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Student Life  Accommodation

Frequently Asked Questions

New and existing students may find this information useful to refer to prior to making their application for accommodation; the advice makes reference to the accommodation contract and other terms and conditions.

This applies to accommodation owned and managed by the University: Castle Irwell, Horlock Court and Constantine Court.

Useful information prior to application

 Q         How do I apply for accommodation?

 
For further information and guidance on how to apply you can find a full step-by-step list of instructions by clicking on How to Apply
 
Q          Which accommodation should I choose?
 
We recommend you view all accommodation locations on the accommodation website before deciding where you want to live, taking into account the following:
 
  • Cost and weekly budget
  • Whether you prefer single or mixed sex accommodation
  • Distance to your building of study. Some locations are closer to the campus than others. There is a free bus that operates during term-time from all of our accommodation sites to the campus. It runs every 30 minutes up until 23.15 hrs
  • If you are studying at MediaCityUK, a free bus service runs daily from Peel Park campus, adjacent to the Crescent railway station
  • How many people you prefer to share with
  • The type of accommodation you prefer – there are various types of accommodation in flats and houses

When making your application for accommodation you should always select 3 different options in order of first, second and third choice, this will help us to allocate you to a 'best fit'.

Q          Am I guaranteed any of my 3 preferences (choices) of accommodation?

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee choices; we process applications when applicants have accepted their offer to study at Salford and there may be limited availability at the most popular locations. Where possible the University will look to accommodate one of the preferences, where it is not possible a 'best fit' will be offered.
 
Q          I am an undergraduate and have chosen Salford as an insurance choice. Do I need to apply for accommodation or should I wait?
 
If you have chosen Salford as your insurance we would advise that you make your accommodation application as soon as you can. We will only send you an offer of accommodation once you have an unconditional offer to study at Salford, your application will not be processed until then and it is one less thing for you to worry about as a late applicant.

Q          Where do I find my student ID (roll) number?
 
The student ID number can usually be found on your conditional offer letter or if you have applied for a postgraduate course, on your email response. Please note that you may require your student ID number to apply for accommodation. Please refer to step-by-step application guide.
 
Q          Am I guaranteed accommodation?
 
All first year undergraduate and postgraduate students, including international students, are guaranteed a place in university accommodation provided: You receive an unconditional offer of study by 1 September 2012 and you have also applied for accommodation by 1 September 2012.
Q         Can I visit the accommodation before making my choice?
 
As our accommodation is fully occupied throughout the majority of the year it is not always possible to see inside all of the accommodation locations. If you are interested in a particular location we recommend you contact the site reception in advance by telephone or email to see if there may be an empty bedroom we can show you.
 
Open Days and University tours
If you would like to visit our accommodation there are several ways you can do this. The University runs open days throughout the year and these include a visit to an example of University accommodation. To book on an open day, visit our website and follow the link for visiting the University. 
 
August and September viewings
Weekend viewings are available in August and September and further details will be emailed to all students nearer the time. Our open weekends allow students and parents to see
the accommodation more closely and meet the staff to answer any questions.
 
Arrange your own viewing
Our showhouse at Castle Irwell is available from 9.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Please contact our General Advisers to arrange a convenient time for you to visit the showhouse, and they will be able to answer any questions you may have.
 
T: +44 (0)161 295 2651/4564 E: castleirwell-accom@salford.ac.uk
 
Q          I have forgotten the User ID and Password I used previously. What do I need to do?
When you go to the 'login' page there is a 'forgotten password' option; when you select this you will be asked to complete a page that requires your student ID, name and date of birth – you will also need to create a new password that will be memorable to you. Once you have done this you should ‘select’ the reset button, this will take you back to the 'login' page where you will be reminded of the User ID you have used previously. You can then enter the new password you created, when you do this you will be directed to the application page.
Q          What do I need to do if I have a medical condition or disability?
 
If you have a disability or medical condition that affects the type of accommodation you require, please disclose this information on your application form.  The Accommodation team will be better able to allocate suitable accommodation that meets your individual needs if you do so at the earliest opportunity. A member of the Accommodation team will contact you to discuss your individual needs.
 
If you have any concerns or would like support before you apply for accommodation you can contact the Disability Service on +44 (0) 161 295 9000 for an appointment with a Disability Adviser.  They can help to assess your needs and develop a Student Support Plan which will cover all relevant aspects of your student life.  They will also be able to advise the Accommodation Service on making reasonable adjustments or providing specialist equipment for your accommodation.
 
Q          I am a care leaver. Do I need to include this information in my application?
 
You do not need to tell us, but we really recommend that you do! Both the UCAS form and the online accommodation application asks if you have ever been in care. If you do let us know this information will be treated confidentially and your details will only be passed onto the University’s Care Leaver Coordinator who will liaise with the accommodation team to discuss the best option for you. The University offers accommodation for care leavers on a 52 week basis and for the length of your course if necessary. We can also organise for you to view the different types of accommodation that we offer as some might be more suitable for you than other options.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible and make an appointment with Dalia Jaffar, the University’s Care Leaver Coordinator (StudentLife-CareLeaver@salford.ac.uk) to discuss all your options, including accommodation. Dalia can also arrange things like free bedding and essential kitchen equipment if you need it for your new accommodation.
 
Q         Can I live near friends?
 
Yes this isn’t a problem – if you wish to share with a specific person or people who will also be new students at Salford, all members of the group must complete a 'group application' (which you can select when making your application) ensuring your friend(s) do the same. If possible you should make your application at the same time to ensure that your requests are received together; if all friends don’t give each others name we may not be able to allocate you and it will delay your applications. 
 
Q          How do I select 'quieter area' accommodation?
 
If you would like to select this option for accommodation when making your application you should select this field to ensure your preference for a 'quieter area' is noted in your application; please refer to the information on the website for more information on what 'quieter accommodation' is.
 
Q          I have made a mistake on the form. How do I change the details?
 
If you think you may have made a mistake, or you would like to double check any of the details on your application, please contact us by email at accommodation@salford.ac.uk  giving us your full name and student ID, if possible, in order for us to amend any information.

Q          Can I cancel the accommodation once I have accepted an offer?
 
You can cancel your accommodation at any time prior to moving in. However, there are certain conditions regarding the refund of a booking fee.
 
  • For the following 7 days after accepting the Offer you have the right to cancel your booking and to the return of the booking fee prior to moving into the accommodation.
 
  • We receive notice that you are withdrawing your acceptance of our Offer at least 14 days before the first day of the Accommodation Period (for 2012/2013 this will be 27 August 2012).
 
  • As an existing/returning student of the University we receive notice that you are withdrawing your acceptance of our offer by no later than 1 August 2012 prior to the commencement of the accommodation Period. Or, six weeks for a contract starting at any other period.
 
All notices outlined above should be addressed to accommodation@salford.ac.uk
 
If you have any questions regarding booking fee refunds email us at accommodation@salford.ac.uk
 
Q          Can I cancel the accommodation once I have accepted the offer and moved in?
 
Once you move into your room you have entered into the legally binding contract, students can only be released under ‘exceptional circumstances’. We therefore strongly recommend that you understand your obligations prior to accepting the Terms and Conditions when accepting your offer of accommodation.
 
Q          Why do I need to pay a booking fee, what is it for?
 
The booking fee is part of the acceptance process which secures your room. This will then be offset against your accommodation fees. You don’t need to do anything, it will be automatic. 
 
Q          I wasn’t allocated to any of my preferences, can I move once I have arrived?
 
Yes – we can help you to relocate to alternative suitable accommodation {within the University owned and managed accommodation} you should ask at the site reception to see if there are any rooms available at your preferred location.  Providing there is an empty room we will transfer you straight away.
 
Q          Can I transfer to another room at any time?
 
Yes - you can transfer rooms within UoS owned and managed accommodation subject to availability. The first room move is free of charge. Any subsequent moves will incur a £25 administration/cleaning charge. All enquiries should be directed to the site reception, or email accommodation@salford.ac.uk, where staff can give you advice on room availability.

Q          Do I need to take out personal possessions insurance?
 
Contents insurance (up to £3500) is included in your rent for your possessions in your flat or house. Supplements are possible for high value items or items (such as laptops or bikes) that are used outside of the house or flat, for further details please refer to our terms and conditions page on the accommodation website.
From 1 September 2012 University accommodation insurance will be provided by Endsleigh Insurance. Ensdsleigh have provided the following statement regarding additional insurance :

"As the No 1 student insurance provider and with nearly 50 years of experience, Endsleigh understands uni life like nobody else. We understand how important it is to stay connected when you're at university, that's why working with your accommodation provider we’ve arranged standard room insurance for you inside your room.

Your room is covered, but your laptop and other gadgets aren’t covered outside your room.

To check the insurance provided and to arrange cover for your laptop, gadgets and other valuable items and to benefit from our 24 hour laptop and mobile phone replacement* promise call or visit us online.

Download our essential student checklist to help you prepare for university life click here to download the student checklist.

Visit endsleigh.co.uk/reviewcover

0800 389 1920 / 01282 672 108"

 
Q          What is included in my rent?
 
Your Weekly Rent at all locations includes:
  • Use of your accommodation for the entire length of your contract
  • All utility costs (electric, gas and water)
  • 24/7 unlimited broadband access on the University network
  • Membership of the Sports Centre (£20.00 activation fee applies)
  • Repairs and maintenance for fair wear and tear
  • Contents insurance to the value of £3500
  • Evening and weekend assistance from Resident Life Support Officers at Castle Irwell, Horlock and Constantine Court.
  • Safe and secure accommodation with 24 hour security provision
  • On call support 365 days a year
  • Free Parking available at Castle Irwell and Bramall 
  • Free term-time bus service


Q          I have made an application. When will I receive an offer of a room?

Your application won’t be processed until you have an unconditional confirmed offer, to avoid disappointment you should accept your ‘offer to study’ quickly to allow Admissions to update their systems. This will automatically update our system and we will be able to make you an offer of accommodation.

 
Q          How do I know I have agreed to abide by the Terms and Conditions?
 
When you go online to accept your offer of accommodation you cannot complete this part of the process without selecting ‘I agree to abide by the Terms and Conditions’. Once you have done this you will be able to complete the acceptance process. We will also send the accommodation contract including the Terms and Conditions to you once you have accepted your offer of accommodation.
 
Q          What are the Terms and Conditions of the contract?
 

Q          Can I bring my own furniture?

For a variety of safety reasons items of additional furniture such as beds, futons, chairs, settees and additional fridges/freezers are not permitted in our accommodation. If you need to bring specialist furniture or equipment with you on medical grounds you should seek further advice by contacting us by email at accommodation@salford.ac.uk.
Q          Can I bring my pet (including fish, guinea pigs, mice and spiders etc)?
 
We do not allow pets to be kept in any of the accommodation as it is not suitable.
 
Q          Can friends and family visit me?
 
Accommodation Services operates a Guest & Visitor Policy which form part of the Terms and Conditions of the accommodation contract. Students are also sent information regarding the policy once they have accepted their offer of accommodation.

Q          What should I do if I am experiencing problems paying the booking fee at the point of accepting my offer?
 
Please contact us by email accommodation@salford.ac.uk where a member of staff will be able
to give advice on alternative methods of payment.
 
Q          I may be going on a placement which will mean I am not at Salford for the full Academic Year, what should I do?

If there is a possibility of an exchange programme on your course but you will not receive confirmation until later in the academic year (usually second and third semester placements) you can still apply for some of the accommodation choices. These choices are Castle Irwell, Horlock Court and Constantine Court.

Students considering an exchange programme should not apply to iQ Student Quarter, Bramall, John Lester or Eddie Colman Courts as you will not be released from a contract without finding a replacement student first.

If you have already booked accommodation or are already in residence please do not worry that you will not be able to take part in the Erasmus programme (or other exchange scheme) if an opportunity becomes available later in the academic year. We will need to receive either an email or letter from your tutor confirming that you are taking part and the date it will start. We will then release you from your contract the weekend before the placement starts. Please note this only applies to students in University owned accommodation – Castle Irwell, Constantine and Horlock Courts.

Q          I can’t see a contract that matches my requirements, what should I do?
 
Please contact us by email at accommodation@salford.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0) 161 295 4167 for further advice where our team of advisers will be able to discuss your requirements and available locations with you.

Q          Will I be liable for Council Tax?
 
Full time students are exempt from Council Tax and as such it is not chargeable whilst living in student accommodation. For further information please consult this web page.
  
Q          I am a Postgraduate student. Which accommodation locations are available?
 
Postgraduate accommodation is available at Castle Irwell, IQ Student Quarter and John Lester Court (subject to availability). 
 
Q          I am a nursing student. Which accommodation locations are available?
 
Nursing students require a contract for their academic study period – which is 52 weeks. Castle Irwell And John Lester Court can offer you a contract that is specifically for students on health courses. 
 
Q          I am an Erasmus/Exchange student. Which accommodation locations are available?
 
We have 'Erasmus and Exchange' houses which have fully equiped kitchens and also includes bedding, should you select this option. This will mean that when you arrive you will need to buy some food but your kitchen and bedroom should have all the items you need.
The houses which are especially for Erasmus and Exchange students are based at Castle Irwell
Q          I am a first year international student. How do I know which accommodation site is suitable for my needs?
Accommodation choices are personal to each individual and should be based on preference for the type of accommodation that is suitable for your needs. You should consider the number of people you would like to share with, if you want to be in mixed sex accommodation, cost and location. The University employs a team of Resident Life Support Officers who offer evening and weekend support. They are located at Castle Irwell and also cover Horlock and Constantine Court, if it is your first time away from home you may want to consider this accommodation as an option (all rooms are subject to availability) as there will always be a member of staff to talk to if you need advice, guidance or support.
Q          Can I live in University accommodation after my first year?
The University and its partners do take applications from students after their first year, we allow a certain number of students to return to the accommodation providing they are eligible to do so.
Q          I am a Postgraduate and my choice of accommodation states that it will for both undergraduates and postgraduates. Are we going to be mixed?
At our accommodation locations we always try to allocate student types together wherever possible, if we can’t allocate a block as postgraduate we may be required to mix the type of student; we will always try to ensure we allocate suitable people based on ‘best fit’ with similar preferences.
 
Q          Does my rent cover the holidays at Easter and Christmas?
 
Yes, the holidays are included in the rents and the room is yours for the duration of your contract.
 
Q          How and when do I pay accommodation fees?
 
All rent payments should be made by direct debit (a UK bank account will be required to do this) or recurring card payment each term (via debit/credit card). Once your payment plan has been agreed you will receive a copy with all the amounts and dates the payments are due. The first payment for contracts starting on the 10 September is 25 October 2012. Students who receive an NHS Bursary should indicate this when completing their direct debit or recurring card payment instructions, and will be able to pay in monthly instalments. 
 
Bank transfer – prior to offer acceptance
 
Payment may be made by bank transfer prior to accepting an offer. Once the payment has been received, you will be able to go online and accept your offer of accommodation. Please quote your University student ID number when making the transfer.
 
Address: Barclays Bank PLC, 51, Mosley Street, MANCHESTER, M60 2AU
Sort Code: 20 55 34
Account number: 60642568
SWIFT CODE: BARC GB 22
IBAN: GB78BARc20553460642568

Still Can't Find The Answer?

If your question still hasn't been answered, please email accommodation@salford.ac.uk. It would be extremely helpful if you could put the nature of your enquiry in the subject box. Some popular enquiries are:

  • I have applied online, has the application come through.
  • When do I get an offer of accommodation
  • Can I pay the deposit when I arrive
  • What is in room/what do I need to bring
  • How do I pay the rent
  • Who will I be sharing with
  • When can I move in
  • Where do I collect keys
  • How to book airport pickup
  • Problems paying booking fee online