Check the cost of your Accommodation

This will vary depending on whether you choose to live in a hall of residence or a private shared house. For further information please look at the MMU’s money matters website.

Make sure you know where to get budgeting and debt advice

If you experience any financial difficulty during your stay you can contact the Student Union Advice Centre on 0161 247 6533 or s.u.advice@mmu.ac.uk for free, confidential advice.

The Student Union Advice Centre can provide you with budgeting and debt advice and check you are receiving all bursaries and loans you are entitled to. You can also find out more information about funding available to you from the MMU Student Finance website.

Know when to pay your rent instalments

There is an initial payment of £100 when you accept the room offer and then the balance of your hall fees is paid in three instalments: these are usually due on the first day of term in:

• September · 35%
• January · 35%
• April ·30%

Your student loan should be due on the same days. You must pay your accommodation fees at the start of each term whether prompted to or not.

The best way to pay is through the e-mail link provided to you in your accommodation offer. Other payment options include Direct Debit and re-ocurring card payments. Get more information about these options.

Most students rely on funding, including the student loan, to pay their accommodation fees. It is important (where possible) to be aware of how much funding is available to you before choosing your hall. The student loan does not always cover the accommodation fees, so alternative funding methods should also be arranged when necessary.

For further information about funding go to:

• The student finance section of the MMU website
• The advice section of the MMU Students’ Union website
• The UK Government’s direct.gov website

Do you need…

A Bedding Pack? These are available to purchase in advance of arrival through the online store. Details of when they are available will be sent to you with your arrival e-mail.

A Parking Permit? These are available in advance of arrival for the following halls: Oxford Court, Briarfields, Daisy Bank and Broomhurst in Manchester and Booth Hall at Crewe. They can be purchased via the online store subject to availability. Details of when they are available will be sent to you with your arrival e-mail.

Internet Access? Internet provision is available free of charge in all halls, with the exception of Victoria Hall where there is an additional fee.

Extra Insurance? Residents of University halls are covered by Endsleigh block insurance scheme for personal possessions, however, if you need to top up the insurance to cover additional items or if you ever need to make a claim please visit the Endsleigh website.

Arriving at the Hall

Each resident should be provided with an inventory on arrival at the hall. If you do not receive one you should ask the hall reception to provide one to you. It is vital that upon arrival at the hall you make a thorough inspection of your room and flat.

If you identify any damages or marks you should highlight this on your inventory and write details of the problem. This must then be submitted to the hall reception. Please make sure it is signed and dated.

If you fail to submit an inventory you will be charged for any damages or marks found in your room following your departure.

Room Transfers

If there is availability, it may be possible for you to transfer to another room or University hall of residence, if agreed by the Residential Services Office, a fee of £50 is payable in advance.

If you follow the tips below you should avoid any additional damage and/or cleaning charges!

Maintaining your accommodation throughout the year:

It is important that you keep your room clean and tidy throughout the year and report any damages or faults to the hall reception as they happen.

Flat Structure

You are responsible for the cleaning of your own study bedroom and any en-suite provision that you may have. You are also jointly responsible together with other flat residents for the cleaning of your communal kitchen/lounge and any shared bathroom provision (with the exception of Cambridge and Booth halls).

Corridor Structure

If your accommodation is in a corridor structure such as Broomhurst, Cavendish, Barlow, Davenport and Harley halls you are responsible for the cleaning of your study bedroom. The shared bathroom and kitchen areas are cleaned regularly (check schedules within the hall) although it is still your responsibility to do your own washing up and leave surfaces clear after use.

The accommodation is regularly inspected and any cleaning/damage that is observed will be charged for. Communal damage will be split equally amongst all residents. You can easily avoid any unwanted charges by cleaning regularly.

Cleaning Tips

• For communal areas of your flat including shared kitchen and bathrooms, establish a cleaning rota with your flatmates so that all the cleaning is equally shared.
• Don’t let dishes pile up. Wash up as you go along and don’t let them soak in the sink. It is not fair for other people who want to use the kitchen.
• Invest in a good multi surface cleaner and a non-abrasive cleaning cloth/sponge to wipe up spills as you go. Don’t allow stains to build up especially in your microwave and on your cooker as they become more difficult to remove as they are repeatedly heated.
• Wipe down your shower and sink after you have used it and remove hair from the plug before it builds up. This will prevent any unwanted blockages and keep your shower mould free.
• Use a toilet brush and a good toilet cleaner to regularly clean the toilet.
• Vacuum the carpets and mop floors regularly. Most halls are able to loan vacuum cleaners and mop and bucket to residents. Enquire at the hall reception for more information.

If you have cleaned regularly throughout the year, avoiding charges should be relatively easy. Here are a few pointers that should help you avoid any unwanted charges:

• Empty your room and flat of all belongings
• Remove all rubbish from your bedroom/flat
• Clean your bathroom and toilet and dust and vacuum all surfaces
• Empty your fridge and freezer and dispose of the contents
• Defrost your freezer – This can take some time it is best to use sponges/old towels to absorb the water and replace or wring out regularly. Once the freezer is frost free it should be wiped down with a multi surface cleaner (check manufacturers instructions for suitability)

If any items are left in your room/flat after your departure they will be disposed of and any charges for disposal and cleaning will be invoiced to you directly.