For large print version please ask at reception.

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WELCOME We’re really pleased you’ve chosen to live with us and we hope you’ll be happy in your new home. On the following pages you’ll find almost everything you need to know about living in Central Link and Central St James. Your safety and comfort are our primary concern, so we will need to visit your room/flat a few times a year to carry out inspections, maintenance, safety checks and see how you’re looking after the property. Please read the Essential First Steps section now, it tells you what to do when you move in, and keep this guide handy – you’ll need it again. Welcome, and have a great time.

ESSENTIAL FIRST STEPS

On moving in:

1. Use the Check-in Inventory to check that you have everything listed in your flat and your room, and that nothing is damaged or missing.

2. If there is anything damaged or missing, make a note of it on the Check-in Inventory Record- you’ll see a box there for your comments. Then pass this to a member of the Management Team.

If we don’t hear from you within 48 hours we’ll ass ume everything is ok and there are no defects. 3. Get together with your new flatmates to agree a cleaning rota for the parts of the

flat that you share – the corridor, kitchen and living space. Buy bin bags and use them!

4. Don’t wait until the end of the year! Keep your flat and room clean and let us know about any damage. We inspect all common areas at least once a term (giving you notice before we do), and we’ll bill you straight away for any damage or cleaning if necessary.

Look at the charging schedule (a copy is in the back of this guide). This is what we’ll charge you if things are damaged or the flat is left dirty. Scary isn’t it? Keep it clean and you’ll protect your deposit and impress your friends.

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THE ON-SITE TEAM Halls Manager – John Watson Assistant Manager – Janice Price Receptionist – Julie Richardson Reception telephone no. 0191 2326821 Out of hours telephone no. 0191 2326821 Fax no. 0191 2327167

The Office The main office is situated in Central Link and is open for enquiries during office hours, Monday-Friday. Precise times, contact phone numbers and email addresses will be displayed in the reception area. The full postal address for: CENTRAL LINK is: CENTRAL ST JAMES is: FLAT No# BLOCK CENTRAL LINK WELLINGTON STREET NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE4 5SA

FLAT No# CENTRAL ST JAMES BATH STREET NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE4 5SN

NB: Please note that Wellington Street is a continuation of Bath Street.

Car Park Sorry – there is strictly No Car Parking On Site . There are various car parks in close proximity; details can be found on Newcastle City Council website website. The Car Parking spaces designated on site are for registered disabled car permit holders only. The Laundry There’s a coin operated laundry at ground level, you’ll need your fob for access. Circuit Laundry Services manage and maintain the machines. If there is a problem you should report it to them on FREEPHONE 0800 092 4068 manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note we can’t be held responsible for damage to your laundry. The Vend prices are £2.20 per wash and £1.00 per 50 minute dry.

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The Common Room The Common Room is the perfect location to meet friends or chill out in relaxed surroundings. For your entertainment, the following have been provided.

Flat Screen TV PS3 Games Console Pool Table Table Tennis table (Central St James only) The Bin Store Charges will be made if rubbish is not disposed of in an orderly manner. All refuse must be placed in sealed bin bags and disposed of daily inside the bins in the designated Bin Store. Please ensure that boxes are flattened before being placed into the bins. Separate bins are available for glass bottles. Make sure that the door closes behind you when you leave the building.

If it’s your rubbish, bag it, bin it or recycle it! Bicycles If you have a bicycle please asks at Reception and your fob will be programmed to allow access to the bike store. Please don’t bring bikes into the accommodation blocks as we don’t allow it. Bring a lock to secure your and for extra security remove the saddle and quick-release wheels. Post Post will be delivered to the mail boxes which are situated in the entrance of each block. Management cannot accept responsibility for any post that is lost or misplaced and do not have the authority to sign for any post or parcels delivered.

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Keys and Security

1. Look after your key/fob (see the charging schedule in the back of this guide for replacement costs). You must report the loss of your key/fob to staff immediately. If you lock yourself out, you will be charged if someone is called out to give you access.

2. Never write your address on your fob or key ring. 3. Use the intercom system - but you can’t automatically release the front door. 4. Be vigilant! Don’t let anyone through the doors who you don’t know and don’t let

them pass through an open door, however plausible they seem. 5. Always lock doors and windows when you go out and at night. We can’t be held

responsible if anything is stolen. 6. At the end of your stay return your key/fob to us.

ALWAYS LOCK UP WHEN YOU GO OUT!

Closed Circuit Television For your safety and security, all communal areas are covered by CCTV. These include outside areas, reception and the entrances to accommodation blocks, all lifts, common room and laundry. YOUR FLAT Visitors and Guests

You’re welcome to have a friend occasionally share your room overnight, but to comply with fire regulations, you must tell us, this is very important. Please have consideration for your flatmates. You are responsible for the behaviour of your guests and any damage they might cause. Any guest wishing to stay longer than two nights needs the permission of the Halls Management. If you don’t tell us about your guests you risk losing your tenancy.

Internet Connection

The internet connection available in your bedroom is part of your tenancy package and is provided and maintained by Ask4. On arrival please speak to Ask4 staff or the hall staff for a connection DVD.

The network is not wireless so you will also need a CAT5 Patch Cable (also known as an Ethernet Cable) to connect. These will be available from Ask4 staff, during the move in period, and are priced at £3.00.

Quick Checklist for connection:

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- Connection DVD

- CAT5 Patch Cable

Once you have these things, you can activate your internet connection by following the instructions on the Connection DVD and the Signup Wizard.

Signing up is very easy. All you need to do is plug the CAT5 cable in to you computer and in to the wall socket in your room. Insert the DVD in to your computer and follow the on screen prompts.

If you have any problems please give the Ask4 support team a call on 0845 123 8710 or you can text ‘Help Me’ to 07797 800 545 and one of their team will call you back. The support centre is open 24 hours per day throughout September and October and from 8am – 10pm Weekdays and 10am – 8pm Weekends at other times of the year. You can also email support@ask4.com or log a query on the ask4 website.

Insurance

Insurance cover for your personal possessions is included in the rent you pay. This is provided by Endsleigh Insurance. Full details of the insurance cover are in your welcome pack. It is important that you read and understand this document.

There may be a limit on the value to which individual items are insured.

Please note it is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover is adequate for your possessions.

Keep it Clean

You and your flatmates are jointly responsible for the cleanliness of the flat. The kitchen and communal areas in your flat will be inspected on a regular basis. You will be notified in advance of any inspection. If the flat is found to be dirty, cleaners will be brought in and the costs divided between all students living in the flat. We have provided you with some bin bags and a copy of the cleaning rota to get you started.

Happy Cleaning!

Damage

You will be charged for any damage in your own flat.

Any damage in the communal areas in your flat will be charged and the cost split between you and your flatmates, unless the person responsible for the damage accepts responsibility. Any damage in the communal areas outside the flat will be charged to all students collectively in the building, unless the person responsible is identified. Remember that when signing the tenancy agreement you accept joint responsibility with other students sharing the same flat. See the Charging Schedule for details of the charges.

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Walls

Don’t stick or nail anything to walls in the bedroom or communal areas. Sticky tape, nails, blue tack etc all cause damage. Instead use the pin board in your room. You will be charged for damage to walls.

Vacuum Cleaners

Always use a bag. Should the vacuum fail to clean properly, before you contact our office please check that the bag does not need emptying (replacement bags can be purchased in reception), that the hose is not blocked and that the brushes are not tangled up with string, hair etc.

Smoking

Smoking in all parts of the building is strictly forbidden. Please don’t smoke where you shouldn’t and be considerate to non-smokers – smoking is offensive to those who don’t.

Pets

Sorry, but animals are not allowed in our accommodation. Even your favourite goldfish is not welcome.

TV Licence

Tenants are individually responsible for a TV licence when they have a TV in their own room. You are also jointly responsible for the TV licence in the lounge area. Please pick up a TV licence leaflet in reception for more information.

Computers, hi-fi, iPods etc

If you bring electrical items with you make sure they are safe. Using something that’s poorly maintained or improperly fused is putting you and your flat mates at risk. You will be responsible for accidents resulting from faulty equipment or equipment that falls short of European or British standards.

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Portable Heaters

Please don’t bring your own portable heater – they are a fire risk and we don’t allow them in our accommodation.

Please don’t overload sockets with multiple adaptor s – use one plug to one socket.

REPAIRS

We work hard to make sure you are happy and to look after your accommodation. All repairs should be reported to the office staff using a Repair Request Form . When you sign the repair request form you give permission for the property maintenance team to enter your accommodation to assess and fix the fault reported. If, however, you prefer to be present you can say so on the form but bear in mind that arranging a convenient time may delay the repair.

For greater security, contractors do not hold keys for any Downing student properties, but instead they must collect them from staff onsite.

EMERGENCIES (OUT OF HOURS)

If you have a major power failure or major flood, please contact the out of hours Security Guard on 0191 2326821 (24hrs) or go to Central Link Reception. They will assess the situation and decide if it needs to be dealt with immediately.

NB: The out of hours Repair Service should only be used if there is a risk to personal safety or where the damage is serious.

NOTE: All day-to-day repairs or non-urgent repairs should be reported to the Halls Management Team at Reception.

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TROUBLE SHOOTING

Instruction Manual

You should have an instruction manual in your flat that tells you how to work all the equipment in it. Please familiarise yourself with the contents. If you do not have an instruction manual, please contact your Halls Manager.

Trip Switches (Circuit Breakers)

Trip switches will automatically turn off the electricity if there is a fault. This could be for a variety of reasons. Typical faults include sockets that are overloaded, a light bulb that ‘blows’ or if a faulty appliance is used. These devices are very safe and sensitive.

For example, if a light bulb blows it can trip the circuit and all the lights will go out. You need to go to the ‘fuse box’ and reset the trip. The ‘fuse box’ is located in the hallway cupboard in the cluster flats and on the wall behind the door in the studio flats.

It is best to turn off all the trip switches including the main switch first. Then turn the main switch back on, proceeded by all the smaller trip switches.

If the tripped switch is for sockets and will not reset, you need to check the faulty appliance is not still plugged in. This could include hairdryers, kettles, toasters or even your fridge freezer. Eliminate and isolate your appliances until you find the item which has caused the electricity to trip off. If this doesn’t work, or the supply keeps going off, please contact the Halls Management Team.

Door Intercom

Once the relevant button on the entrance panel has been pressed, the audio receiver will give an audible call tone.

For audio communication press the audio speech button – this button must be pressed to speak and released to hear the visitor at the entrance panel.

Once communication has been made the receiver will deactivate automatically.

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Please Note: the release lock button on the receive r only ends the communication; it will not open the front entrance to your accommodation block.

Used to end communication

This button must be pressed to speak and released to listen to the visitor at the entrance panel.

Isolation Switches

All electrical appliances which use a large amount of electricity are fitted with separate isolation switches for safety. In your kitchen there will be an isolation switch for the cooker and fridges. An isolator enables an electrical engineer to safely work on the protected circuit. If you find your cooker or fridge isn’t working, please check to make sure the isolation switch is in the “on” position before reporting the fault.

Condensation

Condensation is caused when moisture meets a cold surface (such as window) or a surface that gets little air (e.g. behind a wardrobe) and water droplets are formed. The water then seeps into windows and/or runs down the walls, which can cause paint to peel and create mould patches. It is your responsibility to prevent it. This can be done by:

• Closing the kitchen door when cooking (this is a fire door and should never be wedged open) and if possible keep a window open. Use the boost facility on the extractor fan when required.

• Covering pans when boiling. • Keeping the bathroom door shut during and after a bath/shower. • Use the dryers in the laundry or dry clothes in a room with window open. • Trying to keep heating on a low constant temperature, increasing the heat as and

when required. This will eliminate the cold surfaces.

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TRAVEL

Many of the facilities within Newcastle are within reasonable cycling and walking distances, on safe routes. In Reception you will find local cycling and bus route information and how to get a student pass for public transport

THINK GREEN – BE GREEN

Central Link and Central St James are designed to be energy efficient. You can help by taking a few simple steps to reduce energy usage and conserve natural resources.

• Turn off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use.

• Unplug electronic devices and chargers when not in use.

• Most new electronics use electricity even when switched OFF. Turn computers and printers off at the mains when not in use.

• Reduce lighting where possible. Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and communal areas. Don’t leave lights on when you go out.

FIRE SAFETY

Your building, your flat and your bedroom are protected by a sophisticated fire and smoke alarm system. This is to protect you .

We don’t want to scare you, but fires can happen so please don’t mess with fire fighting equipment and be smart –

• Never burn candles, oil burners or joss sticks – they’re dangerous and are banned from our accommodation

• Don’t smoke anywhere in the building, it is strictly forbidden

• Keep an eye on the cooker when in use, never leave an open pan unattended

• Don’t cook using a dirty grill pan, hob or microwave – this is a fire risk!

• Don’t cook after a night out!

• Don’t wedge open fire doors in common areas or in your flat – they are designed to close automatically and can save your life.

Chip Pans

Because of the increased number of fires caused by chip pans we do not allow them in our kitchens. Deep-fat fryers are also banned unless they are thermostatically controlled.

Barbecues

We don’t allow barbecues on our property.

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Fire Drills

The fire alarms are tested every week – times are displayed on notices in reception and in the entrance of each block. There are fire drills throughout the year – we’ll let you know when. Don’t ignore them.

In your flat you’ll find details on how to evacuate the building and where to assemble outside. Familiarise yourself with them – they can save your life.

On discovering a fire

• Sound the fire alarm from the nearest manual call point (break glass)

• Leave the building immediately

• Call the Fire Brigade

• Let staff know any details that will assist the Fire Brigade on their arrival

On hearing the fire alarm

• Leave the building immediately

• Close doors behind you

• Don’t use lifts

• Don’t rush or push

• Meet at the assembly point (identified in the notice on the back of your flat door)

• Don’t attempt to re-enter the building until a fire officer or team member says it is safe to do so.

Fire Equipment

Fire fighting equipment exists for your safety, don’t misuse it. Misusing the fire equipment (including fire extinguishers and fire blankets) will seriously jeopardise your tenancy, and the lives of you and your neighbours.

Any interference with it may incur penalties either against you alone or your flatmates (see Charges Schedule ) and may lead to criminal prosecution and imprisonment .

Sorry, but we don’t compromise anyone’s safety by excusing pranks.

Don’t ever tamper with detectors or cover them – they can save your life. Tampering with a detector will show as a fault on our fire pa nel.

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LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

Personal Care

You should register with a local doctor as soon as possible. Information about how to find a doctor and how to register is available from your university or college, or ask our staff for advice.

Pastoral Care

We think providing help and support is vital to build a positive relationship with all our tenants. Our team has the skills and experience to guide you through problems and difficulties, discretely and effectively. We can help with most things: feeling homesick, not getting on with flatmates and financial worries. And if we can’t help, then we’ll know someone who can.

Don’t feel embarrassed about approaching us for advice and support – we all need support at one time or another. Contact any member of the team during office hours to discuss in confidence any issues you may have.

Windows

You are asked to ensure that all windows are closed when you go out.

PLEASE LOCK YOUR BEDROOM DOOR WHEN UNOCCUPIED

TENANCY ISSUES

Rent

You will have agreed the method of paying your rent in your contract. If you’ve got problems paying your rent please talk to us – we’ll help as much as we can.

Moving Flats

You must remain in the room to which you are contracted. If you want to move please contact us first, we’ll help you through the formalities.

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Before You Leave Us

1. Think about staying. Let us know ASAP if you would like to stay on in the same flat or if you want to move to an alternative. We’ll help sort it out for you.

2. Arrange with Royal Mail to have post forwarded to your new address. We cannot forward or hold on to post.

3. Get together with your flatmates to make the shared areas clean and tidy, Empty your fridge/freezer and kitchen cupboards and clean if required.

4. Leave your own room clean and tidy.

5. Remove everything you brought with you.

6. Remove all rubbish to the bin store

7. Return your keys.

Personal Property

You are asked to remove all your personal goods and furniture when you leave.

You may be charged for removal of any items left behind.

Damage and Cleaning Charges

We really do try to be fair about ordinary wear and tear to our flats but we will charge for any damage or if you leave your room/flat in an unacceptable condition (see the charging schedule). The costs in the schedule are a guide to the charges that can be applied, but can vary according to the extent of the damage, or condition of the premises.

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Charging Schedule: Damage to Property

CHARGE £ CHARGE £

Furniture/Soft Furnishings Replacement mattress 109.00

Broken bed base (double) 168.00

Broken bed base (3/4) 163.00

Damaged desk chair 55.00

Damaged wardrobe 140.00

Damaged wardrobe shelf or pole 31.00

Damaged study bedroom desk 115.00

Damaged study bedroom worktop 115.00

Replace kitchen stool 42.00

Replace bedroom mirror 34.00

Replacement sofa (2 Seater) 394.00

Replacement sofa (3 Seater) 444.00

Replacement coffee table 122.00

Replacement curtains (per window) 55.00

Clean sofa 26.00

Electrical Equipment

Replacement larder fridge 172.00

Replacement fridge with ice box 168.00

Replacement fridge/freezer 389.00

Replacement fridge handles 33.00

Replacement freezer door 111.00

Replacement freezer drawer 33.00

Replacement oven 163.00

Replacement hob 125.00

Replacement cooker grill pan 33.00

Replacement grill pan handle 13.00

Replacement microwave 68.00

Replacement microwave plate 20.00

Replacement kettle 20.00

Replacement Iron 10.00

Replacement Toaster 20.00

Replacement Vacuum Cleaner 90.00

Replacement TV (26 inch) 337.00

Replacement TV (32 inch) 376.00

Replacement TV Remote control 33.00

Electrical Fittings

Replacement light covers 20.00

Replacement smoke/heat detector 46.00

Replacement light switch/socket 33.00

Fire Fighting Appliances Refill fire extinguisher 20.00

Replace fire extinguisher (Water 6ltr) 52.00

Replace fire extinguisher (CO2 2kg) 62.00

Replace fire extinguisher (CO2 5kg) 141.00

Replace fire extinguisher (Powder 2kg) 28.00

Malicious damage to break glass 130.00

Replace missing fire blankets 22.00

Carpet

Replace study bedroom carpet (per/m2) 22.00

Replace communal hall carpet (per/m2) 22.00

Replace lounge flooring (per/m2) 28.00

Deep cleaning of study bedroom carpet 40.00

Deep cleaning of hall carpet 40.00

Deep cleaning of lounge flooring 40.00

General Items Replacement ironing board 45.00

Replacement dust pan and brush 6.50

Replacement mop and bucket 6.50

Replacement 50lt swing bin 15.00

Decoration Redecoration to study bedroom due to damage to wall decorations i.e. Posters, blue/white tack etc 156.00

Redecoration to communal hallway due to damage to wall decorations i.e. posters, blue/white tack etc 156.00

Redecoration to communal lounge due to damage to wall decorations i.e. posters, blue/white tack etc 208.00

Redecoration to shower room due to damage to wall decorations i.e. posters, blue/white tack etc 65.00

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Plumbing Replace wash hand basin 195.00

Replace toilet pan 260.00

Replace toilet seat 65.00

Replace shower curtain 50.00

Replace shower hose 35.00

Replace toilet brush and holder 8.00

Lock changes Out of hour’s change of lock to Study bedroom door 195.00

Normal hours change of lock to Study bedroom door 104.00

Replace keys in normal office hours:

- 1 key 20.00

- 2 keys 33.00

Replacement fob 33.00

Misuse of safety equipment Malicious use of fire alarms 100.00

False activation of fire detection System 130.00

Misuse of fire fighting equipment Auto door closer (replacement) 100.00

Auto door closer (reinstatement) 130.00

Fire safety sign replacement 50.00

Window safety lock reinstatement 13.00

Window safety lock replacement 46.00

Removal of obstructions to FireExit route20.00

Other Charges Late payment of rent 7 days after due date 40.00

Each 21 days after due date 25.00

Tenancy charges

Room move – transfer 50.00

Change to signed tenancy 50.00

General cleaning charges

Flat entrance/ corridors Hall carpet 15.00

Electrical appliance 8.00

Kitchen/lounge Kitchen flooring 15.00

Remove rubbish per bag 10.00

Fridge/freezer 15.00

Oven and hob 40.00

Microwave 15.00

Kitchen 50.00

Curtain clean 25.00

Bedroom Bedroom carpet 15.00

Room clean 15.00

Drawing pins removal 10.00

Curtain clean 20.00

En-suite bathroom

Bathroom clean 25.00

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USEFUL NUMBERS AND WEBSITES

Central Link Reception 0191 2326821

Fax 0191 2327167

Out of Hours Security and Emergencies 0191 2326821

Emergency Services (Police, Fire Brigade, Ambulance) 999

Local Police Station (Pilgrim Street) 0191 2146555

Non Emergency Police 0345 6043043

NHS information Line 0800 1 513513

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

RVI Hospital Accident & Emergency 0191 2336161

RVI Hospital Minor Injuries Unit 0191 2820531

Dental Hospital 0191 2336161

Talk to Frank 0800 77 66 00

Newcastle University switchboard 0191 2226000

Northumbria University switchboard 0191 2326002

Newcastle College switchboard 0191 2004000

Newcastle College International Office 0191 2266323

Student Loans Company www.slc.co.uk

Endsleigh Insurance www.endsleigh.co.uk

Laundry Maintenance 0800 092 4068

Ask4 internet support 0845 1238710