Frequently Asked Questions - Undergraduates
Applying for Residences
Am I guaranteed a place in University residences?
If you apply during the normal UCAS admissions cycle, (i.e. come to Cardiff as a firm or insurance applicant), you are guaranteed a single occupancy place in University residences during your first year of study. Please complete the following steps to ensure you are guaranteed a room:
- Submit your online application by Friday 7 September 2012
- Receive an unconditional offer to study by Friday 14 September 2012
- Accept your online Offer of Residence within 7 days of your room being allocated
- Arrive and collect your room key within the dates/times specified in the Arrival Information
If your offer to study is made unconditional after Friday 14 September 2012 we will still do our best to find you a place in University residences, however, there may be some delay whilst we identify available vacancies.
If you are unable to arrive within the specified dates, your Offer of Residence will be withdrawn and your room allocated to another student. You will no longer be guaranteed a place in University residences and will need to contact the Residences Office when your travel date is confirmed to check room availability.
While this guarantee does not extend to the small number of applicants who come through the Clearing process, the Residences Office will make every effort to provide such students with suitable accommodation, either in University residences or in the private sector.
When should I apply for a place in University residences?
If you are accepting an offer to study on a firm basis, you can submit an online application. The date you submit your online application is taken into account when allocating residences so we advise you to complete your online application as soon as possible.
If you are accepting an offer to study on an insurance basis, you don’t need to do anything at the moment. If you do decide to come to Cardiff at a later date, you will be sent details of how to apply for a place in University residences online in August/September.
What if I am out of the country/on a Gap Year when I need to apply for residences?
If you will have access to the Internet while you are out of the country, you can still apply online. You will need your Cardiff University username and password that will be sent to you once you have been made an offer to study.
If you will not have access to the Internet or if you are concerned about access to the Internet whilst you are away, you can arrange for a family member/friend to apply for residences on your behalf.
How do I know if my online application has been submitted successfully?
Once you submit your online application you will receive an e-mail confirming this. You can also log in to your online account to check the status of your application.
I am experiencing difficulties accessing the online application website?
This may be due to your web browser or firewall settings. We suggest you try an alternative computer if possible.
Allocation of residences
How do you allocate places in University residences?
Your application is processed in date order according to two dates. The first is the date the Residences Office receives confirmation from Registry of your unconditional offer to study; the second is the date of receipt of your online application.
When will I hear about my Offer of Residence?
In late July/August/September you will receive an email notifying you that your application has been processed and advising you to view and accept your Residences Agreement online. It is important for you to check your email account regularly during this period. Please note some e-mail providers may treat the email as spam, so please check your spam/junk mail folder as well as your inbox. You can also log in to your online account to check the status of your application.
What should I do if I have not been offered my first choice of residence?
We do our best to allocate students to their highest preference but unfortunately this is not always possible. If we have not offered you the residence you most wanted it is because there were no vacancies in that particular residence at the time of your allocation. Please try your allocated residence as often things turn out better than you expected.
Can I view my room before I choose whether or not to accept the offer?
Unfortunately, you are unable to view your room prior to your arrival as we have students and conference guests staying in several of our residences. We also use the summer vacation to carry out essential maintenance and thorough cleaning ready for the new arrivals in September.
Arrival information
When can I move in to my residence?
- You can move in to your residence between Wednesday 19 September 2012 and Sunday 23 September 2012, please see Arrival Information for further details.
- If you will be studying at the Heath Park Campus, your residential periods may differ according to the academic semester dates, actual dates will be confirmed in your Offer of Residence. You should move into your residence on the first day of your residential period.
How do I find my residence?
The Arrival Information includes a map and directions to your University residence. You can also use the link to Google map on the specific residences web page.
Will there be someone to show us around?
A member of the Residences Team will give you directions when you collect your key. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of students arriving we are unable to show each individual student to their room.
How long do I get to unload my belongings?
Where on-site parking is available, we can only allow 30 minutes to unload your vehicle due to parking restrictions and the volume of people arriving on site. Please see Arrival Information for more details about parking.
Living in residences
What items are already provided in the flat and room?
Please see Summary of Items provided.
What should I do with my car if I have not been allocated a parking space?
If you have not been allocated a parking space then you will not be able to bring your car. There is a possibility a space may become available but we will not know this until all students have arrived, please see your Residences Manager.
What should I do if there is a maintenance problem in my room?
All maintenance faults should be reported to your reception as soon as possible.
What should I do if I have a problem and the reception is closed?
Please telephone the Student Warden/Security. Contact details are on your Residences Card issued on arrivals.
Is there any security?
University Security is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact details are on your Residences Card issued on arrival.
Will a cleaning service be provided?
A cleaning service is provided for communal areas only, this includes kitchens, shared toilets, shared bathrooms, corridors and entrances. The service does not include washing-up in the kitchen, laundry, removal of refuse or any cleaning in the study bedroom/ensuite.
Are all my utility bills included?
The residences fees cover all your utility bills. However, if you decide to bring a television, you will need to purchase a television licence.
Will I need to insure my personal possessions?
Personal Possessions Insurance will be provided as part of your Residences Agreement. Please check your policy information to ensure all your possessions are covered and obtain a quote for top up insurance if required. Please see Arrival Information for policy details.
Can I have overnight guests?
Overnight guests are welcome to stay. All we ask is that their stay is kept to a maximum of two nights in any month and you inform the Residences Manager so that we can ensure our records comply with fire safety regulations.
Can I leave my belongings in my room during the holidays?
You can leave belongings in your room during both the Christmas and Easter holiday but please make sure to lock your room and remove any valuables when you leave.
How and when do I pay for my University residence?
All fees for residences, as well as most of the associated charges such as Parking Permit and Evening Meal Option, are payable by one of the following methods.
- Credit/Debit card in full in advance or on arrival
- Direct Debit from a UK Bank Account (payable in 3 instalments)
Please see Arrival Information for further details.
What should I do if I don’t like my room once I have moved in?
If you are not happy with your residence after the first few weeks, please speak to your Residences Manager who will explain the process for requesting a transfer. We will then do our best to find an alternative room but please be aware we are unable to guarantee this. An administration fee is payable for the transfer.
What should I do if I want to leave University residences?
If you wish to leave your University residence but are still going to remain a student at Cardiff University then you will need to find a substitute. This must be a Cardiff University student not already in University residences. You will remain liable for your residences fees until a suitable substitute is found. If you decide to leave Cardiff University altogether (i.e. will no longer be continuing with your course of study) then you will only have to pay for the room until all your belongings have been cleared and your key has been returned to your Residences Manager or your official withdrawal date, whichever is the latter.