A Guide to ACCOMMODATION 2013/2014

WELCOME

get in touch with us

AND LET US LOOK AFTER YOUR
ACCOMMODATION NEEDS

Starting at university is a new and exciting time and we realise the importance of finding
the right place to live. Living in Robert Gordon University residences allows you to meet
a diverse mix of students from different backgrounds on a variety of courses.
We have designed this guide to provide you with all the information you require
before you apply for accommodation in University residences. If you have any
queries, please contact us (details opposite) by e-mail, telephone or fax.
CONTACT DETAILS:

ACCOMMODATION SERVICES:
Central Services Building, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7FY
UNIVERSITY ACCOMMODATION:
+44 (0)1224 262129/262131/262143
INFORMATION ON PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION:
+44 (0)1224 262130
GUEST ACCOMMODATION:
+44 (0)1224 262134
ACCOMMODATION FINANCE ISSUES:
+44 (0) 1224 263017
FAX NUMBER:
+44 (0)1224 263456
E-MAIL ADDRESS:
accommodation@rgu.ac.uk
WEBSITE:
www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation
APPLY ONLINE:
www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

MINIMUM RULES AND MAXIMUM

MINIMUM RULES AND MAXIMUM

INDEPENDENCE

what we offer

At Robert Gordon University we are committed to providing safe, secure and affordable accommodation for
our new students. We know that there is more to University life than studying and our residences have been
designed to meet all your requirements. Each study bedroom is equipped to provide a private place to relax or
revise and every flat contains a communal living area where flatmates and friends can socialise. If you are resident
in Halls then you will have the benefit of 24 hours a day access to staff or Residence Assistants (RAs) who can
offer help and support.
We also offer advice and assistance to students leaving Halls or those living in the private sector.

Wide range of accommodation

Standard and ensuite rooms in Halls
One bedroom self contained flats
40 & 50 week tenancies
Internet access
Security entry systems
Car parking and bike storage facilities (at
most sites)
Convenient public transport links

WHAT WE OFFER YOU:

2 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 3

university residences
EASY UNI

LIVING
1
Our flats offer competitively priced accommodation at various sites, large and
small, throughout Aberdeen. The inclusive rents at our properties * mean that
you dont need to budget for utility bills. Please see section Your Questions
answered on pages 16-19 for additional costs information.
YOUR RENT INCLUDES:
Utilities* - heating, lighting and hot water (heating is not normally available
overnight)
Cooking facilities
Personal contents insurance (limited top ups can be purchased if required)
Cleaning of external communal areas (some sites offer cleaning of communal
areas inside flats)
Internet access
*Except Craigievar Development please note the cost of the utilities at this
complex will be the responsibility of the tenant(s)

1 WOOMANHILL FLATS
LOCATION: City Centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 736
ROOM TYPES: 600 standard rooms and 136 ensuite rooms
CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies
2 ROSEMOUNT HALLS
LOCATION: City Centre, convenient transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 146
ROOM TYPES: 48 standard rooms and 98 ensuite rooms
CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies
3 ST PETERS HALLS
LOCATION: Off King Street, 15-20 minutes walk from city centre, convenient
transport to Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 149
ROOM TYPES: 78 standard rooms and 71 ensuite rooms
CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies

4 LINKSFIELD HALLS
LOCATION: Off King Street, 25 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to
Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 128
ROOM TYPES: 44 standard rooms and 84 ensuite rooms
CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 5

5 GARTHDEE FLATS
LOCATION: Garthdee - in close proximity to all Faculties
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 49
ROOM TYPES: All have ensuite shower and sink with shared toilet facilities
CAR PARKING: Permits available from Transport Manager, charge applies
6 ARDMUIR TRINITY COURT
LOCATION: Off King Street, 20 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to
Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: (with Robert Gordon University lease): 198
ROOM TYPES: Standard
CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies

7 ARDMUIR KING STREET

LOCATION: King Street, 15 minutes walk from city centre, convenient transport to
Garthdee campus via No.1 and 2 bus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 26
ROOM TYPES: Standard
CAR PARKING: Permits available to residents, charge applies

6 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

10 CRAIGIEVAR DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: 8-10 Craigievar Crescent, 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 8 X 1 bedroom self contained flat c/w washer/dryer, suitable for
single or double/twin occupancy
ROOM TYPES: Standard
CAR PARKING: Limited resident parking
11 75 CRAIGIEVAR CRESCENT
LOCATION: 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 5 (3 single rooms and 1 double/twin)
ROOM TYPES: All standard rooms with 2 shower/bathrooms
CAR PARKING: Permits available for roadside parking from council
12 137 GARTHDEE ROAD
LOCATION: 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 5-8
ROOM TYPES: All standard rooms with 2 bathrooms
CAR PARKING: Limited parking, charges may apply

10

11

12

Artists Impression

8 CRATHIE STUDENT VILLAGE

LOCATION: Holburn Street, 20 minutes walk to Garthdee campus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 96
ROOM TYPES: All ensuite rooms
CAR PARKING: Limited resident parking

9 RAMSAY DEVELOPMENT
LOCATION: Ramsay Gardens, 5 minutes walk from Garthdee campus
NO. OF RESIDENTS: 28
ROOM TYPES: Ensuite
CAR PARKING: Limited spaces available

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 7

Ardmuir properties
15

Ardmuir properties provide quality accommodation

fitted to a very high standard. The flats include all
the benefits of University Halls with the addition of
washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers
as standard within each flat at Trinity Court. At King
Street there are dishwashers in each flat and a separate
laundry facility which is free of charge. Communal
areas are cleaned weekly.
Ardmuir Properties would suit students looking for a living
experience resembling a private flat rather than typical
student residences.

TRINITY COURT
All flats at Trinity Court have 3 bedrooms with standard
facilities. All rooms are single occupancy and wireless
broadband is included. Car parking is available for a
charge in secure grounds.

207 KING STREET

Flats vary between 2 and 5 bedrooms and are located
next door to a major supermarket. All rooms are
single occupancy and wireless broadband is included.
Phone lines are available in each flat, however, it is the
responsibility of residents to arrange their own service
provision with an appropriate provider. Wireless
broadband is included.

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 9

quick guide to our

residences

Residence

Location

Number
of Rooms

Lease Length
(weeks)

Room Types

Weekly Price
(per person)

Annual Amount

Non-Refundable
Booking Fee**

Woolmanhill Flats

City Centre

600
136

40
40

Standard
Ensuite

92.00
107.00

3680.00
4280.00

120.00
120.00

Rosemount Halls

City Centre

48
98

40
40

Standard
Ensuite

104.00
113.00

4160.00
4520.00

120.00
120.00

St Peters Halls

15-20 minute walk to City Centre

78
71

40
40

Standard
Ensuite

104.00
113.00

4160.00
4520.00

120.00
120.00

Linksfield

25 minute walk to City Centre

44
84

40
40

Standard
Ensuite

104.00
113.00

4160.00
4520.00

120.00
120.00

Garthdee Round Tower

Within Garthdee Campus

30

40

Ensuite *

97.00

3880.00

120.00

Garthdee Square Tower

Within Garthdee Campus

19

40

Ensuite *

99.00

3960.00

120.00

Ardmuir Trinity Court

20 minute walk to City Centre

198

50
40

Standard
Standard

109.00
111.00

5450.00
4440.00

120.00
120.00

Ardmuir King Street

15 minute walk to City Centre

26

50
40

Standard
Standard

109.00
111.00

5450.00
4440.00

120.00
120.00

Crathie Student Village

20 minute walk to Garthdee Campus

97

50
40

Ensuite
Ensuite

121.00
124.00

6050.00
4960.00

120.00
120.00

Ramsay Development

5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus

28

50
40

Ensuite
Ensuite

121.00
130.00

6050.00
5200.00

120.00
120.00

Craigievar Development
1 Bedroom Studio Flats
(NB Utilities not included)

5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus

50
50

Single
Twin/Double

175.00
92.50

8750.00
4625.00

120.00
120.00

50
50

All Standard
Single Room
Twin Room

97.00
65.00

4850.00
3250.00

120.00
120.00

50
50
50

All Standard
Large single
Medium single
Twin room

135.00
115.00
110.00

6750.00
5750.00
5500.00

120.00
120.00
120.00

75 Craigievar Crescent

137 Garthdee Road

5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus

5 minute walk from Garthdee Campus

* Garthdee Round/Square Tower All rooms have ensuite shower and sink with shared toilet
**The non-refundable booking fee is payable at the time of accepting the accommodation offer

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Woolmanhill Flats
Rosemount Hall
St Peters Hall
Linksfield Hall
Garthdee Flats
Ardmuir Trinity Court
Ardmuir King Street
Craigievar Development
Ramsay Development

LIBRARY

Crathie Student Village

GARTHDEE CAMPUS

ROAD

STUDENT
HELP
POINT

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
SCHOOL OF COMPUTING
SCIENCE & DIGITAL MEDIA
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
& LIFE SCIENCES

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 13

residence assistants
online

induction
HERE TO HELP!
All of our accommodation sites have a dedicated team
of Residence Assistants (RAs) who are here to provide
you with advice, assistance and support outwith normal
working hours.
The RA team is made up of students who have already
spent at least one academic session living in University
accommodation and who have an awareness
and understanding of the issues facing students,
particularly those who may be living away from home
or visiting the UK for the first time.
We take care to ensure that our RA teams consist of
responsible and mature students who have a genuine
commitment to enhancing the experience of our residents.
The RA team will introduce themselves to you within the
first few weeks of the lease and you will find information
in your flat regarding how to call for the Duty RA if you
need assistance.
Our Residence Assistants are all friendly and
approachable, so dont hesitate to contact them if you
need their help.

14 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Before you arrive to take up residence in your University accommodation, you will be
required to complete an online e-induction which is intended to familiarise you with a variety
of aspects of student life.
The online induction will introduce you to your accommodation and give an outline of what
you can expect in many areas ranging from the support provided by the Accommodation
Services team to your personal safety and security.
The programme is interactive and informative and also allows you to book an arrival date and
time so that the accommodation team know when to expect you at your residence.
In addition to specific information about the accommodation services provided, the online
induction will cover some more general topics such as financial planning, health and welfare.
Also, it will give you the opportunity to think about the University activities you could get
involved in including sports, clubs and societies.
Hopefully, our online induction will help make the transition to independent University living
an easy and stress-free experience.

your questions answered

There are probably a lot of questions about University living you need answers
to and we hope we have covered most of them in this section but if there is anything else
you want to ask us please e-mail your enquiry to accommodation@rgu.ac.uk

Q: What type of accommodation can you offer me?

Q: Do you give priority to any applicants?

Q: What happens if University residences are full?

A: Our accommodation consists of 12 different Halls

and houses throughout the city. The majority of Halls
complexes are in the form of self-catering flats for 3-8
people. Within the flat each student has their own study
bedroom and shares a fully equipped kitchen and lounge.
Most rooms are standard (shared bathroom facilities) but
we do also provide ensuite (private bathroom facilities).
Please note that you will have to provide your own
cooking utensils, cutlery/crockery and bedding items.
Please visit our Getting Prepared section on our website
for further information.

A: Yes, we give priority to students who have a serious

medical condition. We also take into consideration the
distance of your home address from Aberdeen. This
means that students from outwith the UK and from
outwith the Aberdeen area will be given priority over
those who live within commuting distance of the city.

A: We try our best to accommodate every applicant

but if this is not possible we will assist you to find
suitable accommodation. Further information is
available on our website.

Q: Are the flats just for single sex occupancy or mixed?

A: You will have the option of selecting a single sex
flat on your online application. If you do not state a
preference for a single sex flat you will be allocated to
either mixed or single sex accommodation. We will
try to meet your requirements and remain sensitive to
any specific requests made for this option.
Q: What washing and toilet facilities are there within
the standard flats in Halls?
A: Sinks are provided in each bedroom (except Ardmuir
properties). At Woolmanhill Flats 1-49 there are two toilets
and two showers (1 over bath) in every flat of six. In Flats
60-89 and 100-109 there are two toilets, two showers and
a separate bath in flats of eight. At Rosemount, St.Peters
and Linksfield Halls there are two toilets and two showers in
each flat of seven, and within the three bedroom flats there
is one shower and one toilet.

16 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

Q: How do I apply for University accommodation?

A: We have an online application system called Roomonline.
Please log on to www.rgu.ac.uk/roomonline to register
and apply for accommodation. In order to be eligible to
apply, you must live outwith 18 miles of Garthdee Campus
and have firmly accepted an unconditional, conditional or
insurance offer of a place on a full-time course.
Q: Can I choose which residence I would like to stay at?
A: You can tell us what your first four choices are. We
will try to accommodate these preferences but cannot
guarantee to do so. If we are unable to give you one of
your four preferred options, you will be allocated subject to
availability. There is a section on the application to make any
additional requests you may have and we will try to take
these into consideration when allocating you.
Q: When will the University tell me that I have been
allocated a room?
A: We allocate rooms from July onwards to students
who have applied for accommodation and have firmly
accepted their unconditional offer of a place on a course.
When we have allocated you a room we will send an
email asking you to log on to the Roomonline website to
view your room offer. It is important that you check your
e-mails frequently as your offer will only be valid for a
specified period of time. You can then accept or decline
this offer online.

Q: Is my lease legally binding?

A: Yes, you are required to accept a legally binding lease
which will be for a period of 40 or 50 weeks (there may
be some variation at certain sites). In certain exceptional
cases (e.g. overseas exchange students) it may be
possible to arrange a different length of lease.
Q: How much does the accommodation cost and how
do I pay my fees?
A: Please see Paying for Student Accommodation on page 20
Q: Do I need to pay any booking or registration fees?
A: Yes, you will need to pay a non-refundable
booking fee of 120 to cover administration charges
and reserve a room. Demand for accommodation
in Aberdeen is extremely high so it is important that
only students with a genuine intention of staying in
University accommodation are accepting offers to
allow us to maximise our available rooms. You will
be asked to pay this booking fee when you accept
the offer of accommodation.
Q: As a disabled student I have special requirements,
can you help me?
Any information you wish to disclose to us can be done
so in the appropriate section of your online application.
If you wish to discuss your requirements please contact
us and we will be happy to help and even arrange a site
visit. All information relating to medical conditions and
disabilities is treated as confidential but may have to be
shared with other University departments.
ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 17

Q: Can you help me find private accommodation?

A: Although we hope that you will choose to live in
our University residences, we know that you may be
considering looking for your own accommodation in
Aberdeen. Accommodation Services are unable to
find private accommodation on your behalf however
we can provide you with information to help you
make an informed decision. For further information,
please visit www.rgu.ac.uk/accommodation. We
always advise students never to rent a property
without having seen it first. Please note that most
UK landlords will require you to sign a 12 month
lease and provide details of a guarantor.
Q: Are there any extra costs that I will have to pay?
A: Laundry facility charges are not included in the
rent* - coin operated washing machines and dryers are
provided at each site for your convenience. Car Parking
charges apply at the majority of our residences.
Charges for any damages not attributable to wear
and tear may also be applied during or at the end of
the lease period.
*Except Ardmuir properties, Ramsay Development,
Craigievar Development, 75 Craigievar Crescent
and 137 Garthdee Road.

Q: I would like to bring my TV, do I need to buy a

television licence?
A: If you wish to bring a television to use in your study
bedroom then you will be required to have a
licence. If a group of students only has a TV in the
communal area of their flat, then one TV licence
for the flat will suffice. A small number of flats
are provided with TVs and the University has
purchased licences to cover this.

Q: Can I invite a friend or family member to stay with me?

A: A single overnight guest is allowed at any one time
in Halls, but not more often than twice per month.
Permission must be granted from site staff at least 24
hours in advance. If in doubt seek out an RA for help
and advice. We regret that no guests are permitted
during the first two weeks of the lease due to the
number of new students arriving at this time.
Q: Where do I collect my keys?

Q: What if I want to change my accommodation?

A: We regret that we are unable to change your
allocation prior to your arrival in Aberdeen. If
you are not happy with the accommodation you
have been allocated you can apply to transfer to a
different site or flat, subject to availability. Transfers
cannot be considered within the first 4 weeks of the
lease. Application forms will be available from the
accommodation website. Successful applicants will
be required to pay an administrative fee.
Q: Are all student residences non-smoking?
A: For the benefit of residents all our student flats are
completely non smoking, and smoking is not
permitted in any area of the student accommodation.

Q: What will I be provided with and what do I need to

bring with me?

Q: Can I share a flat with my friend who will also be

studying at Robert Gordon University?

A: A full list if items that you are provided with

will be available online at the time of your offer of
accommodation. This will help you to plan what you may
need to bring with you. Also, during the acceptance stage
you will have an opportunity to purchase items and have
them placed in your room ready for your arrival. This
comes in handy for items you may not have enough room
for in your luggage e.g. bedding, cutlery and crockery.
Please visit our Getting Prepared section on our website
for further information.

A: You and your friend should both make a note on your

online accommodation applications that you would
like to be placed in the same flat. We will try to
accommodate your request wherever possible.

A: Keys are available from the appropriate site office

on arrival. For unstaffed properties, details of your
key collection point will be given to you during your
online induction. You will need to bring a copy of
your key release form with you, please remember to
print this off during online induction.
Q: What happens when I go on placement?
A: If your course requires you to leave Aberdeen
on placement you may be able to apply for a rent
reduction, details available on request. Nursing
students are not eligible to apply for a reduction due
to the way they are funded.

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 19

Additional
i n f o r m a t i o n

PAYING FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION

DO YOU HAVE FAMILY ACCOMMODATION?

GETTING ABOUT

All leases for Session 2013/2014 will start on 14

September 2013.

Our Halls accommodation only caters for single

occupancy. We have one bedroom flats at Craigievar
Development, however, if this is unsuitable and you are
planning to take your family to Aberdeen you will need
to look for accommodation in the private sector. Please
visit www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation and
look under Alternative Accommodation for further
information, please be aware that none of our University
accommodation is suitable for children. If you intend to
bring your family we recommend you to arrive well in
advance of the start of your course to allow you time to
look for suitable accommodation. You may find it easier to
do this on your own rather than with your family. As our
accommodation contracts are legally binding we strongly
advise you not to accept University accommodation if you
plan on having your family with you during your stay.

Aberdeen is well served with a good transport

infrastructure. Our students are based at the Garthdee
Campus and there are regular buses from the city centre
to Garthdee. For up to date transport information please
visit www.rgu.ac.uk/transport

40 week leases end 21 June 2014.

50 week leases end 30 August 2014.
When accepting an offer of accommodation you will
be given the flexibility to choose from the following
payment schedules:
Payment of the full amount in advance
Payment in three instalments (or four instalments
for a 50 week lease)
Payment in eight instalments (or eleven
instalments for a 50 week lease)
Further details regarding payment dates and amounts will
be given to you with your online offer of accommodation.
The non-refundable booking fee of 120 must be paid
in full at the time of accepting your accommodation
offer.
*There may be a variation on the start date/lease
length at some sites.

SECURITY MATTERS
If you choose to stay in Halls, your security is our priority
so we take care to ensure that our accommodation is as
safe and secure as possible. Entry to Halls buildings is
controlled by security intercoms, and each bedroom has
its own lock. In addition, all kitchens are fitted with heat
sensors and each bedroom has a smoke alarm. If you
are staying in Halls there is always someone available to
offer advice and assistance 24 hours a day.

20 ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

DATA PROTECTION
All information held by Accommodation Services complies
with the current Data Protection Act. It will only be used for
legitimate purposes and will not be passed to a third party
without your consent. Any information about an individual
will be available to that person on request.
All information correct at time of going to press.

GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Guest accommodation costing 30 per single room
per night and 52 for the double room per night
is available in a ground floor flat at Woolmanhill
throughout the year. It consists of 6 single and one
double ensuite bedrooms (shower, wc and sink) with
a lounge/kitchen area. The double room has been
adapted to be suitable for wheelchair users. The flat
is fully furnished and equipped to 2 star Tourist Board
rating and the kitchen contains all necessary utensils
required for self catering. This accommodation is very
popular so please book early to avoid disappointment.
To book please contact Peggy MacInnes on 01224
262134 or email p.macinnes@rgu.ac.uk

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE 21

accommodation services
www.rgu.ac.uk/living/accommodation

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