FRANCIS DRAKE HALLS HANDBOOK 2016/17
WELCOME TO RESIDENCE LIFE
Dear Student
At Plymouth University we understand the importance of finding a comfortable, friendly, and
safe environment to live while you are studying with us. That is why we have worked hard to
create a positive atmosphere within halls that facilitates your holistic growth and personal
development. We believe this is not only of the highest quality but is also unique in terms of
the level of support, engagement and year-round fun activities. As a result, our residences are
a dynamic and exciting place for you to live and study.
Living away from home for the first time can be daunting for you, but at Plymouth we make it
our business to ensure that no-one feels alone. You often want to connect with other students
who share common interests and/or academic pursuits. Our Residence Life communities offer
a variety of theme-based social and team building activities to support you living in University
managed halls. These range from silent discos to running clubs, and ensure a family-feeling
and home environment where each student feels included. Such activities are geared toward
enhancing the students’ University experience by engaging them with staff and others both
inside and outside of the classroom.
Our Residence Life Team of Hall Co-ordinators and Resident Assistants are carefully selected
to provide a network of support, peer advising and friendship, and for the wellbeing of all
students in their care. Having this network means that if you do have a problem, someone is
on hand in each residence hall 24/7 to help, and can make referrals to appropriate resources
within the University where needed.
When we say welcome to Plymouth University we really mean it!
Scott Walker
Scott Walker
Head of Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services
HOW YOU WILL BE SUPPORTED THROUGH OUR RESIDENCE LIFE APPROACH
Living in halls at Plymouth University is an opportunity to be a part of a community of students
who are coming together to learn and grow both academically and personally. The University
staff who manage halls are in place to assist you throughout your adjustment to University and
to ensure systems are in place for your safety. They also support efforts to create community
and activities which will add to your overall living experience in halls. This is the place where
you will make life-long friends and academic colleagues who will be a part of your University
journey.
Staff in the halls include a Hall Co-ordinator and Resident Assistants, in addition to staff that
care for the facility. The Resident Assistants are available to assist you with information,
advice, sign-posting, support, community-building, monitoring and compliance of regulations,
and provision of programmes and activities. The Hall Co-ordinator is in charge of the hall and
is available to address overall management issues of the resident community, oversight of the
hall operations, review of disciplinary cases regarding regulation compliance, support for
students in general, and supervises programmes and staff. In all cases, University staff in the
hall are available to assist you in your successful journey at the University.
It is important that you understand the aims of our Residence Life communities. They are to
create:

Positive communities where you can live, learn and build friendships

An open and inclusive community that values, respects and promotes the rights,
responsibilities and dignity of individuals

A community that is based on respect where members can expect to live in an
environment that is safe and considerate

A community that takes responsibility for creating a positive and happy living
environment
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
The Residence Life Office of Plymouth University fully and actively supports the principles of
the Universities UK Code of Practice for the Management of Student Housing. Plymouth
University is signed up to the Universities UK Code of Practice. The Code outlines best
practice and provides benchmarks for the management and quality of student housing in the
Higher Education sector. For further information, or to download a full version of the UK Code
of Practice, please visit the Universities UK website. You can read more about our
department’s philosophy by visiting our website.
All Plymouth University students are expected to behave appropriately. The major principles
that form the basis of acceptable student conduct are:

Students are expected to respect and observe the rules and regulations of the
University

Students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner in their academic
and recreational activities while they are registered with the University; for the
avoidance of doubt, this includes:
a) Attendance at the University
b) Engagement in any University activity
c) Occupancy of University owned or managed accommodation
d) Conduct within the wider community

Students are expected to behave in a considerate manner towards staff, fellow
students, visitors and members of the public in the wider community; in particular,
rights to freedom of expression must be respected and there shall be no harassment
on sexual, ethnic, racial, disability or other grounds.

Students undertaking programmes leading to a professional qualification are required
to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to that profession (any breaches of the
student Code of Conduct by a student on a professional programme may be referred
to a Fitness to Practise panel for consideration under the relevant Fitness to Practise
procedures)
YOUR HALL TEAM
You can contact your Duty Resident Assistant on 07815 535834 evenings and weekends
(Monday to Thursday 5pm to 8:30am and Friday 5pm to Monday 8:30am). If you need
assistance during office hours (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm), you can contact the Residence
Life Office on 01752 588644 or visit us in the Mary Newman building.
PREPARING FOR YOUR NEW HOME - WHAT TO DO IN ADVANCE OF THE BIG DAY
SORTING OUT YOUR BUDGET

How much is your accommodation?

When are your hall fee instalments due? Have you put these into your diary?

Have you budgeted for living expenses (e.g. food, cleaning items, socialising)?

You will have paid your deposit of £250 to secure your room, which becomes your
damage deposit when you move in and is refundable when you depart, less any
outstanding charges

You will be asked to pay four weeks’ hall fees in advance, approximately two weeks
prior to arrival (usually early September); we will contact you by email with steps of
how to complete this

Rooms are paid for in three further instalments, with payments due on 1 st October
2016, 14th January 2017 and 29th April 2017, and you will be emailed two weeks before
the due date and asked to pay by credit/debit card or PayPal via the accommodation
portal

Full details of payment amounts can be found on your Licence Agreement, a copy of
which was emailed to you after you signed it online
If you need to talk to anyone about your finances, we would recommend that you contact the
Student Funding Unit:
[email protected]
01752 587680
STUDENT JOBS
It is worth considering whether you will need a job whilst you are in Plymouth to supplement
your loan. For help and advice about student jobs, please contact the Plymouth University
Student Jobs department or the Careers and Employability department:
[email protected].
01752 587722
[email protected]
01752 587456
GET READY TO MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME
WHAT TO BRING TO HALLS
Follow this link for suggestions from The Residence Life Team and the Hall Teams on what to
bring to halls with you: What to Bring
Bedding requirements will vary between halls and what sort of room you are in. Below is a list
of mattress sizes for each of the room types in your hall to help ensure you have the right
sized bedding. If in doubt, bring a flat sheet and double duvet with covers.

Ensuite room: 6'9" x 3'

Large ensuite room: 6'9" x 3'

Ensuite room in three bed flat: 6'9" x 3'

Large studio: 6'6" x 4'9"
ELECTRICAL ITEMS
Items such as kettles, toasters and microwaves come as standard in your kitchens, but if you
want to bring your own electrical goods, then only those purchased in the UK are allowed. It
is essential that we are able to check the compatibility of any electrical items you want to use
in your hall.
Any electrical item which you intend to bring to your hall should comply with the following
electrical safety standards:

All flexible cords or leads must be in good condition and undamaged

Use a single, continuous length of flex, without joins, from the plug to the appliance

All electrical connections to the appliance should be secure; flexible cord grips should
be used to prevent cables being stressed when in use

Have the correct fuse for the job; if a fuse blows, never fit a higher rated one (not even
as a temporary measure)

Plug tops used must be of the type which comply with recent legislation, in that the
connection pins are of the shrouded or insulated type (the ones with black covers half
way up the pins)

The equipment itself must be in good condition, with none of the casings being
damaged

Plugs must be wired correctly; avoid stray whiskers of wire, tighten all screws with a
suitable screwdriver, and ensure the clamp in the plug grips the outer sheath of the
flex and not just the coloured leads
CAR PARKING
Due to how central the University is to the city centre, there are very few car parking spaces
available on campus. Students who need a parking space on campus due to a disability will
be offered spaces as a priority.
If you are a student who is a blue badge holder, please email [email protected]
with the subject title ‘Disabled parking on campus’. Alternatively, you can contact the
University’s Disability Assist Service about parking requirements. You can find further details
on how to do this via their website.
Please note: If you park on campus or in any halls car parks without a valid permit then you
are liable to be fined (which we are sure you will want to avoid), so please make sure that you
park only where you are permitted to do so.
At Francis Drake, there is a very small car park in the Student Village, with permits issued to
blue badge holders and elite sportspeople first. Any spaces left may be allocated by lottery (in
which case, details would first be emailed to residents).
TV LICENSING
If you plan to watch or record live television on any device during your stay in halls, then you
will need to get a TV licence. The current (July 2016) cost for a colour licence is £145.50 a
year. If you apply for a licence in October, you can apply for a refund for the summer quarter
(July–September) if you are not using the accommodation during this period. Please be aware
that the licensing authority do regular checks and anyone caught without a valid licence can
be fined up to £1000. If you have not purchased a licence but are caught and fined, we are
unable to assist you in having the fine revoked. For information on how to purchase a TV
licence, what the TV licence covers, and payment options, please visit the TV Licensing
website.
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee continuous TV signal within halls as it can depend on a
range of factors, including external factors beyond our control. However, please report to us
any issues you may find with TV signal and we will do our best to resolve them if possible.
INTERNET
Internet provision is available free of charge in all halls. This is available wirelessly and via
ethernet ports. We cannot guarantee a continuous high speed connection as it is dependent
on the usage by other residents which can sometimes affect the network speed.
OUR INTERNET USAGE POLICY
Plymouth University reserves the right to amend or substitute the terms of this policy at any
time. Residents will be notified of any such amendment or substitution and it is automatically
effective to all users of the service. As with all hall regulations, this agreement is personal to
you. Thus, you are liable for any misuse of the internet connection provided, and therefore
subsequent misuse of the University’s computer network whether done by you or any of your
guests. Your login details are allocated solely to you and must not be shared with anyone; you
are strongly advised to password protect your device and turn it off when not in use.
WHY PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY HAS THIS POLICY
This policy is designed to ensure that the service provided is fast and reliable and to limit legal
risk to you and to Plymouth University arising from your use of the service. Please be aware
that when you sign your halls Licence Agreement, you are consenting to abide by all conditions
outlined within this policy.
DEVICE SECURITY
You are responsible for the security of your computer whilst connected to the service. You
must not knowingly or through negligence download any electronic material containing a
computer program known or likely to limit the functionality of any software or hardware owned
by Plymouth University or other parties. Plymouth University accepts no responsibility for the
potential consequences of you failing to employ adequate security measures on your
computer while connected to the service.
DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE
The downloading and installation of software and other resources from the internet is done
entirely at your own risk. Plymouth University is not responsible for any unwanted effect on
your computer that may result from doing so. It is your responsibility to comply with the laws
of copyright and to abide by any software license agreements that may apply.
RESTRICTIONS
You may not use the service for the following:

Any unlawful, criminal, fraudulent or otherwise illegal purposes or activities

Accessing any inappropriate websites or content

Installing additional wireless access points/hubs/routers/switches and or anything
which bypasses the security or integrity of the service provision

Consciously acting to harass, cause annoyance, anxiety or inconvenience to or invade
the privacy of another individual (including via social media)

Consciously disrupting the activities of other users of the service or users of any other
computer system in any manner

Activities which breach the rights of any third party, such as the downloading,
streaming or distribution of any copyrighted material

Collecting, streaming, distributing or accessing any material that you know, or
reasonably should know, cannot be legally collected, streamed, distributed or
accessed

Commercial use for financial gain, either self-employed or on behalf of an employer
unless sanctioned by the University

Sending or uploading non-University bulk emails, advertising or promotional materials

Forwarding of chain letters or contests

Accessing, or attempting to access, any computer system, network or account without
consent or otherwise where such access is not intended for you

Viewing or modifying any data or system without the owner’s consent or where it is
otherwise not intended you should do so

Probing the security of any computer system, network or account

Impairing the function of, or interfering with the proper operation of, the service or any
other computer system or network in any manner
EXCESSIVE NETWORK USAGE
Plymouth University monitor the data usage across the network and reserve the right to
investigate any usage that we deem to be excessive. Excessive usage will not be permitted.
ENFORCEMENT
Your service is monitored for compliancy; you will be held accountable for your actions
regarding any breach of this Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Plymouth University reserves the
right to investigate any suspected violation(s). The actions that may be taken include:

An investigative meeting

A formal written warning

Suspension, restriction or termination of your access to University computing services
(with or without notice)

Separation from Halls of Residence for gross misconduct

Plymouth University will co-operate fully with any requests by external companies or
law enforcement agencies regarding any breach of the AUP
INTERNET ENFORCEMENT PROCESS

An investigation meeting may be called

A formal written warning will be issued

A suspension / restriction or termination of your access to the internet (with or without
notice)

You could be asked to leave your Halls of Residence
INSURANCE
All halls offer basic contents insurance as part of your weekly rent. However, if you need to
top up the insurance to cover additional items just ask on arrival at your hall reception.
A copy of the insurance certificate can be found on the accommodation pages of our website
under FAQs.

Read the insurance certificate for your building and double check if there is anything
you need to insure

Insure high value items such as laptops and bicycles with an insurance provider

Mark your belongings with a security marker (just ask your Resident Assistant to loan
one from the Hall Co-ordinator; it is easy to security mark your possessions)

Please make sure you look after your belongings; Plymouth University does not pay
compensation for loss or damage to personal belongings in studies/bedrooms or
communal areas including launderettes, bicycle storage and wet storage

If you need to make a claim, please do so in accordance with the guidance on the
insurance certificate
BICYCLES AND WET STORAGE
At Francis Drake, there is bicycle and wet storage available at £38 each for the duration of
your residence. Please pay via the University eStore and collect your key(s) from Student
Village Reception.
Please note: Bicycles and water sports equipment are not permitted in bedrooms or any
communal areas such as corridors, kitchens or stairways for health and safety reasons.
Bicycles must be stored in bicycle storage areas within designated buildings or the outdoor
bicycle racks. If you have a bicycle, it is essential to insure it and lock it.
Bicycles stored in other areas, for example on railings etc, will be removed by the facilities
management team. Personal diving equipment including high pressure diving cylinders, full or
empty, cannot be stored in or around halls.
Plymouth University will not cover loss or damage to items in a hall storage area.
SKATEBOARDING
Whilst we recognise that skateboarding is a legitimate form of transport for many students, a
lot of damage can be done if it is carried out irresponsibly. Plymouth University has a policy
which states that no person is permitted to skate, slide or ride on rollers, skateboards, wheels,
mechanical contrivances or other equipment inside Halls of Residence, in the grounds around
Halls of Residence or on the Plymouth University campus (with the exception of
wheelchairs/mobility equipment).
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Before you arrive, we highly recommend that you register with a GP service here in Plymouth.
There are several options available including a confidential doctors’ surgery located here on
campus.
The on-campus surgery is run by two local surgeries – Peverell Park Surgery and Beaumont
Surgery. If you choose to use the on-campus surgery you can register online.
If you do not wish to register with the on-campus surgery, other surgeries can be found through
the Yell website.
JOIN THE GYM
Exercise is good for you, not only physically but it is also another way of making new friends.
The Student Union has a gym on campus which is used by many of our students. It is in the
Nancy Astor Building (opposite Mary Newman Hall) and prices start from just £100 for the
whole year. There is also a wide range of sports classes and social activities offered
throughout the academic year.
For further information, please visit the UPSU website.
ARRIVAL DAY – IT’S FINALLY HERE!
Halls arrivals for 2016/17 will take place on:
10th September 2016 for all International and Medicine/Dentistry Students
16th/17th September 2016 for all other students
Here is your checklist to ensure a smooth and fast move-in day.
TRAVELLING TO UNIVERSITY ON ARRIVALS DAY
Arrivals information will be sent to you via email around two weeks after you have signed your
accommodation agreement and paid your deposit. Halls arrivals are split over two days to
ensure a smooth transition into halls and minimise disruption.
This information will include an arrival date, arrival time slot and route to your hall. These time
slots and routes are calculated by the University’s Events Team and Plymouth City Council’s
Traffic Management Department, not only to ensure the smoothest experience while moving
into your hall, for example minimal queuing for lifts, but also to ensure that you meet your
fellow flatmates as soon as possible with the minimum of hassle. Please try to keep to these
times as close as possible.
ARRIVING AT YOUR DESTINATION
On arrival you will be asked to unload your luggage and then move your car to a nearby car
park as soon as possible, so that others can come and unload. Your Hall Team and
Ambassadors with trolleys will be on hand to help you.
CHECKING YOUR ROOM
After you arrive at your hall and unload, you will check in and sign for your key and/or fob.
Your Resident Assistant will then take you to your room. You will have an inventory of your
room and it is essential that you check this immediately to avoid any unnecessary charges
from the hall provider when you leave your room at the end of the year. Hand this in to the
reception at your hall - not a member of your Hall Team. Please make sure it is signed and
dated. If you do not submit your inventory, you will be charged for any damages or marks
found in your room following your departure.
MEET YOUR FLATMATES!
Your flatmates will all be given similar arrival times as yourself, so that you can meet and get
to know each other.
Remember, everyone is in the same position so don’t hide in your room - come out and make
friends. This is when the fun begins!
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN HALLS
COMMUNITY LIVING
Your hall will be your home for the length of your contract and we are sure that you will enjoy
living with us.
You will be living with new people in your flat and we expect you to treat each other with
kindness and respect. Be aware of your flatmates and neighbours in the surrounding area
when socialising and taking part in recreational activities within the hall or returning home from
a night out! Consideration, tolerance and compromise all go a long way to creating a happy
community.
You will be sharing a flat with other students and it is important to remember that you will all
have had different life experiences before you arrived as new students to the University. We
must all be aware of the different cultural, political and social views that we hold and be
respectful of this. We do not tolerate bullying or harassment in any form, including via social
media. Read on and you will find some tips to help you live in harmony in your flat!
RESIDENCE LIFE SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow Residence Life on social media for events, news and competitions. You can also join
your official hall Facebook group to meet the community and keep up to date with news and
events.
Follow us on:
Residence Life Facebook Page
Residence Life Twitter
Residence Life Instagram
Join our groups:
Francis Drake 2016/17 Facebook Group
Private Accommodation Facebook Group (New for 2016/17!)
Please note that any other accommodation Facebook groups are not owned by the University
and therefore may contain spam and promotional content.
TOP TIPS FOR BEING THE BEST FLATMATE
What
Why
Respect
Always respect your flatmates.
Everyone’s
privacy
and
belongings should be respected
Communication
Make sure that you talk to each
other or your Resident Assistant if
something is bothering you
Compromise
You won’t always agree with your
flatmates
but
reaching
a
compromise will benefit everyone
Cleanliness
This is one of the main sources of
disagreements between flatmates
- shared areas should be kept
clean
and,
by
ensuring
that
everyone takes responsibility for
this, you can keep your flat clean
and harmonious
Involvement
You will meet people throughout
your hall, so do get involved in
social activities organised by the
Resident Assistants - the more
you’re involved, the more you will
get out of your halls experience
Tolerance
In our communities, tolerance and
understanding
of
others
is
essential - not everyone has the
same background or culture as
you as everyone is coming from
different walks of life
Identify
If something is bothering you or
your flatmates then identify what
the problem is and talk things
through with each other and/or
your Resident Assistant
Friendliness
Be friendly; get out and about,
meet
people
and
socialise
(remember living in a community
is about respect and compromise)
Contact your Resident Assistant
Speak to your Resident Assistant
- they are there to ensure that you
are supported so you shouldn’t
hesitate in contacting them, even
if it may seem like a small issue to
you
Ground rules
Sitting down with your flatmates to
establish some basic ground rules
is
a
good
idea;
set
clear
boundaries that you all agree with
to
increase
the
mutual
understanding between all of you
CLEAN LIVING
It is your home and it will be much nicer to live in if you keep it clean and tidy. It is sensible to
clean regularly. If you leave it until the end it will be much harder to clean, and any marks or
damage you are unable to rectify fully will be your responsibility and will incur a charge. This
will be deducted from your damage deposit at the end of the year.
KEEPING YOUR FLAT CLEAN
Cleanliness of kitchens is the biggest cause of disagreements between flatmates. We
understand that everyone has different standards, which is why there are guidelines for you
all to follow. Each hall does have cleaners who will maintain cleanliness in communal areas,
but you are responsible for clearing up your own day-to-day mess.
DO

Clean and wash down kitchen surfaces after every meal

Bring a laundry bag with you when you move in - it will make your life a lot easier

Keep your launderette clean

Vacuum the corridor and dust the skirting boards

In your ensuite/shared bathroom, clean the toilet, basin and shower cubicles weekly
as well as top up the toilet paper

Wash your dishes

Consider using a kitchen rota for clearing up and share the load between you
DON’T

Leave communal areas in a messy state after social events

Leave lights on when you are not in the room (including the communal areas)

Leave your clothes in the washing machine when done

Leave televisions, stereos or computers on standby mode

Leave your tap running; help save water

Leave old food in the fridge
WHAT YOUR HALL CLEANERS WILL CLEAN

All kitchen surfaces that can be accessed will be wiped, including sinks, taps and
draining boards (they will not move items to clean - this is a surface clean only)

Ovens, hobs and microwaves inside and out (this is a surface clean only, not a deep
clean)

Exterior of fridges and freezers

The floor

They also dispose of bagged rubbish (make sure that you recycle as much as possible
in bins provided); do not put broken glass or cutlery into the rubbish bags as this may
harm staff during collection
HALLS LAUNDERETTE FACILITIES
Each hall has laundry facilities with large washers and tumble dryers. Residents of Francis
Drake can use the launderette on the ground floor of Francis Drake, next to the Student Village
Reception. If you are unsure where to find your launderette, please ask your Resident
Assistant.
Washing and drying costs vary according to your hall so check the machines or ask at
reception for the exact costs.
Please bring washing powder and fabric softener as these are not provided.
You can view the status of the machines in your hall online by checking out the Circuit Laundry
website.
RECYCLING
Plymouth University promotes sustainable living. It is important to us that you maintain a high
level of recycling whilst in halls. Details of recycling methods can be found in each hall.
GLASS RECYCLING
Please put glass in the correct recycling bin and this will be removed by your hall provider.
SAVING ENERGY
Here are some measures to help save energy:

Avoid overheating

Put on an extra layer

Turn off heating in unoccupied rooms

Shut doors and windows to keep heat in and reduce draughts

Switch off extractor fans after cooking (they extract heat as well as air)

Avoid blocking radiators with furniture

Do not use supplementary heaters (they should not be needed if the temperature is at
a comfortable level - if you are not comfortable, please report this to your hall provider)

Turn off electrical appliances such as computer screens, TVs, video and DVD players
and stereos when not in use

Avoid leaving the door of your fridge open for longer than necessary as cold air
escapes
KEEP YOURSELF AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE
For your personal safety, do not climb out of windows, up or down drainpipes, onto roofs, or
sit on balcony railings. Such activity, if discovered, will lead to action in accordance with the
Halls of Residence Disciplinary Procedure. As a city centre site, it is strongly recommended
that you keep your doors and windows fully closed and locked (particularly on the lower floors)
when you are not in the room. All residents must ensure their own safety and security by
keeping all access doors securely locked and not allowing unknown people into the building.
There are interconnecting doors in some halls for use by residents during emergency
evacuations. Misuse of these doors will lead to action in accordance with the Halls of
Residence Disciplinary Procedure.
Window restrictors have been put in place for reasons of safety and security. Residents must
not tamper with, remove, or disengage those restrictors.
SAFE WALKING & CYCLING ROUTES
Your hall is located in a convenient, central location. Walking or cycling is a healthy way to
get about if you can. Get advice from your RA on safe walking and cycling routes around the
city.
For information about local public transport please check the Traveline Website
www.traveline.info
BOMB ALERT
It is very unlikely that you will receive a bomb threat. However, in the event that you do, the
following procedure has been agreed with the Police:

Whoever receives the message must tell the Duty Resident Assistant immediately

The Police will arrive at the front entrance of the hall and meet with the Hall Coordinator and Security staff

Together, in the light of all available information, the Police, Hall Co-ordinator and
Security staff will decide whether to evacuate the building or what other action to take
SAFETY TOP TIPS
DO

Use provided bicycle storage facilities and suitable locks for bicycles

Insure your bicycle or wet equipment

Make sure doors are locked when entering and leaving a hall to stop strangers getting
in to halls

Keep your bedroom door closed at all times

Keep windows closed on ground floor rooms and kitchens when out of the building

Tell security and a Resident Assistant if you have called the emergency services

Contact your Resident Assistant or Hall Co-ordinator if you have any safety concerns
DON’T

Let someone into halls if you don’t know them

Bring people back into halls unless you are certain it is safe to do so

Leave your window open when you are out of your room

Leave your valuables in the open

Worry about anything (if you are worried, tell your Resident Assistant)
YOUR PERSONAL PROPERTY
You are solely responsible for the safekeeping of your personal property in your room and
building. Residence Life assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any loss,
destruction, or damage to personal property unless such loss is due to the sole negligence of
the University.
FIRE SAFETY
Fire safety is an important factor in communities with large populations and shared living
space. The following rules are in place to ensure the safety of individuals and the persistence
of your living environment.

Open flames: Any items that produce or utilises an open flame (eg candles, kerosene
lamps, lighters, incense, etc) are prohibited

Decorations: Decorative items must be flame retardant and must not interfere with
fire safety equipment (ie fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, etc)

Appliances: Neglecting appliances while in use is extremely dangerous and therefore
prohibited (additionally, overloading electrical cords/power strips can cause fires and
is considered a policy violation)

Supplementary heaters: Use of additional heaters is considered a fire hazard

Hallways: The storing of personal items in hallways is strictly prohibited due to fire
safety regulations (this includes rubbish and recycling items)
DO

Evacuate straight away if you hear the fire alarm

Evacuate the building within four minutes, leaving all personal belongings

Look for Resident Assistants and Hall Co-ordinators during an evacuation (they will be
wearing high visibility jackets); you need to follow their instructions

Read the fire notices in your hall

Familiarise yourself with your evacuation meeting point, which is located between
Drakes Café and Rolle building

Keep hallways and fire exits clear of objects
DON’T

Wedge open fire doors, including the kitchen door

Leave food unattended when cooking as it might burn and set the alarm off

Use fire safety equipment unless trained to do so - leave it to the Security
staff/emergency services

Block or cover smoke and heat detectors

Spray aerosols or deodorant near the smoke detectors (this may set off a false alarm)

Use elevators in the event of an alarm (use the emergency staircase instead)
FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

It is against the University’s Student Code to intentionally set off or tamper with fire
alarms, fire extinguishers or other emergency equipment (except when done with the
reasonable belief in the existence of a need)

It is unlawful to interfere with any fire equipment apparatus or to use a fire extinguisher
or other fire protection equipment for anything other than its intended purpose

Smoke detectors located in your hall should not be tampered with or covered
FINES
Residence Life and the Hall Teams have a right to fine any resident who commits any of the
following:
Offence
Example fine amount
Smoking in halls
£50
Inappropriate
use
of
fire £25-£200
equipment
Failure/delay to evacuate building £25-£200
during fire alarm
Inappropriate
behaviour
or £25-£200
conduct
Fines will be separate to any damage charges incurred during any incident.
KEYS
When you arrive, you will be given a key and fob. If either are lost, it currently costs £50 to
replace key and £25 to replace fob, although these are subject to change. Please visit the
Residence Life Office to pay the replacement charge.
Please note: If you find your key/fob and return it to your hall provider within seven days of
having paid for the replacement, you will receive a full refund of the charge. If you find your
key/fob and return it to them after seven days have passed, you will receive a 50% refund of
the charge.
You are responsible for the security of your room keys. You are not allowed to loan your keys
to anyone at any time. If you are locked out of your room outside of your hall reception opening
hours, please call your Resident Assistant.
You are not allowed to transfer keys between individuals, or have duplicate keys made. If
caught, this may lead to immediate termination of residence.
If you lose your key, you are responsible for the cost of replacement.
You will need to give your keys back to the hall reception at the end of your contract. If you do
not return your key, you will not only incur a replacement key charge but also any associated
costs of changing relevant locks.
POST
All post should be clearly marked with your name and room number and sent to your hall at
following address:
Francis Drake Hall of Residence, James Street, Plymouth, Devon PL4 6AP
COLLECTING YOUR POST
You can collect your post from the Francis Drake Student Village Reception.
LARGE, ‘SIGNED FOR’, COURIERED AND RECORDED DELIVERY ITEMS
These are received (and signed for if necessary) by your hall reception. You will receive
notification that your post has arrived and you will be able to collect your item during office
hours. Please bring your student ID card for identification.
Please collect your post as soon as possible as there is limited storage in the offices.
THE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION CODE
Plymouth University is signed up to the Student Accommodation Code. This means that we
have gone the extra mile to ensure that you get the best quality accommodation. The Code is
managed by an external group which inspects our halls to ensure they are in good condition
for you.
The Code protects your rights to have:

A healthy and safe environment to live in

Swift repairs and quality maintenance

A clean and pleasant living environment

A formal and contractual agreement with us at the Residence Life and Student
Accommodation Service

Access to our quality health and wellbeing services

A living space free from anti-social behaviour
To view full details, please visit the Student Accommodation Code website.
STICKING TO THE RULES
When enrolling at Plymouth University, you would have been required to sign the Student
Code of Conduct, acknowledging your responsibility to not only be aware of, but also to follow,
the policies therein.
These policies include, but are not limited to, the following:

Being respectful to students, staff and Hall Teams

Compliance with the rules and regulations of the University and your Hall of Residence

Being aware of your conduct in both academic and recreational activities while you are
registered with the University

No bullying or harassment on sexual, ethnic, racial, disability or other grounds
Please note: If your programme leads to a professional qualification you must conduct
yourself in a manner appropriate to your profession. Failure to do this could affect your
opportunity to continue your studies as you may be referred to the Fitness to Practise Panel
for consideration under the relevant procedures.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Your University accommodation will be your home for the duration of your contract, and we
hope you will enjoy your time living with us.
Living with people in University accommodation brings with it a responsibility to treat others
as you would like to be treated yourself. Be conscious of your flatmates and neighbours whilst
you are socialising and taking part in recreational activities within your residence.
When living in a communal environment, you must be sensitive to the needs of your
housemates and neighbours, and a degree of compromise and tolerance is required. You are
responsible for your behaviour and that of any guests or visitors, and you are fully accountable
for your actions and those of any guests or visitors.
NEIGHBOURS
Our Halls of Residence are located in the city centre and therefore in a residential area. As
residents of our community we strive to be good neighbours and expect respectful interaction
regarding our neighbours at all times. Please do not make any loud noises when returning to
your hall at night as it may disturb those living nearby. Students who act unreasonably towards
other residents and/or neighbours may be subject to the disciplinary procedures of the
University, even if those offences committed took place outside the Halls of Residence
boundaries.
Raising Concerns about Exploitation, Radicalisation, Harm or Abuse
The University is committed to supporting and promoting the welfare of its students and is
committed to the provision of a safe environment conducive to work, study and the enjoyment
of a positive experience for all members of its learning community.
The University will take all safeguarding concerns, including suspicions and allegations of
exploitation, radicalisation, harm or abuse, seriously and will conduct a risk assessment
as soon as possible.
If the concern is found to be valid, the University will promptly make a referral to the
relevant statutory authority.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a fellow student in relation to suspicion of
allegations of exploitation or harm please contact Claire Oldfield on 01752 582052 or at
[email protected]. Claire Oldfield has responsibility for dealing with
concerns around allegations or suspicion of exploitation on behalf of the Director of
Student Services.
MUSIC AND NOISE
Please remember to respect and give consideration to other students living in halls, and to
your neighbours. If playing music, this should always be played at a reasonable volume and
bass. After 11pm all music and noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid the disturbance of
other residents. This time will be revised during revision and examination periods.
Please note: Sound travels through halls, so even if you are not playing music, loud voices
or slamming doors could disturb other residents.
If someone’s noise is causing you problems, you should contact your Resident Assistant in
the first instance.
ROOM ACCESS POLICY
If we need to enter your room we will give you a minimum of 24 hours’ notice except in an
emergency (for your safety or the safety of others) or for essential maintenance, which may
necessitate immediate entry.
GUESTS
Guests are permitted within halls, however if they are staying overnight you must inform the
Resident Assistant on duty at least 24 hours prior to their arrival; this due to fire and safety
regulations.
You are allowed to have guests stay overnight for up to two nights each month.
After midnight, unauthorised guests are not permitted to remain in your halls.
You are responsible for the actions and behaviour of your guests and must be present at all
times when your guests are in a University facility. Any guest in University approved facilities
must behave in accordance with Plymouth University policies and it is up to you to ensure this.
We hold you responsible for any damage or problems that a guest may cause.
If any of your guests are disruptive, the Residence Life Team has authority to ask them to
leave immediately.
SMOKING POLICY
Plymouth University is committed to a safe and healthy environment for all our staff, students
and visitors. This policy applies to all residents and is intended to protect the right of the nonsmoker not to be exposed to second hand tobacco smoke.
It is illegal to smoke tobacco or any other substance inside your room or any other area within
the hall. This extends to e-cigarettes. Anyone caught breaching this policy will be issued an
instant fine and further disciplinary action for repeat offences.
You are not permitted to smoke tobacco within five metres of any University building. The use
of e-cigarettes outside the hall and within five metres is allowed assuming the smoke produced
does not constitute a hazard to any non-smoking resident or staff.
DRUGS
WE HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE ON DRUGS
As a student of Plymouth University you have agreed to follow our Code of Conduct. This
means that illegal substances are prohibited and should you be found to be using illegal
substances you will face disciplinary action in line with the University’s Code of Conduct and
Disciplinary Procedure.
You must not engage in any of the following:

Use, possession or distribution of any drug or other controlled substance on University
premises, at University activities, or on premises over which the University has
supervisory responsibility (except as permitted by law and University regulations)

Being in a room where any drug or other controlled substance is being used

Association with the smell and/or other evidence of drugs, including drug paraphernalia

The use or possession of legal highs, such as but not limited to nitrous oxide
Possession or use on campus of items which are deemed to have been used in the
consumption of any dangerous or unlawful drug as defined by the laws of the United Kingdom,
will be confiscated until a conduct hearing can occur.
If you see or smell anyone using illegal substances in your hall, please tell your Hall Coordinator or Resident Assistant immediately.
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
You should familiarise yourself with the full regulations relating to the Student Code of Conduct
and Disciplinary Procedure.
All matters related to a breach of the Student Code of Conduct occurring in University
managed accommodation or in relation to any events organised by Residence life will,
in the first instance, be considered by The Head of Residence Life and Student
Accommodation Service or his nominee.
1. If it is suspected that you have committed a disciplinary offence or breached the
Student Code of Conduct, this will be investigated at one of the 3 stages set out below
in line with Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures:
a) Stage 1 Disciplinary Procedure:
This is the informal stage and is used to consider minor disciplinary issues.
At this stage the matter is investigated by the Residence Life and Student
Accommodation Office and then considered by the Head or Residence Life and
Student Accommodation Services or his nominee.
The student will normally be required to attend an informal meeting and the matter may
also be referred to the relevant School for information.
b) Stage 2 Disciplinary Procedure:
If matters are considered to be too serious for Stage 1 and require a more formal
investigation, then the matter will be considered at Stage 2. Any student who has been
subject to a previous Stage 1 Disciplinary investigation will automatically be referred
to Stage 2 if they commit a further breach of the Student Code of Conduct.
The Formal investigation will be conducted by the Head of Residence Life and Student
Accommodation Services or nominee.
Following investigation, the student may request an interview with the Head of
Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services.
c) Stage 3 Disciplinary Procedure:
Formal investigation, used for serious infringements.
The matter will be reported to the Head of Complaints, Appeals and Conduct who will
then carry out any further investigations into the incidents before a decision is made to
refer the matter to a Stage 3 Disciplinary Panel. Students are required to attend
Disciplinary Hearings and may bring a representative with them.
2.
Students on professional programmes should be aware that any breaches of the
Student Code of Conduct will automatically be referred to the relevant School for
consideration under Fitness to Practise
3.
Students may appeal against a decision or penalty imposed at any stage of the
disciplinary procedure within 10 working days of any decision or penalty being
imposed.
4.
Students who have been arrested, cautioned, or charged by the police are required to
report the matter to Head of Complaints, Appeals and Conduct.
If a student has been charged with a serious criminal offence the University reserves
the right to suspend the student from their studies pending the outcome of any criminal
investigation or court proceedings.
DAMAGE DEPOSITS
Your reservation fee becomes your damage deposit when you check in. The deposit is held
securely for the term of your residence in halls. This will be used to pay for any damages that
you are deemed to have caused, any damage not attributable to an individual in an area that
you have access to, or any rent outstanding.

Any damages caused accidently or maliciously will be charged using the charges set
by each of the hall providers

Damages to your room will be allocated to you

Damages committed by your visitors will be attributed to you

As per your Licence Agreement, communal and unattributable damages will be divided
amongst the residents with access to the affected area if no individual resident is
identified following investigation by the Residence Life Team (for example, if an item
in the kitchen is damaged, no resident admits to it, and the Residence Life Team
investigation cannot identify the individual who has caused the damage, all residents
who had access to the area at the time of the incident will be charged an equal share
of the item’s repair/replacement cost)

Damage charges will be added to your account as and when they occur; we will advise
you of any charges added to your account with the reasons why (appeals to damage
costs can be made to the Residence Life Office if necessary)
On the following pages are some examples of the approximate charges that the hall providers
can impose for individual and communal damage. This list is not exhaustive and the charges
are not limited to the amounts stated herein.
INDIVIDUAL AREAS
Item
Examples
of Examples
approximate
approximate
removal/
cleaning cost
replacement cost
Bed
£177.00
Mattress (single)
£122.00
Shelf
£51.00
£11.00
Study chair
£83.00
£11.00
Wardrobe
£177.00
£11.00
Mirror
£51.00
£11.00
Notice board
£45.00
Desk lamp
£24.00
Curtains
£59.00
Waste bin
£14.00
Carpet/floor covering per m²
£17.50/m²
£118.00
Toilet (en-suite)
£233.00
£22.00
Shower (en-suite)
£226.00
£22.00
Basin/tap
£194.00
£11.00
Electrical socket
£16.00
Toilet seat
£35.00
Stickers on door
£22.00
Blu/white tac marks on wall (requires £68.00
£11.00
£23.00
£11.00
£22.00
repainting)
Lighting
£55.00
Fire retardant door
£561.00
Signs and notice
£11.00
Rubbish removal (per bag)
£7.00
Mood lamp
£20
£11.00
of
COMMUNAL AREAS
Item
Examples
of
approximate
removal/replacement/cleaning
cost
Fridge
£187.00
Freezer
£192.00
Fridge/freezer
£422.00
Microwave
£94.00
Kettle
£27.00
Toaster
£34.00
Iron/ironing board
£66.00
Vacuum cleaner
£134.00
Recycling bin
£22.00
Waste bin
£21.00
Hob
£257.00
Oven
£399.00
Extractor fan
£90.00
Kitchen door
£627.00
Counter top
£12.50/m²
Sink and drainer unit
£145.00
Kitchen chair
£42.00
Kitchen table
£250.00
Cupboard (door replacement)
£40.00
Notice board (clean)
£11.00
All ceilings and walls (repainting)
£2.50/m²
Floor covering per m²
£17.50/m²
Radiator
£229.00
Fire blanket
£26.00
Item
Examples
approximate
replacement/
cleaning cost
Powder/water fire extinguisher
£75.00
Mop/bucket/dustpan and brush/wet floor sign
£40.00
Communal walls and ceilings
£2.50/m²
Corridor floor surface
£17.50/m²
Communal lighting (per light)
£57.00
Communal shower
£226.00
Communal wash hand basin/tap
£194.00
Communal bathroom mirror
£51.00
Communal toilet
£233.00
Communal toilet seat and cover
£35.00
Rubbish removal (per bag)
£7.00
Blue soft covering chair (in Francis Drake)
£156.00
Window film
£5.00/m²
OTHER CHARGES
Fire extinguisher tag
£25
Biohazard clear up (eg vomit)
£130
of
IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM
If you are concerned about your studies or any other issues, tell your Resident Assistant as
soon as possible. They are trained to assist you and give you support. You can call them on
07815 535834.
SECURITY
For on-campus halls we have 24-hour security all year round. Our security staff make regular
visits to on-campus halls and areas surrounding halls to ensure your safety. All of our security
staff are first aid qualified and respond to all emergencies. They can easily be reached by
calling 01752 588400 (or 01752 583333 in an emergency).
MAINTENANCE
Your hall provider is responsible for maintenance of your hall. It is important that you notify
them of any maintenance issues as soon as possible.
For emergencies out of office hours, report the fault as soon as possible to the Resident
Assistant on duty for your hall. They will investigate the fault and if required, will arrange for
maintenance to be called out.
During office hours, you can contact your hall provider in one of the following ways:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01752 582990
In person: Visit the Student Village Reception in Francis Drake
After the fault has been logged, a maintenance worker will visit within a set response time.
Please note: In an emergency there may be occasions where prior notification cannot be
given to gain access to your room eg flood, fire or suspected fire.
Priority
Condition
Usual response time
classification
Very urgent
Failure or need for 1 hour to make safe
repair
which 24 hours to restore or
constitutes a danger, make
suitable
health
hazard
or alternative
seriously affects the arrangements
occupation
of
the
premises
Urgent
Affects amenities but 24 hours to make safe
does
not
seriously Up to 48 hours to
affect occupation of resolve
the premises or the
residents’
living
conditions
Routine
All other conditions
1 week
Requirement
Usual response time
Building maintenance
2 hours to 14 days
Water, plumbing, heating and 2 hours to 7 days
lighting
Health and safety
30 minutes to 14 days
Cleaning and waste
2 hours to 24 hours
Security
30 minutes to 24 hours
Other facilities
72 hours
COUNSELLING
You can use the University’s Counselling Service to receive extra support with anything that
may be troubling you.
We have a number of services that are available to support you. If you feel that you need to
speak to someone, contact your Resident Assistant and they can advise you on whom you
can speak to. A detailed list of all the contacts in the Counselling Service is available on the
Student Counselling and Personal Development Service website.
Booking an appointment with the Counselling Service is easy:
 Contact your Resident Assistant
 Call 01752 587676 and select option 1
 Book an appointment on the phone
 Meet with a staff member on campus
If it is an emergency, always call 999 then contact your Resident Assistant on duty.
If it is urgent but not an emergency, call the 24-hour Counselling Service number
08000 420134 for support.
The University also offers e-counselling. If you would prefer to discuss some issues with
a counsellor online you can email them directly at [email protected].
LEAVING HALLS EARLY
You are able to move out of your hall before your Licence end date but you will still be
financially liable for hall fees for the remainder of your Licence Agreement. The Licence is a
legally binding agreement, meaning you are signed up to pay your residential fees for the full
length of that agreement. To avoid charges, you will need to find a suitable Plymouth
University student to replace you and take on paying the full remainder of the Licence.
The Residence Life Office has a policy to strictly enforce this financial obligation. If you wish
to request an early departure with a reduced financial obligation, then appeals must be sent
to the Head of Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services. All appeals must detail
(and provide evidence of) the reasons for early departure and the reason why the financial
obligation should not be applied. Please send this to [email protected].
Please note: Parents/guardians/guests driving onto campus to collect residents’ possessions
will need to collect a temporary parking permit (30 minute stay) from the main reception in the
Roland Levinsky building.
AT THE END OF YOUR LICENCE
GETTING YOUR DEPOSIT BACK
We will send out full details/reminders of the leaving procedures by email as it gets closer to
the end of your Licence Agreement. For now, here is an overview of the process:

When you are ready to hand in your keys you will need to book a hall provider
inspection

We strongly advise that you are present for the inspection of your room by the hall
provider so that you can query any damage charges they may add

During this inspection a member of the halls staff will visit your room and communal
areas with you, assess and discuss any damage

Your deposit will be returned within 28 days of your Licence Agreement ending
IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE OUT OF OFFICE HOURS
You will need to contact your Resident Assistant to sign over your room key when you are
ready to leave. The hall provider will conduct a room inspection without you present. You will
be sent an email requesting your bank details and your deposit will be returned within 28 days
of the end of your Licence Agreement.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN YOU ARE MOVING OUT

Re-direct your mail - all mail received after departure will be returned to sender

Empty and clean your room and kitchen, leave them in the condition you received them
(if you do not, you may incur a cleaning charge and/or rubbish removal charge)

Lock your door and close your windows on departure

If you wish to appeal any charges raised upon your checkout inspection, please send
these to [email protected].
OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING
Once you start the academic year there may be pressure from friends, family and letting
agents for you to start looking for a house to stay in for the following year. Once you are signed
into an agreement you are liable for rent for the full length of that agreement.
You can use your University email address to log on to the online database of properties that
we use called Plymouth Studentpad.

The properties on Plymouth Studentpad are managed by the property owners
themselves, so you can deal directly with the landlords and will not have to pay any
agency fees

The Residence Life Office has an Off-Campus Housing Co-ordinator to inspect
properties advertised on Plymouth Studentpad; it is advisable to rent through this
means to ensure the quality of your accommodation

Remember, despite what letting agencies tell you, there is no shortage of housing in
Plymouth - you can shop around for the best deals

When you are looking through properties, it is a good idea to prepare a checklist to
make sure that you are getting all the facilities that are important to you

We strongly recommend that you do not sign any agreement for private
accommodation until you have seen the property

Sessions will be run during autumn offering you advice and guidance on booking
private accommodation for your subsequent years at Plymouth University, and alerting
you to the pitfalls to avoid - try to attend these sessions if you can

You can join our Private Accommodation Facebook Group for further information and
support, and to connect with other Plymouth University students currently searching
for, or living in, private accommodation
POINTS TO REMEMBER

Don’t book too early

There is an abundance of choice so wait until you have all the facts

Be certain you want to share together

Once you sign the contract you are committed

We cannot intervene and get you out of a contract if you change your mind
If you need any further advice or assistance in respect of private accommodation, please
contact the Residence Life Team.
GET IN TOUCH
YOUR RESIDENCE LIFE OFFICE TEAM
Scott Walker
Head of Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services
Amanda Lance
Student Development and Support Manager
Jonny Dredge
Student Accommodation Operations Lead
Hayley McCarthy
Off-Campus Housing Co-ordinator
Lucy Finch
Finance Administrator
Sarah Fuqua
Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services Assistant (Operations)
Anna Lockey
Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services Assistant (Social Media)
Cara-Marie Baker
Residence Life and Student Accommodation Services Administration Assistant
CONTACTS
RESIDENCE LIFE AND STUDENT ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Mary Newman Hall, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA
[email protected]
01752 588645
DISABILITY ASSIST
01752 587676
LIBRARY SERVICES
017525 88588
COUNSELLING
01752 587676
STUDENT UNION
01752 588388
DOCTORS (UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTRE)
01752 222341
CAMPUS GYM
01752 588510