur a charge on your deposit for cleaning or repainting costs.
Connaught Hall has a grade 2 listed façade. No stickers, notices, or other unauthorised objects may be displayed on the front of the building.
Furniture and fittings must not be removed from your study bedroom, nor brought into it from the common rooms. Furniture and other items must never be left in the corridor, where they may block fire escape routes.
Maintenance requests: Any reports of broken or missing items should be made to Reception, where a form will be completed and passed to the maintenance worker. Non-urgent work will be dealt with as soon as possible during normal working hours, Monday to Friday. Urgent problems out of hours will be passed on to the Duty Officer, so that a contractor can be summoned to the Hall i immediately if necessary. Never assume that someone else must have reported a fault: if you see a problem, report it!
If you are unhappy with the response to a maintenance request, you should discuss the problem with the Assistant Bursar or email [email protected].
Damages and vandalism: You are expected to do all you can to look after the Hall and to maintain the furniture and fittings. Where genuinely accidental damage has been properly reported to the Bursar’s Office, charges for repair or replacement will be reviewed on the merits of each case. However, where damage has been caused by negligence, unreasonable behaviour, or deliberate vandalism, those responsible will be charged the full cost of repair or replacement, labour, and administration charges. In cases where a charge is necessary and immediate payment is not forthcoming, a deduction will be made from your deposit. Where individual responsibility cannot be established, the costs will be shared between all residents (common damage deductions are subject to a right of appeal); you are therefore urged to report anyone whom you suspect of causing damage.
Deliberate vandalism against Hall property is a serious offence against all other residents, staff, and the University, and those causing wanton damage with be pursued rigorously, with the help of the police if necessary. Anyone found responsible for causing deliberate damage will be dealt with severely and may be required to leave the Hall; disciplinary action will be taken under the student disciplinary code.
You are welcome to make any suggestions about Hall safety, security, maintenance, or furnishings by email to [email protected] or start a discussion on the residents’ website & email list at www.connaught-hall.org.uk.
18 FIRE AND GENERAL SAFETY
You are asked to assist with all aspects of safety in the Hall by reporting any matters of concern to the Bursar’s staff or, in emergencies, to the Duty Officer.
Fire procedure: This is detailed on the back cover of this booklet, on the notice board in each room, and on signs in corridors and stairways. Please acquaint yourself with the procedure and be prepared to act accordingly. Ensure that you know the locations of your nearest fire exits, fire extinguishers, and alarm call points.
Whenever you hear the fire alarm, you must evacuate the building immediately.
Fire safety system: Every study bedroom and all communal areas are equipped with smoke detectors. These provide excellent safety cover, but also require a sensible approach in order to avoid false alarms. Excessive smoking in the room (for example, several people smoking with no open windows), aerosols, steam, talcum, etc., are all things which can set off a fire alert and cause the Hall to be evacuated unnecessarily. You should be aware that cannabis smoke seems to have a particular propensity to set off the fire alarm. Residents who cause such false alarms will be interviewed by the Warden or Vice-Warden and subject to the student disciplinary code.
Tampering with fire safety equipment is a very serious offence. Anyone who deliberately causes a false alarm, irresponsibly discharges fire extinguishers, covers smoke detectors, interferes with fire exit signs, or who tampers with fire safety equipment in any way whatsoever, will be dealt with under the student disciplinary code and can expect to be removed from Hall without delay. The matter will also be referred to their college.
Fire doors: These are an essential part of fire safety precautions. Fire doors must never be wedged open; door closers must not be tampered with.
You must not attach posters or other objects to either side of your door; for heat conducted from a fire on one side of the door may set such items alight on the other side, rapidly spreading the fire to the other side of the door.
Personal responsibility: Residents should be alert to fire hazards at all times. Cigarette ends must always be properly stubbed out in an appropriate receptacle. Cigarettes and matches must never be left smouldering. Aerosol cans must be stored away from direct heat or sunlight. Linen, towels, and other fabrics must be kept away from any electrical appliances, including light fittings.
Do not leave rubbish, luggage, furniture, or your waste bin in the corridor: such items can block fire escape routes, impede access to fire-fighting equipment, and even help spread a fire down the corridor. Bicycles are not allowed inside the Hall for the same reasons. Any objects left in the corridor are liable to be removed without notice.
19 Prohibited items: The use of portable heating and cooking equipment in your room is strictly forbidden; this includes (but is not limited to) toasters, rice cookers, microwaves, ovens, hot plates, steamers, fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, and convection heaters. Candles, incense sticks, oil lamps, fragrance burners, and flammable liquids of any kind must not be brought into or used anywhere within the Hall; such items will be confiscated without warning. Irons (as provided) may only be used on the ironing boards in the laundrette.
Requests to have a refrigerator will be considered on an individual basis, but will usually only be granted if the refrigerator is needed for medical reasons.
Fire drills will be held during the year, and all rooms will be checked by a member of staff to ensure everyone has evacuated. You are expected to leave as quickly as possible by the nearest route; this is not necessarily down the main stairs and out through the main door, so please familiarise yourself now with the various escape routes from your area of the Hall. If the response is not deemed fast enough, further fire drills will follow within a few days.
Sounder tests: The fire system is tested every Wednesday at 1.00 pm; the sounders will go off twice for a short time. There is no need to evacuate at this time unless the sounders continue for more than 20 seconds.
Electrical equipment: The domestic supply in the UK is 230 volts. You may use your own electrical equipment provided it is manufactured for use within the UK; all low- voltage appliances (except those that are “prohibited items” as detailed above) may be used if properly wired according to the manufacturers' instructions. If in doubt please ask for advice. All electrical equipment must be kept in a safe condition and the plug fitted with a suitably rated fuse. Overloaded multi adaptors will be removed.
Further safety information is available to download from the residents’ website at www.connaught-hall.org.uk. You are welcome to start a discussion there about any safety issues, or send your suggestions to [email protected].
TAVISTOCK SQUARE GARDENS
The gardens in Tavistock Square are very well maintained by the London Borough of Camden. Ball games are prohibited and anyone found damaging any part of the gardens may be subject to police prosecution and fines. If Connaught residents are found to have caused damage, the Hall will co-operate fully to help the police identify those responsible; any fines not tied down to particular residents will be divided between all residents’ deposits (subject to a right of appeal).
20 HEALTH
As detailed in your Licence Agreement, you must register with a local general practitioner (GP) or family doctor in central London who will visit you at Connaught Hall in an emergency (i.e. the Hall must be within that doctor’s call-out area). You must provide the Bursar’s Office with the name, practice address, and telephone number of your central London GP using the appropriate form within 21 days of your arrival in Hall. Failure to do so will result in your Hall ID card being withheld i and ultimately may lead to termination of your accommodation agreement.
Students from UCL, LSE, and Imperial College usually register with their college’s own health centre. Other colleges’ health centres are usually too far away from Connaught Hall; students attending these colleges therefore normally register with the Central Institutions Health Service (CIHS). Kings College students can chose between their own health centre or the CIHS. The details of these college health services are given below:
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON University Health Centre 3 Gower Place London WC1E 6BN Tel: 020 7387 6306
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS LSE Health Service St Phillip’s Health Centre London WC2A 2AE Tel: 020 7955 7016
IMPERIAL COLLEGE Imperial College Health Service 14 Princes Gardens London SW7 1NA Tel: 020 7584 6301
KING’S COLLEGE King’s College NHS Health Centre 3rd Fl. Macadam Building, The Strand London WC2R 2LS Tel: 020 7584 6301
ALL OTHER COLLEGES Central Institutions Health Service (and Kings’ College) 20 Gower Street London WC1E 6DP Tel: 020 7636 7628
21 First aid, illness, and accidents: all first aid and medical emergencies should be reported to Reception, from where the Bursar’s Office or on-call Duty Officer can be alerted. Staff will help arrange for first aid to be given, and assist with calling a doctor or transfer to hospital.
If you call an ambulance or doctor out for yourself, please notify Reception so that appropriate assistance can be given at the time and during any follow up. You must tell the Warden or Vice-Warden if you are admitted to hospital as an emergency for more than 24 hours.
The nearest hospital with a 24-hour accident & emergency department is University College Hospital (UCH), about five minutes’ walk from Connaught Hall: 235 Euston Road London NW1 2BU (at the junction of Euston Road & Gower Street) i Telephone: 0845 155 5000 IN AN EMERGENCY, CALL 999 FOR AN AMBULANCE.
Infectious diseases: If you are diagnosed with a serious infectious disease that may pose a risk to other residents (e.g. meningitis, polio, tuberculosis, diphtheria, viral haemorrhagic fever, etc), you must notify the Warden or Vice-Warden immediately so that steps can be taken to safeguard the health of the rest of the Hall. Your identity will not be revealed to other residents.
Meningitis: This is a serious, potentially fatal, infectious disease which affects the membrane surrounding the brain. It is more common in first-year undergraduate students than in other adult populations; it is mostly spread by from the nose and mouth, including from sneezing and kissing. Early recognition and treatment can save lives, so make sure you are aware of the symptoms and look out for yourself and your friends. Key symptoms are: severe headache, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, a dislike of bright light and a dark red or purple rash. Not everyone gets all the symptoms; they can occur in any order. If you’re worried that you or someone you know might have meningitis, get professional medical help immediately.
Mental health: Every year Connaught Hall has a small number of residents with phobias, eating disorder, self-harm, depression, schizophrenia, or other similar problems. The Warden and Vice-Warden have plenty of experience of discussing these issues, so residents should not feel embarrassed about them; we are always happy to provide non-judgemental, confidential support to residents with mental health problems. It is important to recognise, however, that we are not formally trained in the management of psychiatric illness; it is therefore essential that residents seek appropriate medical or psychological help; we are happy to guide residents to appropriate professional help where necessary.
22 GETTING HELP AND MAKING SUGGESTIONS IN HALL
Emergencies (e.g. injury, illness, water leak, electrical fault, intruders, lost keys, serious noise disturbance) There is always a member of staff available in Hall. If there is a genuine emergency of any kind, day or night, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask the Receptionist first, then he or she will contact the best person to help you.
Personal & social problems Approach any of the Senior Members for advice, or send a note to the Warden or Vice-Warden (or email [email protected]). They can help with academic difficulties, medical or emotional problems, social concerns, and problems with neighbours or other Hall residents (including noise and harassment issues).
Accommodation fees Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of October, January, and April. If you have problems with payment, speak to the Deputy Bursar as soon as possible. We will always try to help you as much as we can.
Key and Swipe Card If you lose your key or swipe card, you can obtain a replacement from Reception or the General Office. A fee is payable for replacements.
Maintenance and health & safety Report details of broken, worn-out, or faulty Hall furniture or equipment in the maintenance book at Reception. Replacement light bulbs for your desk lamp are also available from Reception. Discuss general health & safety concerns with a member of the Facilities Committee, start a discussion on the residents’ website at www.connaught-hall.org.uk, or email [email protected].
Catering There is a catering manager on duty in the kitchen at dinnertime to deal with any immediate problems. Talk to a member of the Facilities Committee about broader concerns or catering policy issues. Email [email protected] with any other comments or ideas, or start a discussion at www.connaught-hall.org.uk.
Leisure & entertainment facilities Speak to a member of the elected Residents’ Club Committee, start a discussion on the resident’s website & email list at www.connaught-hall.org.uk, or email the suggestion box at [email protected].
Internet Report any problems with your internet connection to the network Service Centre on 020 7862 8092 (open Mon 1000 – 1200, Wed 1400 – 1600, Fri 1000 – 1200).
Telephones Report faults with your room telephone connection to the General Office. 23 EXTERNAL SOURCES OF HELP
NHS Direct (health advice) 08 45 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Holborn Police Station 020 7404 1212 www.met.police.uk/camden Samaritans (counselling) 08457 90 90 90 www.samaritans.org.uk London Nightline (counselling) 020 7631 0101 www.nightline.org.uk Mind (mental health charity) 0845 766 0163 www.mind.org.uk National Drugs Helpline 08 00 77 66 00 www.ndh.org.uk Alcohol Concern 0800 917 82 82 www.alcoholconcern.org.uk FPA (contraception & sexual health) 020 7837 4044 www.fpa.org.uk Lesbian & Gay Switchboard 020 7837 7324 www.llgs.org.uk
Many more links to external sources of help – and more details about support structures within Connaught Hall – are available at www.connaught-hall.org.uk. Your general practitioner and students’ union can also help with a wide range of health, personal, social, and emotional problems.
PERSONAL NOTES / ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION
24 Connaught Hall Wardenial Staff Warden — Vice-Warden — Senior Members
The Warden’s team is responsible for:
ŹŹŹ RESIDENTS’ WELFARE ŻŻŻ
ŹŹŹ HALL SOCIAL LIFE ŻŻŻ
ŹŹŹ INTERNAL DISCIPLINE ŻŻŻ
If you’re worried, upset, angry, or concerned… about anything that’s happening in your life (either in Hall or elsewhere) …come and talk to one of us.
We are here to offer support, help, and guidance if you need it. All the Wardenial staff are experienced academics, teachers, or postgraduate students within the University of London.
Approach a Senior Member any time, or leave a note at Reception for the Warden or Vice-Warden. Our photographs are displayed in the Reception lobby to help you to recognise us. A member of Wardenial staff is on call every night and all weekend to help in case of emergency.
We will deal with any problems sensitively and confidentially; we will not discriminate against anyone because of their age, race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
HOMESICKNESS LONELINESS NOISY NEIGHBOURS HARASSMENT weDIS PcanUTES help with… EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS ACADEMIC DIFFICULTIES B FIRE ACTION
ANY PERSON DISCOVERING A FIRE:
RAISE THE ALARM: S Break the glass to operate the nearest fire alarm call point.
CALL THE FIRE BRIGADE: W Dial 8200 and ask Reception to call the FIRE BRIGADE.
ATTACK THE FIRE: U Only if you can do so without risk to yourself.
ON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM:
EVACUATE THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY: Use the shortest escape route – follow the green signs. ¨ Close (but do not lock) doors and windows behind you.
MEET AT THE ASSEMBLY POINT: k Tavistock Square – on the pavement opposite the Hall.
DO NOT:
Do not take personal risks.
Do not stop to pick up belongings.
Do not use the lift. $ Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so.