FAQs
In the summer period, especially after the publication of A-level results in August, we receive many calls from students and parents asking about accommodation.
This section aims to address the most common questions and concerns. If you have a question that is not answered in this section, please do not hesitate to
contact us.
Q : The lecturer told me I would definitely get a hall room.
A : Only staff in the Student Accommodation Office have an overview of hall availability; they are the only people who can make an offer of accommodation. This decision will be made only when you have received an unconditional place on a course at the University.
Q : How and when do I pay?
A : Accommodation finance information.
Q : I would like to bring my car with me.
A : All our University-managed halls of residence are either on or next to the main University campus. Due to our city centre location, there are no car or motorcycle parking facilities available for students either on the main campus or surrounding the halls of residence. Students who are registered disabled or who have been offered a hall place on the basis of their disability, will be contacted directly about special car parking arrangements, if applicable. In the approved sector, many properties, particularly shared houses, qualify for the Plymouth City Council Residents' Parking Scheme, for more information please use the following link http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/permitparking. Under this scheme students may be able to apply for a permit to park near to their private rented house.
Q : What will happen if I sign a contract but don't turn up?
A : When you agree to take a place in University-managed accommodation you will be asked for a reservation fee of £250. This is non-refundable. As soon as you take up residence you become liable for the full extent of the contract you have signed. If your circumstances are likely to change, please contact us as soon as possible to give us the opportunity to help you if we can.
Q : Can I view the accommodation?
A : Pages of this website show images of some of our halls, there are also some virtual tours and videos available. We usually show prospective students an example of our halls accommodation during Open Days and Course Preview Days. Information about accommodation will be available on these days. We regret that we are unable to offer tours of the accommodation during vacation periods. You will be most welcome to pay to stay in halls during the summer vacation while you visit the university and the city. Please visit summer accommodation for details.
Q : It is essential that I bring my computer - I use it all the time.
A : All residents of University-managed halls of residence are invited to bring their own computer. Residents will have access to the university network at no extra charge.
Q : What about smoking within my accommodation?
A : In University-managed accommodation students may smoke in their individual bedrooms. Due to the recent change in legislation, kitchens, corridors and communal areas are all designated non-smoking areas.
Q : What should I bring?
A : Generally, students in University-managed halls should bring: bed linen (including a duvet and a pillow), and kitchen basics such as saucepans, crockery, cutlery etc. Please visit the facilities and support section for a full list of the items we recommend you bring.
Q : What about television licences?
A : You will need to buy a separate TV licence to bring a television to halls of residence. You will not be covered by the licence from your home address. Student bedrooms are not covered by any university licence and you should be aware that the licensing authority carry out regular checks. The current (January 2013) price is £145.50 for a colour licence. If you apply for a licence in October, you can apply for a refund for the summer quarter (July, August and September) if you are not using the accommodation during this period. For further information, please contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 6090 or visit their website http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo
Q : I have lots of surfing / bicycle equipment - where can I store it?
A : Many of our students are keen surfers or cyclists and so most halls have a limited amount of secure bicycle and watersports storage facilities. You are not permitted to store watersports equipment or bicycles in your bedroom in university-managed accommodation. Watersports and bicycle storage permits can be bought online at the e-store once you have accepted an offer of accommodation, for a £38 annual fee.
Q : How do I apply for funding, scholarships and bursaries?
A : For information on funding, scholarships and bursaries, please visit http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/money
Q : What about post delivery to halls of residence?
A : All ordinary mail should be clearly marked with your name and room number and sent to the following addresses:
- Gilwell Hall: Gilwell Hall of Residence, Tavistock Place, Plymouth PL4 8AP.
- Pilgrim Hall: Pilgrim Hall of Residence, Gibbon Street, Plymouth PL4 8BT.
- Radnor Hall: Radnor Hall of Residence, 10 Gilwell Street, Plymouth PL4 8BX.
- Robbins Hall: Robbins Hall of Residence, Gibbon Street, Plymouth PL4 8BZ.
- Mary Newman: Mary Newman Hall of Residence, Portland Square, Plymouth PL4 6DH.
- Francis Drake: Francis Drake Hall of Residence, James Street, Plymouth PL4 6AP.
Envelopes and parcels which need signing for, such as registered or recorded should be sent to:
- Residents of Gilwell, Pilgrim, Radnor and Robbins: Gibbon Street Student Village Reception, Gibbon Street, Plymouth PL4 8BT stating the students' full name, hall and room number.
- Residents of Mary Newman and Francis Drake should have these delivered to: Francis Drake Student Village Reception, James Street, Plymouth, PL4 6AP stating the students' full name, hall and room number.
Q : Are there any catered halls at Plymouth?
A : We do not have any catered halls in Plymouth. All our halls of residence are self-catered but are within easy walk of shops and supermarkets.