abcdef University of Connaught Hall Residents’ Handbook 2010 / 2011 SESSION

www.connaught-hall.org.uk Connaught Hall

Connaught Hall is a fully catered intercollegiate hall of residence for full-time students from all the colleges and institutes of the University. 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 : a converted Georgian terrace with a Grade II listed façade. Women have been admitted since 2001.

One of eight intercollegiate halls of residence, Connaught Hall now accommodates 226 students. There is an even mix of men and women and a great diversity of cultural and social backgrounds. Most residents are first-year undergraduates, with around 20% being allowed to return for a second year at the Warden’s discretion; 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 and five student Senior Members, all resident within the Hall, deal with community matters and issues concerning residents’ welfare and discipline; they can offer advice and assistance on academic and pastoral matters, and help with any disputes between residents (including noise complaints). 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. 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 and all the staff wish you an enjoyable and successful time at Connaught Hall. We look forward to meeting you and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Contents Introduction...... 2 Regulations...... 2 Warden’s team & administration staff...... 3 Emergencies...... 4 Reception services & contact details...... 5 Keeping up to date...... 5 Residents’ Club Committee...... 6 Facilities Committee...... 6 Residents’ ID card...... 6 Hall facilities & amenities...... 7 Arrival & departure, deposit & fees...... 10 Re-admission for next year...... 12 Housekeeping arrangements...... 13 Environmental awareness...... 14 Catering arrangements...... 16 Noise...... 17 Daytime visitors...... 17 Overnight guests & meal tickets...... 18 Hall security...... 19 Smoking...... 20 Drugs...... 20 Right of staff to enter room...... 21 Discrimination & harassment...... 21 Lending money...... 21 Care of rooms & Hall property...... 22 Tavistock Square & ...... 23 Fire & general safety...... 24 Personal safety in London...... 26 Health & medical emergencies...... 28 Local shops & services...... 30 Getting help & making suggestions...... 31 External sources of help...... 32 Wardenial staff...... 33 Fire action...... 34

Throughout this Handbook, a large asterisk is used in the outside margin to draw your attention to especially important information about your accommodation contract, including the main supplementary regulations referred to in the Licence Agreement. * Introduction

This Handbook 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 conditions; any breaches will be dealt with under the Student Disciplinary Procedure and may lead to expulsion from the Hall.

A short summary of the information in this Handbook is provided in our Information for Residents leaflet.

Please remember to bring this Handbook and the Licence Agreement with you when you move in at the start of the year. Further copies can be downloaded from www.connaught-hall.org.uk.

* 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 www.connaught-hall.org.uk/licence

Connaught Hall Supplementary Regulations www.connaught-hall.org.uk/regulations

Telephone Service Conditions available from the Administration Office

University of London Ordinance 17 – Student Discipline www.london.ac.uk/977

University of London Ordinance 19 – Student Complaints www.london.ac.uk/977

Universities uk Code of Practice for the Management of Student Housing www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/acop

Visit the Hall website at www.connaught-hall.org.uk to download copies of this Residents’ Handbook, the University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement, Supplementary Regulations, and other important documents. * 2 Warden’s team & administration staff

Warden Dr. Adrian Clark Bursars Fiona Elder

Senior Members Amy Lei David Stephens

Ashleigh Melvin Deputy Bursar Harriet Harold

Alyson Mercer Assistant Bursars Hafsi Bakari

tbc David Campbell

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Bursar’s Office hours – 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday. A member of the Warden’s team is available whenever the Bursar’s Office is closed.

Administration staff The Bursars have responsibility for the building, furnishings, and finances; * they deal with all accommodation, catering, maintenance, telephone, internet, housekeeping, conferences, and reception services at in all eight intercollegiate halls of residence. There is a Deputy Bursar and two Assistant Bursars based in the office at Connaught Hall; they are your first point of contact for most accommodation and facilities matters. You can visit the General Office without an appointment during office hours or email them [email protected] k; alternatively, email your suggestions to [email protected].

Warden’s team

The Warden, assisted by five Senior Members, is responsible for student welfare, discipline, Hall community and social life, out-of-hours emergency cover, and readmissions. The Warden’s team are all resident in Hall. They can offer support with academic difficulties, medical or emotional problems, social concerns, financial worries, noisy neighbours, disputes, harassment, and many other issues. The Warden is a doctor in accident & emergency medicine; he undertakes his wardenial duties as an additional part-time appointment to his full-time medical career. Senior Members are experienced, usually postgraduate, students who undertake their duties on a voluntary basis in return for accommodation in Hall.

Feel free to approach any member of the team whenever you see them around the Hall, or ask the Warden for an appointment. Contact the the team by email at [email protected] or online at warden.connaught-hall.org.uk. Also look out for posters advertising the Warden’s open office sessions, when you can drop in to see the Warden in his office without an appointment. 3 Emergencies

Contacting a member of staff

A member of staff is available 24 hours a day. During office hours, the administration 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 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. Please do not try to find a first aider yourself as we operate a duty system for emergencies and walking around trying to find a first aider will cause delay. The nearest hospital with an emergency department is at uch, at the junction of Euston Road and Gower Street, about five minutes’ walk from Connaught Hall. * Further guidance on pages 28-29.

Fire

Fire safety guidance on pages 24-25. Full fire action instructions on outside rear cover. You must always evacuate the building promptly when you hear the fire alarm. Please get to know two or three different escape routes during your first week in Hall.

* 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 Administration Office or on-call Duty Officer. Further advice on page 23.

Emergency services * The telephone number for all emergency services (police, ambulance, fire brigade) in the United Kingdom is 999 (from your room, you have to dial 9-999). If you need to contact the police but it’s not an emergency, you should call 0300 123 1212. * 4 Reception services & contact details

Security staff are available at reception 24 hours a day. Reception is your first point of call for any questions or help with any emergencies that arise. Fax and photocopy services are available at reception for a fee.

You can call reception from your room on extension 8200.

Postal address: Name & Room Number Connaught Hall 36-45 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9EX

Telephone number: 020 7756 8200 Fax number: 020 7383 4109

Administration Office email: [email protected] InHAB is the Intercollegiate InHAB email: [email protected] Halls Accom- InHAB telephone number: 020 7822 3333 modation Bureau. See page 10 for details. Warden’s team email: [email protected] Warden’s team contact page: warden.connaught-hall.org.uk

Main Hall website: www.connaught-hall.org.uk Forms & documents: downloads.connaught-hall.org.uk Photos of Connaught Hall: photos.connaught-hall.org.uk

Online fees payment: https://epay.london.ac.uk

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. Please check your pigeon-hole regularly.

Keeping up to date

Most communication between the Hall and residents is by email. Please ensure the Administration Office has your current email address on file, otherwise you will not receive important announcements and you might miss payment deadlines, etc.

Check the notice boards at least once a week for notices that might affect you.

Notice boards are for approved notices only. University Ordinance 17 sets out the rules for using notice boards and the residents’ website: you must not circulate any * poster or other communication which is offensive, intimidating, indecent, or illegal or which might make others fearful 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 Warden (as Clerk to the Club & Senior Treasurer) and the appointed Bar Manager are also members of the Committee. The Committee runs the bar and organisesarious v 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 organises the elections in October, and then continues to oversee the Committee’s activities and financial management during the year; ask the Warden for details if you are interested in standing for election. If you have any suggestions for the Committee, email them [email protected] k. For more information about the Committee and who does what, check the files ailableav to download at www.connaught-hall.org.uk/committee.

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 Warden and meetings are attended by representatives from the administration 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 want to join. For more information, visit www.connaught-hall.org.uk/facilitiescommittee.

Residents’ 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 your medical details form; and (d) provided three passport-size photographs of yourself. Your 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 id card in order to collect meals in the dining hall, 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 & amenities

Email suggestion box - [email protected]

Send your comments, complaints, and ideas to the email suggestion box. Suggestions will be forwarded to all relevant staff and/or committees.

Telephones

The Receptionist can tell you your room extension and direct-dial numbers. You Telephone service i n s t r u c t i o n s can use the telephone in your room to call internal extensions free of charge, but to and terms & make external calls or set up voicemail, you will need to register for a pay-as-you- conditions can be obtained from the go account. You can register and top up your account at the Administration Office, Administration where telephone service regulations and instructions are also available. Report Office. problems to the Administration Office within hours.

Internet

Every room has a data socket for connection to the internet; see your Licence Schedule 2 of the Licence Agree- Agreement for details. Report any problems to Network Services on 020 7862 8092 ment contains (Mon 10.00 am – 12.00 pm, Weds 2.00 – 4.00 pm, Fri 10.00 am – 12.00 pm). the rules for the use of University network services.

Computer room

There is a computer room in the basement, for the use of Connaught Hall residents only. File downloading and disk drives, etc have been disabled. Rules of use are given in your Licence Agreement.

Television

All rooms are equipped with a tv aerial socket.

You must have your own tv licence if you want to use any television receiving equipment in your room such as a tv set, set-top boxe, video or dvd recorder, computer or mobile phone to watch or record tv programmes as they are being shown on tv; you are not covered by the Hall licence or by any licences held at your permanent home address. The penalty is a fine of up to £1000. Visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk for more information.

Library * This is located in the basement and is intended for private quiet study mainly by students sharing twin rooms. Please do not leave work out on the desks. 7 Laundrette

Coin-operated washing machines, tumble driers and ironing facilities are available in the basement laundrette. Report any problems to the General Office, whereou y can also obtain refunds for any money lost in the machines.

The bar

A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at very reasonable prices in the basement bar, run by the Residents’ Club Committee under the supervision of the Warden. Opening hours will be publicised 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.

Alcohol will not be served to persons under 18 or who are already intoxicated. Bar staff may refuse to serve any person and do not have to give a reason. Bar staff may require any person to leave the bar at any time for disorderly conduct. Only alcoholic beverages that have been purchased from the bar may be consumed in the bar and courtyard garden between 19.00 and 23.00. Use of the bar is a privilege of membership of the Residents’ Club * and may be withdrawn by the Warden or the Residents’ Club Committee. Common rooms

There are two social areas in the basement; both contain a television, and there is a table tennis table in one. They are for the enjoyment of all residents, so please treat them with respect. The televisions and table tennis belong to the Residents’ Club Committee, so any problems should be reported to them.

Private parties are not allowed in the common rooms except with prior written permission from the Warden, and guests are not allowed to sleep there. If the common rooms are misused, left dirty, or become a focus for noise or other antisocial behaviour, they may be closed indefinitely. The same rules about smoking and noise apply to the common rooms as in your own room.

* Garden The Hall’s private courtyard garden is available for peaceful enjoyment between 8.00 am and 11 pm. The door to the garden is alarmed overnight, and cctv is in operation. Keep the garden tidy and remember that other residents may be trying to sleep or study in the rooms overlooking the courtyard, so please try to be quiet.

Music, ball games, and private parties are not permitted in the Hall garden. You must keep noise to a minimum. Barbecues are not allowed without prior written permission from the Warden.

* 8 Pantries & drinking water

There is a pantry containing a sink, microwave and refrigerator on every floor. Please use these facilities sensibly, taking care not to set off a fire alert through a build up of smoke or steam, and help keep them clean. Please respect other residents’ property and only use food from the fridges if it actually belongs to you. The fridges are inspected regularly and any decaying items will be thrown away.

Drinking water is available from all the pantries, the fountain in the dining hall, and from the machine at the rear of the reception lobby. There is no drinking water supply to study bedrooms.

Bike store & car parking * It is forbidden to bring bicycles into the Hall or attach them to the railings outside. For details about parking permits We have a locked bicycle store in the front basement area, to which you may hire a and the London key upon payment of a refundable deposit of £10. Bicycles are left entirely at oury C o n g e s t i o n Charge, visit own risk; the Hall will not accept liability for loss or damage. We advise you not to www.camden. bring your car to London. There is very limited (unreserved) on-street parking in gov.uk and www.cclondon. the area for holders of Camden residents’ permits. The nearest car park is beneath com the Royal National Hotel in Bedford Way. Connaught Hall is within the central London Congestion Charging zone: all cars entering the zone must pay the charge.

Newspapers, games & video equipment

A selection of newspapers is 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.

The Resident’s Club Committee also provides board games, table tennis equipment, a dvd player, and other recreational facilities. These can be borrowed from reception, leaving your Hall id card and / or a small cash deposit.

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. The vending machines are operated by external companies but you may raise any problems, including refund requests, with staff in the General Office.

Tennis courts

You may use the tennis courts in Cartwright Gardens for a fee. The key is available from reception at Hughes Parry Hall upon presentation of your residents’ id card. 9 Arrival & departure, deposit & fees

Licence Agreement & period of occupancy

Read your University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement carefully (www.connaught-hall.org.uk/licence). It contains full details of period of occupancy, arrangements for meal rebates, termination of contract, etc.

Your period of occupancy is determined by your college term dates. You are expected to move in the day before your academic year begins and leave the day after it ends. It may be possible to arrange an earlier arrival or later departure, but this cannot be guaranteed. No credit is given for late arrival or early departure.

You should arrive after 2.00 pm on your arrival date unless you have arranged otherwise. Report to reception upon arrival and you will be given a room key and front door card. You are deemed to be in residence from when you take your key.

Accommodation fees

Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of October, January, and April. Any additional invoices must be paid within one week of the issue date. You can pay your Hall fees online at https://epay.london.ac.uk.

If you cannot pay an invoice by the due date, you must speak to a member of administration staff or [email protected] k as soon as possible. We are sympathetic to students with genuine difficulties and can often arrange payment by instalments.e W will always try to help you pay your fees in a way that is convenient for you. But you will be rigorously pursued if you do not keep us informed or if you fail to make agreed payments on time. Ultimately our solicitors will pursue the debt through the courts, and we may inform * your college about your failure to pay. Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau (InHAB)

The Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau (InHAB) is a central office that deals with room allocations, room swaps, contract cancellations, and administration of the readmissions process for all eight intercollegiate halls of residence.

Contact InHAB by email at [email protected], by telephone on 020 7822 3333, or visit their office at Internation Hall, Lansdowne Terrace.

The office staff based at Connaught Hall are not able to deal with contract * terminations or room swaps: all such enquiries must be made to InHAB. 10 Food rebates See paragraph 7.4 of your Li- Provided you give advance notice in writing to the Administration Office, you cence Agreement may claim a rebate for meals you miss during periods of religious observance (e.g. for details of fasting for Ramadan) or if you are away for five or more consecutive days during meal rebates. the Christmas or Easter vacations only. In the latter case, you must sign out of the Hall and leave your key, swipe card, and id card at reception in order to be eligible for the rebate. Rebates will not be granted for any other reasons.

Termination of contract

If you leave the Hall for any reason before the end of your contract, you will See paragraph 5.1 of your Li- normally be liable to pay the fees until the official end of your academic year, cence Agreement unless and until a new resident can be found to take over your room. for details.

Deposit

Charges may be subtracted from your deposit if you cause loss or damage to See paragraph 6 of your Licence any part of the Hall or its property; the cost of damage that cannot be attributed Agreement for to anyone in particular may be divided between everyone’s deposits. Deposit details of your right of appeal deductions are subject to a right of appeal. against deposit deductions.

Departure at the end of the year

You must leave by 10.00 am on the day after the last day of your 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, and a charge will be levied if you do not return your key or card. Please put rubbish in bin bags and leave your room tidy. Unreported damage to your room or furniture will be deducted from your deposit and a cleaning charge will be subtracted if your room is in an unsatisfactory state.

If you paid by cheque, don’t forget to leave a stamped addressed envelope at the Administration Office when you leave so we can return your deposit to you; if you paid your deposit by credit card, the amount will be refunded to your card.

11 Re-admission for next year

Applications

In January or February, the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau will invite applications from residents who wish to return to Connaught Hall for the next academic year. You will normally be informed whether or not your application has been successful before the end of March, allowing you to consider looking for private accommodation during the Easter break if you do not get a place in Hall.

Re-admission criteria

Places are limited and re-admission cannot be guaranteed. The colleges are clear that their priority is accommodation for first-year students; they set quotas for how many of their students we can accept for a second year. For many colleges, we receive more than twice as many applications as we are allowed to accept, so we cannot always make offers to everyone we would like to. Students who have already spent two years in Hall are very unlikely to be offered another year.

The Warden will seek the views of the Senior Members and administration staff regarding your conduct in Hall and payment of fees. He will then liaise with the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau to recommend who should be accepted and who should not. You must be aware that if you have been persistently noisy or been involved in other disciplinary issues, or if you have failed to pay your Hall fees reliably, you will not be offered a room for another year.

The Warden will support applications from residents with medical or psychological problems, severe financial hardship, and those who have made an outstanding contribution to the Hall community through committee orkw or other activities. The Warden can only support your application if you have discussed your circumstances with him directly, so please contact him well in advance if you think you may fall into one of these categories. Medical reasons must be supported by a letter from your doctor. We know that living in the private sector can be more expensive, and most students claim some sort of financial difficulty when they apply for re-admission, so we can only consider this as a factor if you provide documentation to support your claim (e.g. a letter from your college’s student union or financial advisory service).

Unsuccessful re-admission applicants

We shall not be able to make any more offers after we have informed applicants of our decision. Unsuccessful applicants may consider joining the intercollegiate halls of residence waiting list in September. Details will be published on the University of London website in August: www.halls.london.ac.uk. The waiting list is always over-subscribed, so we advise students to have a back-up plan for accommodation. 12 Housekeeping arrangements

Room cleaning

Your room will be fully cleaned once every two weeks. Signs are posted to indicate on which day your will be cleaned. Please ensure your room is accessible and tidy enough for cleaning to take place.

Keep food items in sealed containers (e.g. plastic food storage boxes) at all times, and clean up crumbs other food waste from your floor. If you leave food out, it is very likely that you will attract mice to your room. We will not usually be able to move you to another room – we are full most of the year – and mice can be very difficult to get rid of!

Disciplinary action may be taken if you persistently fail to maintain your room in a reasonably hygienic condition. * Waste collection

Rubbish will be emptied from your bin daily, Monday to Friday. Do not leave your bin outside your door, as this may obstruct escape routes and pose a fire hazard.

It is a condition of your contract of residence 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 usually respect your wishes, but we expect that this will be no more than one or two days a week.

Room checks Room checks will be undertaken to reclaim any crockery and cutlery taken from * the dining hall and remove any fire hazards. You will be given notice to remove any other unauthorised items, or risk having them confiscated.

Bed linen

You will receive a bedding pack at the beginning of the year; 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.

Feedback

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding housekeeping services, speak to a member of administration staff or [email protected] k.

13 Environmental awareness

Statement

Connaught Hall recognises the need to demonstrate environmental awareness, promote recycling, and reduce our carbon footprint by minimising energy wastage. We strongly encourage you to work with us to meet these important challenges. Please therefore be aware of the following.

Recycling

The Hall is currently negotiating a comprehensive recycling contract, but some building modifications are required in order for us to maximise our recycling potential. We will post details when the necessary arrangements are in place.

Pending the full implementation of our recycling scheme, the Residents’ Club Committee is providing a number of recycling bins around the Hall for cans, bottles, and paper (as marked - see individual bins for details). Printer cartridges and stamps can be handed in to the General Office for recycling.

Council-provided bins for paper and mixed recyclables can be found nearby on Tavistock Square and Taviton Street. There is a large recycling bank for newspapers & magazines, cans, bottles & glass, and clothes on Byng Place outside ulu (see local area map on page 30). A battery recycling bin is located on Bidborough Street just beyond Cartwright Gardens.

Please ensure that all recyclable goods are clean; do not put food waste in recycling bins.

Water

Try to save water by following some of these tips:

• Spend less time in the shower, or turn off the water while you’re applying soap. • Do not leave the water running when cleaning your teeth. • Report any leaks or dripping taps so they can be repaired as soon as possible. • Do not run the cold tap till the water is cool before filling your water bottle: why not fill your bottle straight away and put it in the fridge?

Using your kettle

Do not boil a litre of water for one cup of tea, as this wastes electricity: just fill the kettle with as much water as you need.

14 Heating

Your radiator is controlled by a thermostat at one end, ranging from 0 (off) to 6 (maximum heat). If you have the radiator on and it is too hot in your room please do not just open the window: turn the heat down first!

Please remember that other types of heaters (electric fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, electric bars, etc) are not allowed: they are a potential fire hazard as well as being very inefficient, high-energy heat sources.

Electrical appliances

Electrical appliances contribute significantly to energy consumption in Hall: most residents will have a computer and music system, and often a television as well. This is therefore an important area where each os us can make real reductions in how much energy we waste.

Two-thirds of a computer’s energy is used by the monitor so only turn on your computer when you need it; switch it off when you do not. This principle also applies to televisions, stereos, and any other electrical appliance.

Do not leave appliances on standby: they continue to use almost as much electricity as if you leave them turned on, and can be a fire hazard if left unattended for long periods. Make sure all appliances are switched off at night or if you leave your room.

Lighting

Please switch off any lights that are not being used in your room. Switch off the lights when you leave your room.

Internet links

For more information about local recycling facilities and how to save water and energy, visit some of these web pages:

Borough of Camden Recycling...... www.camden.gov.uk/recycling Energy Saving Trust...... www.energysavingtrust.org.uk Environment Agency: Save Water...... www.environment-agency.gov.uk/savewater Recycle More...... www.recycle-more.co.uk Recycle Now...... www.recyclenow.com

15 Catering arrangements

Meal times

Breakfast Monday to Friday 7.45 am - 9.00 am Brunch Saturday & Sunday 11.00 am - 12.30 pm Dinner Monday to Friday 5.45 pm - 7.00 pm Saturday & Sunday 5.45 pm - 6.45 pm The dining hall is locked 15 minutes after the end of service; please help the catering staff by * vacating the dining hall before 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. During the Christmas vacation, the kitchen & dining hall may close for up to two weeks, in which case meals will be provided at another intercollegiate hall of residence. Details of any changes to meal times or locations will be posted on the notice boards in advance.

The dining hall is located in the basement. All meals are included in your fees.

Packed suppers

These contain a sandwich or packed salad and a packet of crisps with a carton of fruit juice and either a yoghurt or a piece of fruit; you can request a packed supper on weekdays if, for academic reasons only, you cannot get back to the Hall by 7.00 pm. You must leave your id card at reception before 10.00 am on the day the supper is required; we cannot accept late requests. You may collect your food from reception after 7.00 pm. Packed suppers are providedinstead of a meal in the restaurant: a charge will be applied if you take both.

Dining hall rules

You must show your Hall id card in order to take meals in the dining hall. If you do not have your card, you will not be served. Guests are not allowed in the dining hall without a meal ticket. Meals are to be consumed inside the dining hall only. Do not remove crockery or cutlery. Keep a reasonable standard of dress – no bare feet, dressing gowns, or pyjamas. * No smoking allowed. Please show respect for the catering staff and raise any problems in a constructive manner with the duty chef, or email the suggestion box at [email protected].

16 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. This rule is not negotiable. 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 (a The student d i s c i p l i n a r y member of the Warden’s team). We can help you a lot more if we actually hear the procedure is set noise for ourselves and speak directly to the person responsible at the time. It is out in Schedule 3 of your Licence much more difficult if you wait until the next day to tell us about it! A g r e e m e n t . Your contract of residence may be The Warden’s team is responsible for dealing with noise complaints. If you find terminated if you your neighbour(s) to be persistently noisy, talk to the Warden or a Senior Member, do not adhere to email [email protected], or use the form at warden.connaught-hall.org.uk. these rules.

Daytime visitors

Guests’ behaviour

Your guests must adhere to the same standard of behaviour that is expected of you; you will be held personally responsible for the conduct of your guests at all times, and consequently 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. * Signing-in procedure

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 and signed in 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. 17 * Overnight guests & meal tickets

Overnight guests’ signing-in procedure

The same rules apply to your overnight guests as to daytime visitors (see above). Between 00.00 and 06.59, all guests are considered to be overnight guests, regardless of how long they intend to stay. You may sign in only one overnight guest per night. When the Residents’ Club holds a party in Hall, you may sign in a maximum of two guests during the hours of the party.

One night’s stay: To have a guest stay for one night, you can simply sign them into the overnight guest book.

Two or three nights’ stay: To have a guest stay for two or three nights, you must complete an overnight guest form (available at downloads.connaught-hall.org.uk) including your guest’s usual address. * More than three nights’ stay: The 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 (forms available at downloads.connaught-hall.org.uk).

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 (£30.00/night).

Camp beds

We have a few camp beds available for hire, complete with pillows and bed linen. You can request a camp bed at reception: book early to avoid disappointment.

We must receive your request for a camp bed no later than 10 am on the day the bed is required (or on Friday for beds required on Saturday or Sunday); we may not be able to fulfil late requests. You can collect your bed from reception between 4 pm and 11 pm on the first day of the booking; we cannot guarantee availability for collection after 11 pm.ou Y must return your camp bed before 10 am after the last night of hire, otherwise a late return charge will be applied. * Charges are as follows: First night £3.00 Subsequent nights £2.00 per night Late return charge £5.00 per night

Guest meal tickets

Meal tickets are available to buy from reception: Breakfast - £1.50; Brunch - £3.00; Dinner - £4.00. Guests may not enter the dining hall unless they have a valid ticket. 18 Hall security

Personal responsibility

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. Never lend your swipe card or room key to anyone else (not even your best friend!).

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 security and do not ask them to waive the rules.

Always use your swipe card to enter the Hall; otherwise, security will expect to see proof of residence. Security will not normally open the door for you. Never admit anyone to the Hall unless you know them; do not let strangers follow you in. Ask security 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 procedure. * Further safety and security advice is available at www.connaught-hall.org.uk.

Replacement swipe card or room key

You will be charged £10 for a replacement it you lose or damage your room key or door access card. If you lose your room key a second time, we will change the lock at a cost of £40.

Valuables & lost property

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. We will keep most lost * property at Reception for three months, and higher value items 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. Visit www.blockhalls.co.uk for details of the insurance policy and to register your room.

19 Smoking

No smoking

The Health Act 2006 prohibits smoking in public places in and your Licence Agreement states that you may not smoke inside the Hall. Smoking is also forbidden on the steps outside the front door and on the balconies of first-floor rooms. If people are found smoking in areas where smoking is prohibited, both the Hall and the individual responsible may be fined by the police or local authorities; we will pass on the cost of any such fines to the residents concerned. * There is a designated smoking area set aside in part of the Hall garden, accessible between 08.00 and 23.00 daily. Smoking is not allowed in other areas of the garden. Please keep this area tidy and free from cigarette ends, otherwise the smoking area will be withdrawn.

If you smoke in your room and cover your smoke detector to avoid being caught, you will place yourself at risk of expulsion from the Hall: covering smoke detectors is a criminal offence and seriously jeopardises our fire safety arrangements. In the interests of fire safety, hookahs, shishas, and similar smoking devices may not be brought into the Hall for any reason; any such items found will be confiscated.

Drugs

Drugs & health

Drugs are injurious to health. If you need advice or information about any drug related problem, you can contact the Warden in Hall, the National Drugs Helpline (www.ndh.org.uk), the welfare officer at your students’ union, or your gp. In all cases, assistance will be non-judgmental and confidential. .

Drugs & discipline

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. Any guests will be required to leave immediately.

The police are interested in the patterns of supply of drugs. If ouy possess information which could be helpful, you are encouraged to share it with the police, * or speak to the Warden in strictest confidence. You are reminded that cannabis is still illegal in the United Kingdom. 20 Right of staff to enter room

The Warden, Bursars, 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 fortnight * (as per 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.

Discrimination & harassment

The Statutes of the University of London prohibit 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, which may include expulsion or dismissal.

Proselytizing is not permitted within the halls of residence. Members of any faith or sect are entitled to their own beliefs, but may not seek to influence or recruit * others within University accommodation. It is forbidden for anyone to wander the Hall knocking on doors, so if you this happening, contact reception immediately. You are advised to thoroughly investigate any group (political, religious, or otherwise) which you consider joining, especially if it is not officially endorsed by your college student union or ulu. Sometimes involvement may be deeper than at first apparent; mild introductory activities can disguise the level of commitment that is being sought. If in doubt, talk to a member of the Warden’s team.

Any incidents of harassment or discrimination, or concerns about proselytizing in or around the Hall should be reported in confidence to the Warden.

Lending money

We strongly advise you not to lend money or posessions to anyone else unless only very small sums are involved and it is to someone you know well. The University is unfortunately not able to help you recover private loans or property given to other residents, so you may potentially need to pursue any debtors through the courts at your own expense if you lend money and it is not repaid.

21 Care of rooms & Hall property

Posters

Pin boards are provided in most study bedrooms. Put up posters with non- marking “putty (e.g. BluTack). Any marks on the wall will incur a charge on your deposit for cleaning or repainting. Fire regulations prohibit posters from being displayed on either side of fire doors (this includes the door to your room).

Connaught Hall has a grade 2 listed façade: no notices or other unauthorised objects may be displayed on the front of the building.

Furniture

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.

Windows

The windows on the back of the building can be caught by gusts of wind and break as they slam shut; so please be very careful when the weather is windy.

Damages and vandalism

You must do all you can to look after the Hall and to maintain the furniture and fittings. Where genuinely accidental damage is reported to the Bursar’s Office, charges for repair or replacement will be reviewed on the merits of each case.

See section 6 However, if damage is caused by negligence, unreasonable behaviour, or of your Licence Agreement for vandalism, those responsible will be charged the full cost of repair or replacement, details about de- labour, and administration charges; if immediate payment is not forthcoming, a posit deductions and your right of deposit deduction will be made. If individual responsibility cannot be established, appeal. the costs will be shared between all residents; you are therefore urged to report anyone whom you suspect of causing damage.

Vandalism is a serious offence against all other residents, staff, and the University, and those causing wanton damage will be pursued rigorously, with the help of the police if necessary. Those responsible will be dealt with severely under the student disciplinary code and may be required to leave the Hall.

22 Room inventory

At the beginning of the year we will ask you to return an inventory of the fixtures and fittings in your room; you should note down any damage or wear-and- tear so that we can arrange repairs if necessary and to ensure that you are not held responsible for any such defects at the end of the year. It is therefore very important that you return your room inventory within the specified time.

Maintenance requests

If you notice a maintenance problem in your room or in common areas of the Hall – including things like broken furniture, dripping taps, squeaky doors, etc, – report it at reception in the maintenance request folder; be sure to include a short description of the problem and its precise location. If the problem requires emergency attention (e.g. a water leak or dangerous elecrtical fault), tell the receptionist immediately; do not just write it in the folder! * Never assume that someone else must have reported a fault or damage: if you see a problem, report it. We cannot correct problems that we do not know about.

We will deal with non-urgent work as soon as possible during normal working hours; urgent problems out of hours will be relayed to the Duty Officer so a contractor can be summoned if necessary. If you are unhappy with the response to a maintenance request, you should discuss it with the administration staff or email [email protected].

If you simply need a new light bulb for your desk lamp, take your old bulb to reception and they will be pleased to issue you with a replacement free of charge.

Tavistock Square & Gordon Square * The gardens in Tavistock Square and Gordon Square are very well maintained by the London Borough of Camden and the University of London respectively. 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 them; any fines not tied down to particular esidentsr will be divided between all residents’ deposits. *

23 Fire and general safety

Personal responsibility

Failure to ob- You are asked to assist with all aspects of safety in the Hall by reporting any serve and assist in the Hall’s matters of concern to the Bursar’s staff or, in emergencies, to the Duty Officer. safety procedures is a breach of sections 5 and 9 Be alert to fire hazards at all times. Always stub out cigarette ends carefully in of your Licence an appropriate receptacle; never leave cigarettes or matches smouldering. Store Agreement and may render you aerosol cans away from direct heat or sunlight, and keep linen, towels, and other liable to expul- fabrics away from electrical appliances, including light fittings. sion from the Hall. 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. Do not bring your bicycle inside the Hall. Any objects left in the corridor will be removed without notice.

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 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 alternative escape routes. If the response is too slow, further fire drills will follow within a few days.

The fire system is tested every Wednesday at 1.00 pm; the sounders will go off for a short time. There is no need to evacuate at this time unless the sounders continue for more than 20 seconds.

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 trigger false fire alarms will be interviewed by the Warden and subject to the student disciplinary procedure. 24 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 procedure 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.

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, hookahs (hubble-bubbles or shisha pipes), and flammable liquids of any kind must not be brought into or used anywhere within the Hall; such items will be confiscated without arning.w 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.

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.

Access to the roof & throwing objects from windows

It is strictly forbidden – and extremely dangerous – for residents or their guests to gain access to, or attempt to gain access to, the roof of the main building, the roof of the dining hall, or any ledges or parapets on the Hall exterior. You must not throw or drop anything out of any window, nor cause anything to fall from any window. Breach of these rules will constitute serious misconduct as defined in the Licence Agreement. Sanctions may include expulsion or a fine of up to £250. * 25 Personal safety in London

Occasionally, everyone feels worried about becoming a victim of crime when they are in public places. And it is a fact that there are some risks. But by taking a few simple precautions you can help yourself to stay safe.

In the street I always check what’s going on around me - and if I don’t feel comfortable, I leave.’ • Think ahead and plan your journey and avoid going to deserted areas. • Walk confidently - hold your head up and look as if you know where you are going. • Try to avoid walking alone at night. • Keep to well-lit main roads where possible. • Walk down the middle of the pavement, facing on-coming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers. • Avoid short cuts like alley-ways, waste ground and wooded, bushy areas. • Stay alert: be aware of what’s going on around you. • Carry a personal attack alarm in your hand, or in your pocket. It can give you extra confidence. • Never accept a lift from a stranger or hitch-hike; only go with someone you really know and trust. • Vary your regular route and times if possible. • When jogging, wear bright reflective clothing so you can be seen easily - wearing a earphones prevents you from hearing what’s going on around you. • Keep a phonecard or change handy for a phone call. • If you are going to a party or staying out late, try to travel home with a friend you can trust. Keep a taxi number and your fare handy. • Consider how much alcohol you have had: it can affect your judgement of people and situations, and change your perspective.

If you think you’re being followed: • Walk quickly across the road; • Cross it again if necessary; • Walk immediately to a busier area where you know there will be other people - a shop, garage, well-lit house, pub, cab office, police station or hospital; • Call the police as soon as you get somewhere safe. 26 Self defence It is an offence to carry any item for the sole purpose of self defence. However, everyday items like umbrellas, keys and torches can be used to defend yourself, if you should need to. Note: mace and pepper sprays are illegal in the United Kingdom. It is an offence to buy, possess, or sell them.

Keeping personal property safe I don’t walk about displaying my mobile phone - it’s too easy to grab.’ Be careful where you keep your possessions when you are in public places. If something looks difficult to snatch, the opportunist thief may be put off. By taking these simple precautions you can help to safeguard your property: • Always keep your bag with you where you can see or feel it - on your lap or between your feet. And don’t hang bags over the backs of chairs. • Don’t leave your mobile phone or other valuables on the table in cafes and restaurants - and don’t leave them exposed to view in an empty car. • Try to keep your keys separate from anything with your address on it. • Keep your cheque book in a different place to your cheque card. • Don’t leave valuables in your jacket pockets or coat if you are likely to take it off. • Carry your handbag over your shoulder with the flap against you. In winter you can carry it under your coat. • Cover up expensive looking jewellery. Tuck chains and necklaces under your collar. • If someone tries to snatch your bag, give it up rather than risk injury.

Cash dispensers I’m often worried about using cash point machines, especially at night or early in the morning, but when I do, I try to be aware of who’s around me.’ Handling cash in the street can be a risky business, but you can reduce the risk by following this advice: • Ensure no one can see you entering your personal identification number (pin). • Be aware of anyone loitering nearby. • Avoid using dispensers late at night or at other times when the streets are quiet. • If you are in doubt or at all suspicious, trust your instincts - don’t use the dispenser and call the police.

27 Health & medical emergencies

Medical details form

You must provide the Bursar’s Office with the name, address, and telephone number of your general practitioner (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 and ultimately may lead to withdrawal of your accommodation. * Registration with a doctor We very strongly advise you to register with a local doctor within central London who will visit you at Connaught Hall in an emergency. This advice is based on national guidance from Universities uk, published in response to rising cases of meningitis amongst students in halls of residence. Our experience is that students who do not register with a local doctor during their stay in * London often encounter problems and delays in obtaining treatment. Students from ucl and lse 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 A good, reliable Institutions Health Service (cihs). Kings College students can choose between their source of health information on own health centre or the cihs. the internet is NHS Direct at www.nhsdi- University College London University Health Centre rect.nhs.uk . 3 Gower Place The site in- cludes listings London WC1E 6BN of local health Tel: 020 7387 6306 services such as GPs, dentists, sexual health London School of Economics LSE Health Service clinics, and hos- pitals. St Phillip’s Health Centre London WC2A 2AE Tel: 020 7955 7016

King’s College London King’s College nhs Health Centre 3rd Floor 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

28 First aid, illness, and accidents

All first aid and medical emergencies should be reported to reception, from where the Administration Office or on-call Duty Officer can be alerted. Staff will help arrange first aid 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 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) Telephone: 0845 155 5000. In an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance. Infectious diseases * If you are diagnosed with an infectious disease that may pose a risk to others (e.g. meningitis, tb, diphtheria, etc), you must notify the Warden immediately (email [email protected]) so that steps can be taken to safeguard the health of other residents. Your identity will not be revealed.

Meningitis

This is a serious, potentially fatal, infectious disease which affects the outer lining of 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 be aware of the symptoms, look out for yourself and your friends, and get professional medical help immediately if you suspect meningitis. 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. For more information visit www.meningitis-trust.org or www.meningitis.org.

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 Senior Members ([email protected]) have plenty of experience of discussing these issues, so residents should not feel embarrassed about them; we are always happy to provide non-judgmental, 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. 29 Local shops & services

University College Hospital (uch) a&e abcdef Connaught Hall

Waterstones bookshop

ulu

Senate House

Central Institutions Health Service

Cash dispensers

Tottenham Court Road is famous for The : this pleasant its electronics stores, but you will also shopping precinct inludes a Waitrose find branches of most high street banks, supermarket, pharmacy, music store, several supermarkets and pharmacies, household store, and numerous cafes & and many cafes and restaurants here restaurants. The south end of Tottenham Court Road insersects with Oxford Street, one of Marchmont Street, Leigh Street, Coram Street, and Tavis- London’s best-known shopping areas. tock Place have a host of great sandwich bars, restaurants, Walk towards the west end of Oxford grocers, pharmacies, general stores, dry cleaners, bookshops Street for the most famous department and other amenities. Many offer a student discount or a stores like Selfridges and John Lewis. discount for Wedge Card members (www.wedgecard.co.uk). 30 Getting help & making suggestions

Emergencies (E.g. injury, illness, leak, electrical fault, intruders, lost keys, serious noise disturbance.) There is always a member of staff available in Hall. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask the Receptionist first; they will contact the best person to help ou.y

Personal & social problems Approach the Warden or a Senior Member for advice any time, contact them online via warden.connaught-hall.org.uk, or email [email protected]. They can help with all kinds of problems, including academic, medical, or social worries, noise complaints, and disputes. Look out for posters advertising the Warden’s open office sessions, when you can drop in to see the Warden without an appointment.

Accommodation fees Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of October, January, and April. You can pay online at https://epay.london.ac.uk. If you have problems with payment, talk a member of administration staff or [email protected] k as soon as possible. We will try help as much as we can – but only if you keep us informed.

Room swaps & ending your contract Room swaps and contracts are dealt with centrally by the Intercollegiate Halls Accommodation Bureau (InHAB): call 020 7822 3333 or email [email protected].

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 Report maintenance requests in the book at Reception. Replacement light bulbs for your desk lamp are also available from Reception.

Catering Feel free to speak directly with the chef about any problems, or email the suggestion box: [email protected].

Leisure & entertainment facilities Speak to a member of the Residents’ Club Committee with suggestions about common rooms, newspapers & magazines, the bar, and social events, or email them at [email protected].

Internet Report any problems with your internet connection to Network Services on 020 7862 8092 or [email protected].

Telephones The General Office deal with all matters relating to the telephones in Hall. 31 External sources of help

nhs Direct (health advice)...... 08 45 46 47...... www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Police (non-emergency)...... 0300 123 1212...... www.met.police.uk/camden Online Crime Reporting...... online.met.police.uk 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

Your general practitioner and students’ union can also help with a wide range of health, personal, social, and emotional problems.

* Personal notes

32 Connaught Hall Warden’s Team [email protected]

The Warden & five Senior Members are responsible for:

 Hall community & social life   Residents’ welfare   discipline & Noise complaints 

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 all experienced academics, teachers, or mature / postgraduate students within the University of London, here to offer support, help, and guidance if you need it. You are welcome to approach us any time you see us around the Hall, email us at [email protected], contact us online via warden.connaught-hall.org.uk, write a note to the Warden, or come to one of the Warden’s open office sessions. One of us is on call every night and all weekend in case of emergency: just ask reception to contact us. 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. We can help with many problems, including:

loneliness health concerns homesickness noisy neighbours academic difficulties disputes harassment warden.connaught-hall.org.uk  Fire action Any person discovering a fire:

Raise the alarm:  Break the glass to operate the nearest fire alarm call point.

Call the fire brigade:  Dial 8200 and ask reception to call the FIRE BRIGADE.

Attack the fire:  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:  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.