Frequently asked questions


When will I receive information on accommodation?

In mid May all students who have been offered a place on a course will receive a letter detailing what needs to be done and where to access the information and forms needed.  The accommodation information will be available on a special area of the website which you will be able to access after you have received your letter.

Once you have completed your Accommodation Application Form, please return it to the Accommodation Office on the Campus where you intend to study as soon as possible.

When will I receive an offer of accommodation?

Please note that a ll offers of accommodation for halls of residence and head-lease housing will be sent by e-mail to the address that you provide on your accommodation application form. Please check your inbox regularly during July for your offer of accommodation. If you have not received an offer by mid July then please contact the Accommodation Office on the Campus where you are intending to study.  There are lots of attachments on the e-mail we will send so please ensure sufficient space in your inbox.

Am I guaranteed Halls accommodation?

If you are an under graduate and have put University of Cumbria as your first choice and your Accommodation Application Form is received in May/June then it is likely you will receive Halls Accommodation.  For students studying in Carlisle, we can't guarantee that the Halls Accommodation will be on the Campus where you are studying.

Will I be able to share with my friend?

On the Accommodation Application Form you will be asked if you would like to share a Flat with anyone in particular.  You need to write the name of your friend(s) on this section of the form and the Accommodation Officer will try their best to meet your request.  If possible, it would be helpful if you could return your form together with those of your friend(s).

What do I need to bring?
  • Bedding and towels
  • Your own personal possessions
  • Crockery cutlery and pans
  • Coat Hangers
  • Toilet Rolls
What should I leave at home?

Kettles, toasters, grills, rice cookers, deep fat fryers, chip pans, fridges, freezers, “one cup” elements, microwaves, washing machines and dryers, halogen lamps, candles, incense burners, sun-beds, heaters, barbeques, weapons, ornamental swords, amplifiers, illegal substances and pets.

If I live in Halls will I have any other bills apart from the rent?

Heating, Lighting and water costs are included in your rent

From September 2008 the cost of internet connection is included in the rent

Full time students don’t pay Council Tax

You should take out insurance cover for your personal possessions, check that you are not covered under your parent's house insurance first. 

If you are self catering you will need to consider your food costs, alternatively you could sign up for a Cumbria Card (not currently available on the Brampton Road Campus)

You will need your own TV Licence which you will need to sign up for as soon as you arrive and you know your Flat and room details.Go to tvlicensing.co.uk and buy one in minutes.  You will need to buy an annual licence, however, if you leave Halls before the year is up and you no longer require a TV Licence you can apply for a refund for any full three-month period of cover remaining.  If you watch or record television programmes as they're being shown on TV, on any device, you need to be covered by a TV Licence by law.  This is the case whether you use a TV set, laptop, mobile phone, games console, digital box, DVD/VHS recorder or anything else.  You won't be covered by the Hall's licence and your parents' TV Licence will cover you only if  your equipment is powered by its own internal batteries and you haven't connected it to an aerial or into the mains.  You can find full details at tvlicensing.co.uk

If I had a problem while I was living in Halls who should I contact?

There are student Residence Co-ordinators in each Hall of Residence, their contact details are displayed on the noticeboards in the Halls and also can be found in the information folders in each kitchen. 

The staff in the accommodation office can help with queries

Learning, Information and Students Services (LISS) can help you if you need to speak to someone confidentially

If it is a maintenance issue, then you need to complete a yellow maintenance request form and hand it in to the Accommodation Office or Reception.  A member of Estates staff will then attend your Flat/Room to assess the problem.

Do I need to leave Halls over Christmas?

Your accommodation contract is for 41 weeks which is inclusive of Christmas and Easter vacations and you can remain in halls/leave your possessions in your room during these periods.  You will need to advise duty staff of your intentions to stay.

How can I give feedback on the Halls?

You can speak to a student Residence Co-ordinator or the Senior Residential Co-ordinator

Alternatively, you can tell the Accommodation Officer.  Please take responsibility to do this yourself, if you are over 18 we need to be able to speak directly with you.

The important thing is that you tell someone so that we can respond appropriately.

At the end of your tenancy you will also be asked to complete a Satisfaction Questionnaire to rate your experience in Halls although if you have an issue the sooner we know about it the better.