my exeter community guide
DESCRIPTION
A student guide to living in ExeterTRANSCRIPT
St David’sStation
CentralStation
ST LUKE’SCAMPUS
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ROYAL DEVON& EXETER HOSPITAL
(WONFORD)
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academic/non-residential
University self-catered residence
recommended routesto our campuses
Exeter Phoenix
Guildhall shopping centre
Harlequins shopping centre
Princesshay shopping centre
one-way
parking
Honiton Road park & ride
place of interest
bus and coach station
pedestrian area
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7
Honiton Road park & ride
bottle bankstadium
pedestrian areabus and coach station
one-wayparking
St David’sStation
CentralStation
ST LUKE’SCAMPUS
STREATHAM CAMPUS
ST D
AVID
’S HILL
HELE R D
FORE S
T
QU
EEN ST
H IGH ST
S IDW
ELL ST
YORK RDBL ACKBOY RD
MT
PLE
ASA
NT
RD
PR INCE CHAR LES R D
MINCINGL AKE RD
WESTER N WAY
ALP
HIN
GT
ON
RD
VIC
TO
RIA
PAR
K R
D
A37
7
BO
NH
AY
RD
SOU
TH ST
OLD
TIV
ERT
ON
RD
PE
NN
SYLV
AN
IA R
D
HOLLO
WAY ST
HE AVITREE RD
PINHOE R D
POLSLO
E RD
LA
DY
SMIT
H R
D
STO
KE
HIL
L
WONFORD RD
MAG DALEN R D
TOPSHAM RD
NEW
NO
RTH
RD
A37
7
PR INCE OF WALES RD
FOR E ST(HE AVITR EE)
NEW NORTH RD
BA
RR
AC
K R
D
EXE ST
PAUL S
T
UNION RD
MAG DALEN ST
WE
STE
RN
WA
Y
WES
TE
RN
WA
Y
HOWELL RD
BL ACK ALL RD
EXEBRIDGES
COUNTYHALL
CA
NA
L
RIVER EXE
ROYAL DEVON& EXETER HOSPITAL
(WONFORD)
QUAY
academic/non-residential
University self-catered residence
recommended routesto our campuses
Exeter Phoenix
Guildhall shopping centre
Harlequins shopping centre
Princesshay shopping centre
one-way
parking
Honiton Road park & ride
place of interest
bus and coach station
pedestrian area
D
HA
ML
IN L
N
HANOVER RD
ROSEBARN
LN
LON
GB
RO
OK
ST
DD
SIDW
ELL ST
YORK RD
OLD
TIV
ERT
ON
RD
PR INCE OF WALAA ES RD
NEW NORTH RD
HOWELL RD
BL ACCKK ALL RDLO
NG
BR
OO
K S
TT
NG
B
M INCINGL AKE RD
PE
NN
SYLV
AN
IA R
D
STO
KE
HIL
L
UNION RD
ROSEBARN
LN
MT
PLE
ASA
NT
RD
PR INCE CHAR LES R D
PINHOE R D
POLSLO
E RD
LA
DY
SMIT
H R
D
RD
N
HANOVER RD
E’SSST LUKECAMPUSCAMAMPUSAM
BL ACKBOY RD
HE AVITREE RDE REE
WESS
TTE
RN
WA
YAA
CentraltrStationon
ST D
AVID
’S HILL
HELE R DD
FORE S
TST
FO
QU
EEN ST S
EEN
QU
EEN ST
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HIGH ST
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WESTER N WAYWESTER N WAYWW
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PAUL S
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EXEERIDGES
QUAY
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STREATHAM CAMPUSSTR AM CAMREATHAM CAMPUS
NEW
NO
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A37
7
PennsylvaniaDuryard St James Polsloe St Davids Newtown
Warden Areas:
Be aware that it
is not permitted for
anyone to consume
alcohol in public within
this boundary (that
includes the city centre!).
The Police can confiscate
your alcohol, and those
who refuse could even
face arrest!
Drinking Ban Area
Here’s the essential checklist
of stuff to do now you’ve arrived in your new home:
Any problems or questions? – the lovely people in the Advice Unit can help you (and check your tenancy agreement for next year). Visit the Advice Unit in The Forum (Streatham campus), open term time Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm and vacations Mon-Fri 12 noon to 3pm. Email
[email protected] or look at their web info at www.exeterguild.org/advice
1. Check your inventory – your landlord should provide you with an inventory so that you can both agree on the initial contents and state of the house!
2. Read your meters – if your gas and electricity bills are quarterly you’ll need to do this asap so you don’t risk getting charged for the previous tenants fuel use. Contact your gas and electricity providers (see contacts on back page) to give them the reading and ask them to put the names of all the tenants on the bill.
3. Take photos of every room – especially anything that’s not in good, clean condition. This means you’ll have evidence of what the house was like when you got the keys, which could save you trouble later.
4. Do you have the correct bins? – sometimes students move into a new property with either the wrong refuse bins or no bins at all!, check what you’re entitled to by checking the refuse section of this guide. New bins can be ordered by contacting the City Council on: 01392 665010. In 2010 refuse collection rules changed in Exeter and there is still a LOT of outdated information out there.
5. Something wrong? - if it’s a dodgy doorknob or a window that won’t shut properly - inform your landlord IN WRITING and keep a copy. List exactly what’s wrong and agree a reasonable deadline for when it should be sorted.
6. Gas Safety Certificate - your landlord is legally obliged to make sure all the appliances in the house are safe. Check you’ve got a copy of this!
7. Meet your neighbours - pop over and say hello or invite them round for a cup of tea. Get to know them BEFORE you throw a house warming party. Friendly neighbours can watch your house while you’re away and lend you potato peelers!
Accommodation for Students/Unipol National Landlord Accreditation scheme:
The University is encouraging private landlords to participate in accreditation. This
National scheme, which was launched in 2011 aims to improve the standards in
student rented accommodation.
Landlords who become accredited via this scheme will be able to advertise their
properties with the scheme’s logo and students will be confident knowing that the
Landlord is committed to meeting the scheme’s code of practice.
To find out more about the scheme – or whether your Landlord is registered,
go to http://www.accommodationforstudents.com/AFSUnipolCode/
ForStudentsandParents.asp
Do you have an idea for a community project? From gardening to carol singing, the StreetWise Fund offers up to £500 for projects which help address local issues or simply bring neighbours together. www.exeter.ac.uk/streetwisefund
Like living in Exeter? Want to meet
some of your fellow residents?
There’s no better way to feel you
belong than getting involved in the
community. It’ll seriously build up
your CV with invaluable experience
which employers will love. Plus,
most of the things below can count
towards your Exeter Award too.
www.exeter.ac.uk/exeteraward
Here’s a glimpse of some easy
opportunities...
The Guild offers support, advice, academic representation, entertainment and a whole host of other activities to each and every student attending the University. Grace Hopper is this year’s elected Vice President Welfare & Community [email protected]
Getting Involved
Within the Guild there are over 150 diverse and exciting societies that you can join: ranging from shared hobbies through to sports. www.exeterguild.org/activities/societies
Want to volunteer? CA matches students with a project or club that suits their interests and provides them with support throughout their placement. With a wide range of projects running on and off campus you can email: [email protected]
To find out more about registering to vote visit: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
Local Democracy During your time at University
you will have the opportunity to
vote in the Exeter City Council
and/or the Devon County Council
elections. Plus you can vote in
the UK Parliament and European
Parliament elections. Ensure that the
student voice is heard!
(Please be aware that some international
students will not be able to vote in the UK)
The University holds two free English language classes per week during term time for the families of international students. Teaching is informal and very flexible, depending on the needs and ability levels of the group. It’s a great way to improve your language skills and meet new people. For more information email [email protected]
TALKING RUBBISHDifferent counties recycle different stuff. Here’s what you can recycle in Exeter:
• Newspapers, office paper, magazines, junk mail and any old essays.
• Clean cardboard and egg boxes• Drinks cans and rinsed food tins • Rinsed plastic bottles (tops on), most plastic packaging (except polystyrene) and empty plastic bags
• NO GLASS!!!
Recycling Your green recycling bins or boxes are usually collected once a fortnight. Make sure you put recycling loose in the bins and don’t contaminate it with anything that isn’t on the list – or you could be left with the whole lot for another two weeks!
HolidaysIf you are leaving Exeter over Christmas, Easter or summer you should either safely store the double bagged rubbish within your own property until the next collection day or dispose of it yourself. Bank holiday coming up? Keep an eye on possible collection changes: www.exeter.gov.uk/students
Seagulls love it when refuse is
left out at the wrong time!
GlassThere are some 250 bottle banks in Exeter. Most students find it simpler to recycle at the same time that they go shopping: all the big supermarkets have recycling points.
Find your nearest glass and textiles recycling sites: www.recycledevon.org/map (The stuff that can’t be recycled)When putting out the rubbish remember: • Check where and when your rubbish is collected from either neighbours or by inserting your postcode onto ‘Living in Exeter’ www.exeter.gov.uk
• Bins or bags should only be put out after 6pm the evening before collection and before 6am on collection day. You could receive a fine if you put it out too early!
• Overfilled bins (i.e. bin lid sticking up) and extra bin bags won’t be collected.
• Take the bin in after collection. Don’t leave it on the street - this is against the law and can be a real pain for pedestrians.
• If you need to order additional free containers call 01392 665010 for advice
Students on the MoveEvery summer in Term 3 the University pays the Council to
arrange extra collections so that waste can be collected
outside of normal collection times. Look out for info. closer
to the time. For more information on collection days, how to get rid of
large items, to order an extra bin or even a compost bin:
www.exeter.gov.uk/students If you need to know anything else, you can get personal
attention by calling 01392 665010 or sending an email to
[email protected] – remember to include your address.
Did you know?• 35% of all burglaries are crimes of
opportunity where the burglar lets themselves
in through unlocked doors or windows.
• You are 10 times more likely to be burgled if
you don’t have basic security.
Levels of burglary have fallen quite dramatically in the last 15 years, but on average almost one in three students will be a victim of some sort of crime while studying at college or university – and many thefts are easily avoidable...
Make sure you
report any incidents
to the police (see
contacts on back page).
You’ll need the crime
reference number
before you make an
insurance claim.
• Always lock your windows and doors! Sounds obvious but if you don’t then you’re more likely to be burgled and your insurance won’t cover you.
• Keep valuables out of sight, away from windows or doors and never leave them on your car seat. Don’t send an advert to the local burglar!
• Security-mark your valuables. Write on your house number and postcode with a UV pen or ask your Community Warden for a mark-up pack. Make a note of the serial numbers of valuables - so they can be traced back to you if recovered.
• Don’t keep spare keys ‘hidden’ anywhere obvious! That includes the shed and garage as well as the disused flowerpot by the front door.
“Our house got burgled, whilst we were in the living room watching TV.
They came into the kitchen via the back door and took over
£1000 pounds worth of stuff – in under 5 minutes!! Lock doors
and windows and ask for security markup packs from your student wardens.”3rd Year Student
Over the holidays
student houses are
sitting ducks. Thieves
know they’ll often be
empty so take valuables
with you, put them
in secure storage or
ask a friend to look
after them.
* drink ‘spiking’
describes the act
of adding increased
alcohol (or other
unwanted chemicals)
to a drink.
Exeter is generally a safe city, but it’s always best to be aware of potential dangers and take some precautions…
Don’t let yourself get spiked* by taking a shot of each of these safety measures: • Don’t leave your drink unattended• Never accept a drink from anyone you do not completely trust if you haven’t seen it being opened/poured
• If you feel odd, nauseous, slightly drunk, or wasted when you know that you shouldn’t feel like that, your drink could have been spiked. If so tell someone that you can trust and get yourself immediately to a place of safety.
The best way to stay safe at night is to stick with your friends. But if you are alone then here are a few tips:• During darkness you are safest in well-lit and busy areas. Avoid badly lit car parks, underground walkways and open areas.
• Cover up expensive-looking jewellery, mobile phones, keys, cash and cards.
• Get a taxi - save some cash for the end of the night so you can be brought straight home - it’s much safer.
• If you find yourself in trouble the best form of defence is to get away and head towards busier areas.
• If you are trapped bring attention to yourself - make as much noise as possible by shouting for help or for someone to contact the police.
We all like a good house party – some
cracking songs, a few drinks and a group
of your favourite friends – what’s not to like?
But annoying your neighbours, being fined,
or receiving a warning from the Council will
NOT be so much fun. Please read our
Party Top Tips on the next page.
Out and aboutIf you’re going out or coming back from a night out be considerate to your sleeping neighbours and fellow students… • Keep your voices down when chatting in the garden, walking home from a night
out or smoking outside.• Singing? Did you know that loud singing in the early hours of the morning was
voted one of the major noise issues in a recent Exeter Community survey? Perhaps better to save it for in the shower…
• Try not to slam house or taxi doors.• Don’t drink in public. A large chunk of Exeter is an enforced NO ALCOHOL ZONE (see map at the start of this guide). Make sure you don’t get caught out – if you don’t cooperate this could lead to arrest.
“We don’t want
to stop students
from having parties!
All we want is some
warning and a contact
number if things get
too noisy…”
Local Resident
Parties & Noise
Parties & Noise
On your bikeThe best, cheapest, fastest transport around Exeter! There’s plenty of cycle parking on both campuses and around town. DO remember to ensure you are clearly visible! Don’t forget a lock either!Dodgy brakes? Punctured tyre? Your bike can get some FREE tender loving care from a professional mechanic at one of the regular “Dr Bike” sessions on campus. Look out for adverts in Student News in Brief or email Julia Jacks [email protected]
Further afield There are lots of cheap ways to get out and about without a car. Cornwall, Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast are all easy to get to from Exeter’s railway stations. So get away from essays for the day and explore what Devon has to offer…
You’ve probably noticed Exeter isn’t exactly a huge city! We understand
that some students need access to a vehicle, but for those who don’t –
most journeys you’ll make are short enough to walk or bike. Exeter is so
small, there’s hardly ever anywhere to park and you save money if you
don’t have one. Here are some other options…
BusIf you’re feeling lazy or you’ve got the week’s shopping to carry then catch one of the regular buses which run from the city centre to the Streatham and St Luke’s campuses. A new Unirider Bus Ticket is available to University of Exeter students it can cost as little as £1.20 a day! Buy your cheap green ticket online at www.buymyunirider.comOr check out www.exeter.ac.uk/sustainability/transport for more information.
Useful websites www.nationalrail.co.uk – book in advance for cheap train tickets. Or go with friends and grab the group discount.
www.transportdirect.info – gives you all the information you need to reach anywhere in England on public transport. www.nationalexpress.com – coaches are getting cheaper and cheaper – you can get to London for as little as £5 each way!
1. Change your address 2-3 weeks before the move so you don’t miss out on any essential post. You could have your mail re-directed, you could also leave the next residents your new address so they could forward anything you’ve forgotten to change.
2. Unsubscribe the gas, electricity, water, phone etc. otherwise they’ll keep charging you. Try to call them as soon as you know your moving out date and take meter readings on the day you leave.
3. Check the photos from when you moved in to ensure that everything is still in order. This includes going through the house inventory.
4. Too much stuff? Old pots and pans you don’t need? Why not donate any reusable items to the ‘Student Reuse Project’ on campus, which donates spare stuff to local charities and next year’s students. Alternatively take them to one of Exeter’s many charity shops?
5. Good clean fun! Book a day with all your housemates to clean up before you move. Leaving it all for the last person is not what you want to do! But remember - at the end of term use your ‘Students on the Move’ stickers to make sure that you don’t get fined for putting your rubbish out after collection. Email [email protected] to place an order.
6. Speak to the landlord to set up an inspection date when you are still around to inspect the house together.
We know it seems far away now but the
year will fly by and it’ll soon be time to
leave your house again. Here are some
hints from those who’ve fled before…
USEFUL UNIVERSITY CONTACTS
Estate Patrol: for issues connected to security on campus and to investigate noise/disturbances in private student accommodation: 01392 263999
Students’ Guild Vice President Welfare & Community: Grace Hopper: 01392 723562 or [email protected]
Guild Advice Unit: free and impartial information and advice on a range of issues: 01392 723520 or email [email protected]
Voice: completely confidential and anonymous student-run listening and information service: 01392 724000(8pm-8am every night during term time) or email [email protected]
Chaplaincy: for a directory of contact numbers for various faiths 01392 723649 www.exeter.ac.uk/as/support/chaplaincy
StreetWise Helpine: for highlighting non-emergency community issues direct to the University or to schedule a meeting with your Student Community Wardens: 01392 726252
VERY USEFUL OTHER CONTACTS
Police Emergencies: 999
Police non-emergencies: 101
Fire Service Emergencies: 999
Fire Service non-emergencies: (community safety) enquiries: 01392 872288 Medical Emergencies: 999
NHS Direct: or health Advice and
Information: 0845 4647
University of Exeter Student Health Centre: 01392 676606
Electricity: to find out your supplier: 0845 330 0889
Gas: to find out your supplier: 0870 608 1524if you smell a gas leak: 0800 111 999
Water: To set up an account: 0800 169 1144 For an existing account: 0800 169 1133
Exeter City Council’s Community Patrol: if you are bothered by noise from premises that requires investigation: 01392 265147 or 0845 3511 060 (until midnight)
Exeter City Council’s Cleansing Services: for missed bin collections, to request additional bins or to make recycling enquiries: 01392 665010
Useful Contacts
2012
AS11
3Design by: University of Exeter, Design Studio