Student Accommodation FAQs

Halls of Residence FAQs

Answers to your questions about student accommodation.

The halls we feature are owned by private companies who specialise in student accommodation. If you don't find the answer you need here, please visit their websites and contact them directly.

Show all sections

Is Abertay your first choice (firm)?

If you have firmly accepted a conditional or unconditional offer to study with us in UCAS, you will receive an email inviting you to apply for student accommodation.

 

Is Abertay your second choice (insurance)?

If Abertay is your second or insurance choice, you can’t apply for Abertay student accommodation until you firmly accept our offer.

So if you’re waiting for exam results in August, student accommodation options may be limited by then.

You can apply for any other accommodation where we don't have agreements. While we can't guarantee our student accommodation partners will have spaces, we'll give you information about other options. This means alternatives like renting privately, applying to other student accommodation providers or deferring your place to study at Abertay until the following year.

What is the arrangement between the University and Parker House / Lyon St?

We have a contract with Parker House and Lyon Street Terrace. This means a number of rooms are reserved exclusively for Abertay students.

How do I book a room?

If you're a new student and have made us your first choice in UCAS, you will receive an email about booking accommodation.

Find all the details on the how to apply for accommodation page.

Will my lease be with the halls or Abertay University?

Your lease (aka tenancy agreement) will be with the company who run the hall you are staying in, not the University.

How long will my lease be?

It depends. There are different lease times depending on what you decide.

Will I be sharing a room/flat only with Abertay students?

No, you may be sharing your halls of residence with students from other institutions. 

How do I pay my rent?

You pay direct to the student accommodation provider and set this up as part of your booking process. You may also need to pay a deposit.

We have special rent rates in Parker House and Lyon Street Terrace.

Find out more on the student rooms and halls page or visit the rent and payment FAQs.

Does the rent include utility bills?

Yes, the rent charge covers the wifi, electricity, gas and water costs. It also includes basic contents insurance cover and services such as 24/7 security if they provide that.

You need to buy your own TV licence if you watch TV on any device. Students in halls usually don't pay council tax.

 

Can I transfer if I want to move to another residence?

No, unfortunately this isn't possible as you sign a contract with a specific provider and they are all different.

If you have any issues with your flat or flatmates, please speak to a member of staff working for the management company in your residence who will do their best to help you resolve any issues.

Do I have to buy a TV licence?

Yes. You need a licence if you watch television programmes on any device. If you do not buy one you could be prosecuted and fined. Please go to the TV Licensing website for more information.

Will I have access the internet from my room?

Yes. There is free wifi and often a broadband connection in each bedroom.

Can I smoke in my bedroom?

No. Smoking is strictly prohibited in every part of the residence buildings at all times. This includes vaping.

If you wish to smoke, cigarette bins are usually provided outside the building but within the secure perimeter of the complex.

Abertay University has a strict no smoking policy throughout the campus as well.

Are there any parking spaces?

Contact the hall for this information. They usually have spaces which you'll need to pay for.

Can I pay rent in instalments?

Yes. Rent is usually paid monthly. You'll set this up as part of the application process.

What types of rooms are available?

You can find out more on the student rooms & halls page and you can also view the rooms on the Parker House or Lyon Street Terrace website.

What fittings are included ?

This list is to give you an idea of the fixtures and fittings. Contact the halls you've chosen for full details.

Bedroom: Bed, bedside cabinet, over-bed light, pin board, desk, storage space, bookshelves, drawers.

Kitchen/Lounge areas: TV, microwave, fridge freezer, cupboards, hob/oven and extractor, some also have sofas and vacuum cleaners.

This may change depending on the room type you decide to go for.

 

What is not provided?

Bedding, crockery, cutlery, kitchen utensils, toaster, kettle, iron and ironing board, dustpan/brush, mop/bucket, a TV licence if you plan to watch TV.

How many people will I share an apartment with?

What happens if I want to leave part way through the tenancy?

You can leave your accommodation at any time. BUT whenever you leave, you may be liable for the full amount of rent for the full period of your lease. It depends on the terms of your contract.

You need to discuss that with the company running the hall you are living in.

Is there any security?

Most halls have the following:

  • 24-hour security.

  • CCTV system.

  • Electronic fob entry system.

  • Security door entry to each block with intercom.

  • Bedroom door locks.

All windows have restricted opening for security and safety reasons.

Is there bike storage?

Yes, usually, and it is free of charge. Check on the website of the hall you've chosen for full details.

Is general maintenance provided?

Yes, the onsite management office in your hall will be able to resolve any maintenance issues you may have. They also often have a 24-hour emergency service for any out of hours emergency issues.

Pause carousel

Play carousel