Student accommodation guide Somewhere to sleep, study... and wash your socks.
Relaxing in the communal lounge.
Congratulations! Now you have your place at the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts, it s time to think about where you re going to live while you re there. This brochure will tell you all about the accommodation that s available to first year students, and explains how to reserve it. We ve also included some info on the local area, along with answers to a few burning questions you might have, like What do I need to bring with me? Providing student accommodation for
The Bell Hotel, our flagship property in the heart of Swindon s buzzing Old Town, accommodates more than 60 Wilkes Academy students in a mixture of single and shared rooms over three floors. The Bell Hotel Old Town Swindon, SN1 3EP On the ground floor, up to nine students share a communal kitchen, four showers and three toilets. Our first and second floors can accommodate up to 27 students each, with a range of single and double rooms that have single or shared kitchenettes and bathrooms. There s a communal lounge with a TV on the first floor where students can relax after a long day at college, along with a laundry (less fun, but essential!). You ll find more information on the different types of room available, and how much they cost together with photos on our website: www.chrisjameshomesltd.com A great place to live Swindon is an exciting and thriving town with plenty of things to do, day and night. It has grown quickly over the past few years, earning itself a reputation as a leading town for business, sport and leisure, the arts and shopping. There really is something for everyone: it boasts an eclectic mix of independent shops, pubs and clubs and stylish cafés and bars (and yes, even a Nando s!). The Bell Hotel is just a short walk from the train station, meaning you ll be around a 45 minute journey from Bristol, Bath and Reading, and just over an hour away from London.
Getting your accommodation How do I apply for a room? Once the final intake has been decided by the college, we will get in touch via e-mail and prompt you to pop online to our student website; www.chrisjameshomesltd.com and fill in the registration form. You ll be able to view the types of room we offer at The Bell Hotel, along with details of their prices, and then select the type of room you want. Can I request to live with a friend? Yes as long as they re a Wilkes Academy student too, please note this in the special requests section when registering. What happens next? You ll get an email from us confirming your application, and we ll start to process it. Our Accommodation Manager will be in touch soon afterwards to confirm your room, discuss how much it will cost, and agree things, like when you can move in and where to pick up your keys. You ll also be sent a Tenancy Agreement to read, sign and send back to us. Over what period will I rent the room for? You ll rent the room for 50 weeks, paying a yearly fee that can be split into 10 monthly payments. Can I cancel my accommodation if I decide to leave the college? Once you ve signed up you ll be committed to renting the room for 50 weeks, and you will be responsible for paying the whole annual fee, even if you leave the college. Is there a deadline for applying? Yes one week after your induction at Wilkes Academy.
What about money? Do I have to pay a deposit for my accommodation? A small registration fee and deposit may apply, and you ll need to pay these before you move in. The Accommodation Manager will discuss this with you when they contact you at the start of the process. When is my first rent payment due? Our housing fee is an annual sum that covers the term of the tenancy agreement. You can either pay the whole fee in advance on 1st August or if it s easier, you can pay by instalments spread out over 10 months. If you choose to pay by instalments your rent will be payable monthly in advance from 1st August (so your last payment will be due on 1st May). How do I pay my rent? You will need to set up a standing order. Details of how to do this will be sent with your confirmation email after registration. We will need you to name a guarantor who will be accountable for any missed rent payments. They ll need to be credit checked, but the cost of this will be included in your registration fee.
What s included in my rent? All electricity and water bills, your TV licence, Wi-Fi, and any maintenance and general repairs. We clean every bedroom once a month, and clean all communal spaces weekly. There are also vacuum cleaners and an ironing board in the building for you to use. In your room we ll provide a 22- inch telly, a single or double bed depending on the room (or beds if you re room-sharing) and mattress, a desk, curtains and a wardrobe. You ll also have the use of either a single or shared kitchen or a kitchenette, depending on the type of room you re given, which comes complete with microwave, toaster, kettle, as well as a fridge-freezer, hob and storage cupboards. The bathroom includes a shower, toilet and basin. What else do you need? What will I need to bring with me? General kitchen items which for example may include; pans, plates, bowls, mugs, glasses, cutlery, tea towels and a bin. For the bedroom, you ll need a duvet, sheets, pillows and pillowcases, a bedside lamp, clothes hangers and towels to use in the bathroom. If you have a roommate, it s a good idea to check with them first to see if they re already planning to bring things that could be shared. If you need extra space, we have storage lockers available to rent. Do I need to get contents insurance? Yes Chris James Homes can t accept any responsibility for loss or damage to personal property or money on the premises by theft, fire or any other cause, so we advise you to arrange insurance before you come. Choose between single or shared rooms.* * Subject to availability.
Getting to college How far away is Wilkes Academy? The Bell is around a 15-20 minute drive to Wilkes Academy. How will I get to college? A Wilkes Academy rep will organise a car pool, where students who bring their cars with them will be designated to give lifts to other students to and from college each day. Are there any parking facilities at The Bell Hotel? Yes, there s a car park for residents with eight spaces. If you want to reserve one, email accommodation@ chrisjameshomes.com the parking permit costs 50 per term, payable in full for the year in advance. Parking spaces are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Ready to reserve? Have more questions? If you re ready to reserve or still have questions about your accommodation, just complete the registration form on our website and we ll be in touch: www.chrisjameshomesltd.com. Registered office: Elmstone Court, Upper Minety, Malmesbury SN16 9PR Get in touch 01793 423 300 www.chrisjameshomesltd.com June 2017