Uxbridge College
Accommodation Booklet 2013 -2014 Entry
Welcome to Uxbridge College London
Thank you for accepting your offer of a place at Uxbridge College London for the upcoming academic session. If you are reading this booklet, it is likely that you have accepted our offer, applied for a visa, and are intending to come to the UK very soon.
It is essential that you start considering your accommodation arrangements before you travel to the UK. Uxbridge College does not provide accommodation for its students, nor can we recommend or organise any accommodation for you; however, we can advise you where to look.
We hope that this booklet will aid you in finding accommodation in the UK and settling into life as an Uxbridge College London student.
If you have any questions regarding your accommodation, or require the application form for Britannia Student services, then please do not hesitate to contact the International Office.
T:+44 (0)1895 853469
We hope you have a pleasant journey to the UK, and look forward to meeting you very soon.
Things to consider… Accommodation Options
Ideally, you should have arranged your There are several types of permanent accommodation before starting accommodation available in the UK – both your course, so it may be advisable for temporary and long-term. you to make arrangements for temporary accommodation before you arrive, and Guest House/Hotel (temporary) sort out your long-term accommodation If you are unable to arrange your accommodation in advance, this type of following arrival. accommodation is suitable on a temporary basis while you look. You may wish to A useful starting point for information book an initial 2/3 nights before you arrive regarding accommodation is the UK in the UK, so that you know where you are Council for International Student Affairs going when you leave the airport. (UKCISA), who provide a useful set of guidance notes on things to consider Homestay (long-term) when looking for accommodation. This type of accommodation means that you will live with a family who will provide www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/ac you with accommodation and meals. commodation_overview.php#options Staying with a host family may be a good option if you are a new international Questions to bear in mind when looking student, as it will help you to learn more for accommodation are: about British culture and practice your English Language skills. ? How close is the accommodation to your Bedsit/Studio (long term) place of study? Provided through estate/letting agents – this is one room with a bed, usually ? Are there good public transport links? sharing a kitchen and bathroom. ? Is it close to shops and facilities? Flat (long term) ? How big is your room? Provided through estate/letting agents. This is more expensive than the bed-sit ? Will you have enough quiet and privacy option; however, you may wish to share for study? with someone as this reduces the cost. You will need to sign a contract/lease for, Another big consideration is your budget – and you will be legally responsible for the you will need to ensure that you can afford property. Rent will have to be paid during the accommodation that you want to stay vacations, and you may also have to in. provide a reference.
Accommodation costs vary but if you rent House (long term) private accommodation in and around Uxbridge, rent prices start from £140 per Provided through estate/letting agents. week for a 1 bedroom flat and £215 per This is usually rented by a group of week for a 2 bedroom flat. If you share a students, and you will have to sign a room, you are likely to pay an average of contract. If you rent a house, you will be £75 per week. legally responsible for the property during your stay, and you may have to provide a reference for the property. Temporary Accommodation near Uxbridge College London
If you have not managed to book any long term accommodation prior to your arrival, you may wish to stay for a few nights in a hotel/hostel /guesthouse while you find long-term accommodation through a letting agency.
Hotels There are lots of hotels near to the UK’s main international airport – London Heathrow. If you require temporary accommodation, and are landing at London Heathrow, then the list below may be of use.
Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotels 140 Bath Rd, Hayes, UB3 5AW Tel: +44 (0) 208 759 6311 Holiday Inn London Heathrow Ariel 118 Bath Rd, Hayes, UB3 5AJ
Tel: +44 (0) 871 942 9040
Jurys Inn Heathrow East Perimeter Road, Hatton Cross, Hounslow, TW6 “SR
Tel: +44 (0) 208 266 4664
Park Inn Bath Rd, Sipson, West Drayton, UB7 0DU
Tel: +44 (0) 208 759 6611
The Sheraton Skyline Hotel Heathrow Airport, Bath Rd, Hayes, UB3 5BP Tel: +44 (0) 208 759 2535
Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel Bath Rd, Hounslow, TW6 2AQ Tel: +44 (0) 208 897 6363
Holiday Inn 118 Bath Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 5AJ Tel: +44 (0) 208 990 0000
The Aurora International The Grove, Bath Road, Sipson, West Drayton, UB7 0DG Tel: +44 (0) 208 759 7777
London Heathrow Marriott Hotel Bath Road, Harlington, Hayes, UB3 5AN Tel: 0800 221222
Guest Houses
The following guest homes may be useful as temporary accommodation if you are unable to arrange a place to stay in advance. All guest homes are in the local area, and are not far from both campuses. Alternatively, the local council (London Borough of Hillingdon) provides a list of Bed and Breakfast options. For more details, visit the Council website (see URL below). http://libraries.hillingdongrid.org/cipdfs/BandB.pdf
Ross House Travelodge Uxbridge 74 Tudor Way Colham House Uxbridge Bakers Road Middlesex Uxbridge, Middlesex. T:01895 234061 Tel: 0871 984 6373 Web: www.rosshouseguesthouse.co.uk Brunel Lodge Alnwick Lodge 70 The Greenway 8 Church Road Uxbridge Uxbridge Middlesex T:01895 460037 Tel: 01895-239424 Waterside Oakland, Bangors Rd South 18 Pield Heath Road Iver Uxbridge Bucks Middlesex Tel: 01753-653003 UB8 3NF Tel: 01895-251570 Oakdene House Oakwood Bed and Breakfast 17 Orchard Drive 119 Station Road Cowley West Drayton Middlesex Middlesex Tel: 01895 237838 Tel: 01895-466554 Web: www.oakwoodbedandbreakfastheathrow.com Debden Lodge Barnards Lodge 42 Pield Heath Road 3-4 Western Parade Hillingdon, Middlesex Western Avenue Tel: 01895-253912 Hillingdon, Middlesex Tel: 01895-230724 Hillingdon Lodge Ltd. 2 Shepiston Lodge Hercies Road 31 Shepiston Lane Hillingdon, Middlesex Harlington, Middlesex Tel: 01895-520062 Tel: 020-8573-0266 Premier Inn The Comfort Inn 362 Uxbridge Road Shepiston Lane Hayes, Middlesex Hayes, Middlesex Tel: 0870 1977132 Tel: 020-8573-6162
Long-term Accommodation near Uxbridge College London
Britannia Student Services drawing up contracts, references and Britannia Student Services are a full inventories. accommodation booking service for students, and offer a number of You can also search online for your own accommodation options to those property to rent through Studentpad international students studying in the UK. www.studentpad.co.uk and These options include: Accommodation for Students www.accommodationforstudents.com Homestays Uxbridge College does not recommend a Halls of Residence particular estate agent. Hostels and Hotels Studios and Flatshares
Britannia Student Services meets the accommodation standards of the British Council, and aim to place you in either a homestay or private accommodation that is within easy reach of Uxbridge College. If you wish to make a booking with Britannia Homestay, either visit the website at www.britannia travel.com/studentinfo.html and fill in the online booking form, or download the PDF application form and return it by e-mail to:
Renting a property
There are many Estate Agents that provide a ‘letting’ service and can help you find rented accommodation. The Agents listed on the following page belong to the National Association of Estate Agents.
This means that the Agents have to follow a strict code of rules and regulations to make sure that they offer the highest level of service.
If you have any concerns about the Agency you are working with, you may wish to contact the National Association of Estate Agents by visiting the following
website: www.naea.co.uk. Please be aware that Agents have additional fees for Estate Agents within a 2 mile radius of Uxbridge College
Online Property Services Bennett Residential The Chase 18 High Street Uxbridge Uxbridge Middlesex Middlesex UB10 8ST UB8 1JN
Tel: 01895 813462 Tel: 01895 812222 Fax: 01895 814156 Fax: 01895 810042 W: www.on-line-property.com W: www.bennettresidential.co.uk
Campsie Orchard & Shipman plc. 1 – 4 Vine Street Royal House Uxbridge Vine Street Middlesex Uxbridge UB8 1QE Middlesex UB8 1QE Tel: 01895 208842 Fax: 01895 208890 Tel: 01895 208840 W: www.campsie.com W: www.orchard-shipman.com
Coopers Residential Silver Estates Limited 109 Hillingdon Hill 11a Crescent Parade Hillingdon Uxbridge Road Middlesex Hillingdon, Middlesex. UB10 0JQ UB10 0LB Tel: 01895 234877 Tel: 01895 230103 Fax: 01895 234529 www.coopersestates.co.uk
Charles Cameron Sales Ltd. (West R Whitley & Co. Drayton) Estate House 115 Station Road West Drayton Station Road Middlesex. West Drayton, Middlesex. UB7 7LT UB7 7DA
Tel: 01895 444424 Tel: 01895 442711 W: www.charlescameron.com Fax: 01895 442561 W: www.rwhitley.co.uk Martin Reinhardt Estate Agents 48 F S Estate Agents Ltd. 950 – 952 Coldharbour Lane Hayes. Uxbridge Road Hayes. UB3 3EP UB4 0RL
Tel: 020 8756 0600 Tel: 020 8756 0522 Fax: 020 8756 0603 Fax: 020 8569 2641 W: www.reinhardt.co.uk
Know what to expect…
Deposits/Landlords Ensuring that the property is maintained and that all installations A deposit is a sum of money you pay to and appliances are in good repair. your landlord at the start of your housing agreement. Usually, this is returned to you when you move out; however, some Ensuring that all furniture and of this money may be retained by the furnishings meet current regulatory standards for fire safety landlord if they have had to repair/replace anything for which you are responsible, Your landlord should not: this may include: Use violence to threaten you under Damage to the property and its fixtures any circumstances and fittings Shut down your utility supplies such as Cost of cleaning the property gas, water and electricity Redecoration costs Offer you money to leave the premises Replacements of lost keys Prevent your friends from visiting
Your landlord may also make additional Obligations of you as a Tenant charges for late rental payments or items missing when you leave the property. Your responsibilities as the tenant may include: It is advisable that before you pay your deposit that you go through the property You must give the landlord access to with the landlord and check the condition the property for the purpose of of the property. You should document the inspection or to carry out repairs Take good care of the property condition of the property through Pay the agreed rent at the agreed time photographs, and also make an inventory Pay other charges as agreed with the of the contents. landlord – these may include Council Tax or utility bills The landlord is required to protect your Repair or repay any damage caused deposit through a government organised by you tenancy deposit protection scheme. This You should not use the house for any will ensure that you get your deposit back other purpose than lodging i.e. do not if you meet the terms of your tenancy run a business out of the property agreement, don’t damage the property, and pay your rent and bills. Eviction Obligations of your Landlord You can be asked to leave the property Your tenancy agreement will set out the you are renting if you: terms and conditions of your lease on a property, and should also outline the Break any of the terms and conditions written into your contractual responsibilities of the landlord. These agreement responsibilities will include: Are late in paying rent Provide false information about Giving reasonable notice (at least 24 yourself hours) when visiting the property
You can also be asked to leave the Have all electrical appliances been property if the owner wishes to move back tested and checked? into the property; the property is being Is the wiring safe? repossessed; or you refuse or delay Do the taps, toilets and water heater maintenance work to the building. work?
Checklist Conditions and Repairs In the event that you do decide to rent private accommodation, rather than stay Is the property in good condition? Is the house sufficiently heated? with friend and family, or use the Are there any repairs needed before Homestay option you should use the you move in? following checklist: Are you in agreement with the landlord about the condition of the property? Viewing Have you taken photographs of the property to document the condition? Always take a friend with you to see
the property and try, where possible, to view the property in daylight. Furniture If you do view the property on your own, you should inform someone Is the property being rented without where you are going and when you will furniture or fully furnished? be expected back. Is the furniture in good condition? Have a look at several properties to Does anything need replaced before make sure you are getting the one you you move in? are most happy with Have you taken an inventory of all furniture? Money Does the furniture meet fire safety How much is the rent per month is and standards? how much of a deposit are you
expected to pay up front? Who are you supposed to be paying Security and Safety your deposit and rent to? When should you pay your rent each Is the property secure? month? Are there locks on all the doors? Are utility, internet and phone bills Are window locks fitted? included in the rent? Is the area safe? When do you get the deposit back? Have there been any burglaries? Is the house fitted with a smoke Agreements alarm? What type of agreement are you Are fire extinguishers provided and is signing? there a fire escape route? How much notice is needed to vacate the property? Ask for a copy of the agreement Location Have you read the agreement fully, and do you understand it, before Are you living close to the College? signing? Are there shops nearby? Who is responsible for the outside are? Gas, Electricity and Plumbing When is the rubbish collected?
Have all gas appliances been checked and have you seena copy of the
CORGI gas safety certificate?