FAQs

1. How do I apply for accommodation?
   Once your offer becomes Unconditional Firm, that is once you have been offered a place on a course and you have formally accepted, your status on the University system changes and an Induction Pack is sent out automatically from Registry. The accommodation application form is enclosed within this pack. The web application will also be activated once your status changes and can be accessed via our homepage.
2. When will I know that I have secured accommodation?
   You will receive two copies of an occupancy agreement, and other relevant information. Sign and return our copy along with a £350 deposit and the completed Monthly Payment Form. Please note that a Direct Debit can only be drawn from a British bank account.
3. What happens to the deposit?
   There is a £20 compulsory insurance payment and a £40 charge for the testing of any portable electrical appliances (e.g. mobile phone chargers, hairdryers, computer equipment etc), which you bring with you. The remainder of the deposit will be refunded if there are no damage charges or outstanding rent due at the end of the session.
4. What other information is needed to process applications?
   We need to know that you will definitely be studying at the University of Abertay Dundee before we can offer you accommodation. For new students, this confirmation is provided to us directly by UCAS. Postgraduates and visiting undergraduates are asked to indicate in their application whether their place at Abertay is conditional or unconditional, and it is their responsibility to send confirmation of their unconditional place.
5. Does it matter if I don't reply to my offer of accommodation immediately?
   Yes, it might! Generally, you only have 14 days from the date of offer in which to accept or decline your offer of accommodation. Places are limited and in great demand, particularly at the start of the academic year in September, which is why we can only give you a limited amount of time in which to accept. If you don't accept within the specified time, the accommodation is very likely to be offered to another applicant.
6. What do I need to do to accept my accommodation offer?
   Full acceptance instructions will be included with your accommodation offer (occupancy agreement). Please note that you (or the person accepting your offer in your absence if you are under 18 years of age) will need to send a cheque for the deposit of £350 (in pounds sterling) or by bank transfer, or online through the University’s OASIS system. Alternatively you can pay your rent in full if preferred. Payment options will be included within your accommodation offer pack.
7. I will be a new student, am I guaranteed accommodation?
   Unfortunately not. However, we always consider students who are new to Dundee to be our top priority and we will also do our best to accommodate them. Please contact the Accommodation Office if you have any concerns.
8. How do I pay the rent?
   Rent payment can be made by eight direct monthly payments by Direct Debit, credit or debit card, BACS transfer or online. You can also pay up-front and in full and gain a 2.5% discount (term and conditions will be included within the accommodation offer pack).
9. Is the first-year accommodation single sex or mixed sex?
   The flats in Alloway, Taymills and Courthouse are either all-male or all-female and generally for students between the ages of 16-19. There are security entry systems on the external doors and each person has an individual key for their room. The flats in the other University residences, for second, third and fourth-year students - and first-year students 20 years or over - are mixed sex.
10. What if I don't like what I have been offered?
    We prefer students to give the accommodation they have been offered a reasonable trial. A transfer to other accommodation is usually possible once the semester is underway (from around late October), subject obviously to availability of suitable places. However, we find in the vast majority of cases that once students have been in their accommodation for a few weeks and got to know their neighbours or flatmates, they actually prefer to stay where they are.
11. Can I be released from my lease after a few weeks?
    No, the lease is binding for the 37- or 38-week period (as applicable), which covers the Christmas and Easter breaks. However, if a student terminates their course, then the lease will also be terminated (a charge may be incurred when course termination/withdrawal occurs).
12. Is there any chance of a vacancy in University accommodation after the start of the academic session?
    We usually have one or two vacancies arise once the term has started, e.g. where a student has pulled out of the course. You should keep in touch with the Accommodation Office if you would like to be put onto a waiting list for accommodation.
13. What do the caretakers do?
    Your caretaker is your first point of contact if you have any general issues with your accommodation. If they are unable to help, they will be able to pass you on to someone who can. They are also responsible for the cleaning, rubbish removal and repairs within the residence.
14. Can I get University accommodation after my first year?
    Although not always possible, we normally like to offer a percentage of our residences to returning students. Details will be publicised in March of the allocation policy for returning students for the coming academic year. Please email accommo@abertay.ac.uk for information on current vacancies.
15. Do I get any priority for University accommodation after my first year?
    No! Although the Accommodation Office has approximately 580 bed spaces in University accommodation, we simply do not have a large enough housing stock to be able to promise University accommodation to non-first years. Dundee does have a substantial private rental market for students in and around the city centre, and our experience is that most students make arrangements with friends to share flats or houses after first year.
16. What if I have a medical problem? Would I get priority then?
    We would try to give some priority to your application, and would do our best to help you find suitable accommodation. However, we are unable to offer you a cast-iron guarantee of accommodation. The University does have a number of rooms that are reserved for students who have additional support needs such as a medical condition or disability. You should contact John Petrie, Student Adviser, for advice if necessary.
17. I'm a returning student: what types of accommodation are available after my first year of study?
    Most continuing students go out into the private accommodation market for the rest of their time at University. There are some instances where it is possible to get University accommodation, but not in the same residence.
18. How do I apply for University accommodation for my second or later year?
    Information will be sent by email to students currently residing in University residences during March/April of the relevant academic year.
19. What if I don't have anyone (or enough people) to form a suitable sized group to apply for a flat?
    Individual rooms in shared flats are advertised for rent in various places, including the press, on agency websites and on notice boards around the University; word-of-mouth is also a valuable source of information. Don't be afraid to advertise yourself as looking for a place to stay: this way, you can get in contact with others in a similar situation, which gives you more options. Lastly, there's the option of lodgings: these days, this usually means a bed-sit (a self-catered room in a house where the owner lives on the premises).
20. Are the University flats for second and subsequent years in the same blocks as those for first-year students?
    No, we would normally place first-year students (16-19 years of age) together in Alloway Halls, Courthouse and Taymills. It’s a great way to get to know other people who are in the same situation; almost everyone is away from home for the first time. However, depending on demand, we may have a limited number of students aged over 20 accommodated within the same block but in a different flat.
21. What is en-suite accommodation?
    A bedroom with private bathroom facilities: each en-suite room has its own shower, wash hand basin and WC. Around 35% of the rooms have en-suite facilities.
22. How many people share the bathroom facilities in the standard (i.e. non-en-suite) halls?
    This depends on the halls you are in. There are plans showing the layout of our different residences on the Accommodation website.
23. Is bedding supplied in first-year University accommodation?
    We supply you with a single duvet (a quilted blanket, 135cm x 200cm), a mattress cover and a pillow. You must bring your own sheets and duvet covers and any extra bedding you require.
24. I can't cook. How and where will I get my meals if I'm in a flat?
    There are lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the central area of Dundee including those in the Student Centre at the heart of the University campus in Bell Street, as well as shops where you can buy ready meals. Most students living in flats also enjoy cooking together, at least occasionally. There are some really good student cookbooks to help you learn how to cook easily and cheaply. There are a wide range of supermarkets and more specialist food shops relatively close to all our accommodation.
25. Do all first-year bedrooms have internet access?
    We do not have internet access in all of our residences, however some students have installed it at their own expense. Therefore, some rooms may already have a telephone or internet point which can be re-connected. Permission for installation can be obtained from the Accommodation Office. Alloway has internet access included within the rent (in up-graded rooms); Courthouse has internet access but additional connection/support charges may apply.
26. What facilities are available for disabled students?
    We have a limited number of flats which have been adapted to suit students with restricted mobility and we will do our best to adapt to meet your needs. However, there is no single solution to suit everyone. Our Adviser for Students with Disabilities, John Petrie, will be able to further inform you about how we can assist with your particular disability.
27. Do you have any services/facilities for students with mental health problems?
    You should contact our Adviser for Students with Disabilities, John Petrie. He will be able to further inform you about how we can support you.
28. I have asthma. Can I be sure of having non-smoking accommodation?
    Yes, all our residences are non-smoking.
29. What about laundry facilities for my personal laundry?
    We can't do it for you... but there are laundry facilities (washers and dryers) in all first-year University accommodation so you can do your own! You’ll need to supply your own washing powder/liquid. There are washing machines which cost £2.00 per wash and tumble dryers which take £1.00 per cycle.
30. Can I bring a car with me to Abertay?
    There is no restriction on bringing a car to Abertay, however, parking is not provided on campus and there is only limited parking available at Alloway Halls. Parking is available at the Council-run Bell Street multi-storey carpark which is adjacent to the campus. Special arrangements will be made for Blue Badge holders.
31. How do I apply for a parking space in Alloway?
    See your relevant caretaker for a registration form.
32. Can I bring a bike with me to Abertay?
    Yes. The University provides secure bike storage on campus and at some of the halls.
33. What happens if my application is unsuccessful?
    We try to place as many students as possible. If you are unsuccessful we can provide information about local letting agents for private accommodation.
34. If I don't like what I have been offered and reject it, will I get another offer?
    If you reject your first offer you will be placed at the end of the waiting list and may not receive another offer. No guarantee can be given. If the reason you are rejecting your offer is because you have a special need which does not allow you to accept the offer, then you should contact the Accommodation Office.
35. Where can I find a summary of the Terms and Conditions applying to my accommodation/tenancy?
    View our Rules and Conditions on a downloadable PDF.
36. Is anything else included in the rent?
    For Alloway (flats 1-6) and Hillbank, there is a basic electricity charge included for heating, lighting, hot water etc. However, there is also a meter in the kitchen or bedroom, which takes £1 coins. This is for the use of the sockets in your bedroom, such as for your computer, music system, TV, hairdryer, or any portable appliance. All other residence rents are fully inclusive of electricity.
37. I'm in self-catered accommodation. Do I have to clear my room at Christmas and Easter?
    No! All residents in University accommodation have both the Christmas and Spring vacations included within their tenancy agreement.
38. Can I move to other University accommodation if I don't get on with my neighbours/flatmates?
    Transfers are allowed once the session is underway and everyone has been found accommodation, subject to availability.
39. What should I do if I lose my key?
    You should phone Campus Security on 01382 308008 for help. (You should note that non-emergency call-outs are chargeable. Check the Student Guide for further information.)
40. What if I live in a University Residence and need help out of office hours?
    You should phone Campus Security on 01382 308008 for help.
41. Can you view private accommodation for me?
    Unfortunately, this is not one of the services that we are able to offer students. In any case, everyone has his or her own criteria for what makes a great flat, and you are far better to check out the options for yourself. You should also be aware that we do not view any of the private flats which are advertised on our website and cannot therefore offer any specific recommendations as to suitability. Student Services have some information available and the Shelter website has good advice on finding private accommodation to rent.
42. What date can I get into my accommodation?
    The date for 2009 is either Saturday 12th or Sunday 13th September, depending on where you will be staying. The instructions will be in the Rules and Conditions of Occupancy document which will be enclosed with your lease. Students attending the International Student Week should email advisory@abertay.ac.uk for information relating to arrival.
43. Do I need a licence for a TV in my room?
    Yes, you need a licence if you have a TV in your room. However, if you and your flatmates have one TV only in the communal area you need only pay for one licence. Also, if you use any other device to receive or record TV programmes (for example, a video, set-top box, DVD recorder or PC with a broadcast card) a licence is needed.
44. Can I share with a friend?
    If you have a friend or sibling who is coming to University with you, enter their names in the relevant box on the Application Form stating that you want to share with them. We shall try to help where possible. Likewise, if you would prefer NOT to share with someone you know is attending the University, let us know!
45. Can I bring my pet with me?
    There are no pets allowed in any of the University residences.
46. How can I get a letter for visa purposes?
    We have been assured by each of the British Embassies that an accommodation confirmation letter is not needed for a visa application. If they insist upon a letter, you should ask them to confirm this to us, by fax or email. 0044 1382 308088 or accommo@abertay.ac.uk (confirming their fax number). We would then respond directly to them by fax. We have been told that the course offer letter is sufficient for visa application purposes.
47. Can I smoke in my residence?
    No. Our residences are all non-smoking.
48. Do any of the residences have IT facilities available?
    Meadowside, Victoria Chambers, Alloway Halls (flats 7-18) and Courthouse Apartments all have internet facilities in every room. Connection and support charges may apply in Courthouse Apartments.
49. I am travelling from overseas. Will I be placed in a particular residence?
    No, all nationalities are mixed in each of our residences.

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