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STUDENT STREET guide
Your essential
student guide to
living off campus
from your Students’ Union
Living off campus again next year?
help you find the perfect place.
let’s StudentLets is the new house-finding service from your Students’ Union - simply register with us online or in person and we’ll help you find a place that’s right for you.Find out more at essesxstudent.com/studentlets
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Welcome
We’ve crammed this guide full of all the things you told us you needed. Top tips on renting,
info on local amenities and how to keep yourself and your belongings safe, alongside all you
need to know about how to get involved in volunteering and community schemes.
Most importantly enjoy your time living in off campus, Colchester is a great place to live and
nothing compares to the freedom you gain living in your own place.
Don’t forget I’m here to help you, feel free to contact me any time at [email protected]
Hi, I’m Ashley, Essex Students’ Union’s VP Welfare and Community.
As your elected representative I work with the local community to
deliver the best possible experience for students off campus, while
also making sure students have a positive impact on the lives of our
more settled neighbours.
For most students coming to university it means living in private
accommodation for the first time, a liberating and exciting experience,
though equally as daunting and problematic. This simple guide aims
to make the transition off campus and into the local community
as easy and stress free as possible.
Thanks Ashley
Ashley
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Ashley
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The big move!
12 Top tips on moving from halls to house
Take meter readings
Call your gas and electricity supplier as
soon as you move in to give them meter
readings. Eon supply most of the Colchester
area. Share the responsibility by naming all
of the tenants on the bill.
Make sure the property has a gas
safety certificate
It’s the law, so insist on it!
Make sure you have a TV License
Sign up online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk
If you pay collective rent you only need one,
if you pay individually you all need one.
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Take photos of every room
it’s essential that you record the original
condition of the house when you move in.
Make sure you have an inventory
If you’ve been given one make sure it’s
correct, if not notify the landlord of any
discrepancies asap. If you’re not given one
make a note of anything broken or missing
and inform the landlord.
Test fire and smoke alarms
Not just once but regularly, and don’t
take the batteries out!
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First things
first, make sure
you get the big
move right!
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InsuranceGet Covered! It can cost so little and save
you so much in the long term. Endsleigh
Insurance were setup by the National Union
of Students and cater for all student needs.
Check them out at endsleigh.co.uk
Meet your neighbours
It’ll go along way to keeping your house
safe when you’re away and it’s just nice.
Don’t forget to let them know if you plan
to have a mini rave in the garden!
Utopia! Set out a rota, lay down ground rules and
make sure everyone in the house is happy
with everything. For the best year it’s best
to get off to a good start.
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If you’ve paid a deposit it should
be protected If you don’t know what scheme it’s in find
out, the landlord has to let you know within
14 days. By law all deposits should be
protected. For more information on these
schemes check out essexstudent.com/
studentstreet
Council Tax If you’re a full time student head to the
Registry and get a Council Tax certificate
because you don’t have to pay!
Check the properties security
Check the locks on doors and windows,
the vast majority of student targeted
burglaries are walk in burglaries.
For more info on keeping your stuff
safe check out the crime pages.
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Your RightsBe aware of how the law protects you
To have ‘quiet enjoyment’
of the property, so no random inspections
or entering without your permission.
To not be evicted
except after the correct legal procedures
have been perused.
To take legal action
against the landlord if they break the
terms of contract or prevents ‘quiet
enjoyment’ of the property.
A safe and inhabitable property
is the right of every tenant. Check that
the property has been accredited, or at
least possesses a gas safety certificate.
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All repairs and damage
that are the responsibility of the landlord
must be carried out promptly.
The name and address of your landlord
must be accessible to you even if you rent
via a letting agency.
Information about your tenancy
must be accessible,
things like tenancy start date, when rent is
payable and when it could possibly change.
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If you think your rights have been breached do not withhold rent, this may cause further legal problems. Contact the SU Advice Centre for guidance.
Certain things are
written into law and can
be legally enforced whether
they are stated in your
contract or not.
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Your Responsibilities
Win your landlords love by sticking to these simple rules
Pay your rent on time and in full
and in full. If for some reason you are
struggling to pay talk to your landlord.
Ignoring a problem will just make it worse.
Maintain the property
to the standard it was in when you moved
in. This includes keeping it clean and
not breaking anything. Any structural or
depreciation damage must be repaired by
the landlord, but you must inform them of
any problems.
Use the property in a reasonable way,
so don’t try and recreate Sub Zero or turn
your flat into a bakery, don’t make too
much noise and don’t be messy!
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Be a good neighbour
by keeping the noise to minimum and
if you want to hold a party let them know.
Put your rubbish out on the right day,
and if you see your neighbour struggling
with their shopping give them a hand.
Pay the bills associated with you and your property.
Water, gas, electricity etc
Don’t leave for an extended period of time. Doesn’t
mean you can’t go on holiday but let your
landlord know if your going away for
a long period out of term time for example.
Smoking is one of the main reasons why students
don’t get their deposits back. If you rent
a no smoking property do not smoke!
You are also responsible for visitors.
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If you think
you’re being asked to
do anything unlawful or
outside of your responsibility
do not withhold rent, this
may cause further legal
problems. Contact
the SU Advice Centre
for guidance.
With independence
comes a little responsibility.
Be a good tenant and the
perfect neighbour!
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Clean and Green!
Rubbish and recycling in Colchester…
Paper, Card and Plastic
In Colchester recyclable paper, card and
plastic waste is collected in clear sacks
provided to every household by the council.
Your recycling bag should be tied shut and
placed on the boundary of your property by
7am on the morning of your collection day.
If you’ve run out of clear recycling sacks
or you move in and there aren’t any you can
order more by calling 01206 282700 or
emailing [email protected]
Metal Cans, Bottles and Foil
Metal food and drink cans, glass bottles
and foil are recycled in green boxes supplied
by the council to every household.
Your recycling box should be shut and placed
on the boundary of your property by 7am on
the morning of your collection day.
If you move into a house and don’t have
one you can order by calling 01206 282700
or emailing [email protected]
Get recycling! Recycle
your cans, card and plastic,
it’s so simple and it makes
a real difference.
If you live in a flat or a large block of student accommodation you may not be able to recycle from home. To find your nearest Recycling bank visit recyclenow.com
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Rubbish - Black bags
Colchester doesn’t have wheelie bins,
they use black rubbish bags.
Your refuse bag should be tied shut and
placed on the boundary of your property by
7am on the morning of your collection day.
There are a number of things you can do
to minimise the waste you produce:
• Buy loose vegetables
• Take a bag with you when shopping
• Repair things if they can be mended
• Donate materials for art/textile projects
to schools
• Donate reusable goods to charity
To find out your collection day visit
essexstudent.com/recycling
Bulk and Electrical Waste
ElectricalsRetailers of portable batteries have obligations
to take back waste portable batteries from the
public. At the Campus Shop you can drop off
your old batteries, mobile phones and print
cartridges for recycling.
Bulky and hazardous waste
Things like sofas, electrical, beds and fridges
can be taken away by the council for a small
charge. If it’s potentially harmful to the
environment or too big for the bin men then
you’ll need to arrange a special collection.
For more information on special collections
visit essexstudent.com/recycling
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Crime and Safety
Keep safe and sound, remember these simple tips...
Student CrimeAround 20% of students become a victim
of crime, don’t become one of them. If you
are renting your property, good home security is
very important to prevent burglary. Burglary has
dropped over the past ten years, but it is still a
risk if your property is not properly secured.
Responsibility for home security is shared
between you and your landlord.
The landlord has the responsibility to provide
security to the overall site, incorporating the
building, to reduce the risk of entry by
an intruder, and to include a security lock
to the main entrance to a shared property.
It’s your responsibility as an occupier
to maintain, monitor and use any security
features in the property.
Security Tips
• Dead lock your door.
• Lock your windows.
• If you have one, set your alarm every
time you leave the property.
• Use timer switches when you are on
holiday or out for the evening.
• Don’t leave your possessions in plain sight.
• Don’t let anyone you don’t recognize follow
you into your block.
But make sure you can safely escape from
your home in the event of fire.
Get insured! Make sure your possessions
are covered. Endsleigh are a company
formed from the NUS and tailor their
services specifically to students. Find out
more at endsleigh.co.uk
who has popped in,
while you have popped
out? have you locked
your door?
remember!
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Personal SafetyBe streetwise – advice to keep you safer
• Do not hitchhike or accept lifts from
strangers or unlicensed Taxis.
• Plan your route there and back. Avoid short
cuts through unlit or deserted areas.
• Try to walk in groups.
• Let someone know where you are going
and your time of return.
• Have keys ready – so that you can get into
your house or car quickly.
• Be aware of surroundings – wearing
headphones etc. may prevent you from
hearing traffic or somebody approaching
behind you.
• If you think you are being followed,
go to the nearest public place and call 999.
• If you are confronted, use your alarm
(available from SU Advice Centre) shout
to attract attention.
Always call 999 in the case of an emergency
remember!
Useful numbersImportant Telephone Contact Nos.
• Emergency Services – 999
• Essex Police (Non – Emergency)
– 0300 333 4444
• Crime Stoppers – 0800 555 111
Be aware16 – 24 year olds are a very vulnerable group.
They are susceptible to crime, by their life-style.
Colchester, in terms of crime, has been listed
as the safest town in England and Wales.
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Getting around
Get out and about in Colchester
All you need to know about
getting around and where
best to go!
Save big on buses!
The Annual First Student Bus Pass available
from the Post Office on Square 4 at just
£139 will save you a lot of money! For
a full list of Colchester buses check out
essexstudent.com/transport
TrainsWith four easily accessible train stations
at Hythe, Wivenhoe, Colcheter Town and
Colchester North it’s so easy to hop on a train
and get anywhere in the country. Get a 16-25
Railcard the campus Post Office and you’ll
save 30% on all your tickets!
The world!You are just an hour away from Stansted
International Airport via the X22 bus. The X22
stops at the University Valley Road stop every
two hours, and is the easiest way to Stansted.
The Uni is also only a 30 minute drive from
Harwich International Sea Port.
Be greenIf your destination is within a reasonable
walking distance please walk. It’s great for
your health and you’ll be doing something
magical for the environment!
Stay in Essex!Colchester has pretty much everything you
could ever want right on your doorstep!
Get online!There is so much going on, and so many great
facilities in Essex we could of filled this entire
guide telling you about it. Instead we’ve put it
all online at essexstudent.com/community
So if you’re looking for shops, cinemas, sports
or a cheeky drink get online and check all of the
fantastic things you have access to in Colchester.
With an NUS Extra card available from
SU Reception you can save lots of money in
Colchester!
remember!
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Be a super neighbour!
Top tips to make you the perfect member of the community
All you need to know about
getting around and where
best to go!
Get to know your neighbours
Just introduce yourself. It will make it much
easier to sort out any problems that may
arise. They’ll also be more likely to look out
for you and your property.
Shhh! Be considerate when coming back at night.
After a good night out and a little alcohol we
can all be a little noisy, but please remember
to keep noise to a minimum.
Be a tidy tenant
Put your rubbish out on the right day,
you kind find the collection dates at
essexstudent.com/recycling. Don’t leave
large items on the street, get them collected
by calling the council, all the info is on the
Rubbish/recycling page.
Party responsibly
If you are planning on having a house party
let you neighbours know. Try to come up with
a mutually acceptable time to turn the music
down/off.
Paper thin walls
If you are living in a terraced or semi-
detached house, remember that the walls
may be quite thin so every day loud noises
might be heard by your neighbours.
Pump down the bass
Low frequency noise can carry further than
other sounds. Try and position speakers off
the floor and away from partition walls.
Park considerately
Don’t leave your car blocking a neighbour’s
drive way, or somewhere that hinders traffic.
Get involved! Give something back to the local area.
Get involved with a Vteam volunteering
project or become a Street Rep
If you do experience problems with neighbours, it’s always best to try and talk to them first to resolve any differences amicably. Failing this contact the SU Advice Centre on 01206 874034.
remember!
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Street RepsSupporting Essex students off campus and building a stronger community
What’s a Street Rep?
Street Reps are students who work and
volunteer in the local community to deliver a
positive experience to Essex students and our
more settled neighbours. Reps are there to;
• To support you with safety and security,
housing and the environment
• To support and represent students living
off campus
• To consult with residents and make
positive changes
• To expand volunteering projects to more
effectively target community need
Feel free to contact your Street Rep with
your thoughts, problems or questions.
Work for Students
There are two Community Representative
Coordinator jobs up for grabs this year. Are you
committed, self motivated and confident? Do
you have a passion for volunteering, students
and the community? If you think you’ve got
what it takes check out essexstudent.com/
studentstreet for more info.
Volunteer for the
Community
At the core of the Street Reps scheme are the
dedicated and hardworking volunteers, and
we’re looking for more! You can gain so much
from being a Street Rep. Confidence, friends,
the opportunity to manage your own projects,
knowledge of volunteering and the community,
and an awesome addition to your CV! Become
a Street Rep today! Visit essexstudent.com/
studentstreet for more information.
If your interested in becoming a Street Rep or for more information visit…
essexstudent.com/ studentstreet
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Local Democracy & NAP’s
A welcome message from local councillor, Tim Young
Neighbourhood Action Panels
Neighbourhood Action Panels (or NAPs) offer
local communities (including students) unique
access to an almost unlimited network of
qualified, experienced and dedicated teams
and individuals from a range of organisations.
Each NAP has different challenges, needs and
outcomes – some find fast results and some
make plans to find longer term solutions. Every
NAP works from an Action Plan – a concern or
problem is raised - a person or organisation is
set a task - action is taken.
• Representatives from both the University
and the SU sit on the local NAP’s.
• Each NAP member signs a declaration
that they will operate without discrimination.
• Common issues raised at NAPs are speeding,
anti-social behaviour, and highways issues.
• Last year, the NAPs spent over £25k
on community projects and improvements.
Students welcome!
As a student in Colchester, whether you live
in the area full-time or visit only to study,
we want you to feel a welcome and valued
member of your community. Feel free to
come along to along to any of our meetings.
For more information on your
Neighbourhood Action Panel visit
www.colchester-community-safety.org.uk
“Students will always play a vital role in the
life of St Andrew’s as so many students
live here and because of its proximity to
the campus, and I have always been keen
to engage with the student population. I’ve
always received great support from the
Students’ Union and the university and this
has resulted in joint community activities
taking place involving the local schools and
the community centre.”
“there is no substitute for
representing people and how
important it is to vote in elections”
Cllr Tim Young
“I recognise that the diversity that the
university being on our doorstep brings is
of real benefit to Colchester and gives us a
richness and vibrancy that other places lack.”
Name Cllr Tim Young
Date/place elected
1992, St Andrews Ward
PositionLeader of the Labour Group
Colchester Borough Council
Portfolio Holder for Housing
& Community Safety
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VolunteeringHave a positive impact on your local community
The Vteam has changed!
Vteam has been created with the aim to
support students in their voluntary activity,
by facilitating meetings with external
organisations, sorting out CRB checks and
providing funding for reasonable expenses.
This year Vteam changed its way of
functioning, together with its approach to
recruitment of volunteers and its appearance.
What is more, we have supported students in
developing brand new projects or continuing
and improving existing ones!
Volunteer in your local area!
We’d like to support students who want to
develop regular projects or one off events
(e.g. presentations about Chinese New Year in
schools) in their local areas in order to improve
the quality of life of its residents! So don’t
hesitate to approach us with your idea!
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Increase your employability!
Volunteering is a great boost for your CV!
We’re rewarding our volunteers with an official
certificate and we will also support them in
applying for a nationally recognised Vinspired
certificate ‘Vfifty’, which is awarded for 50 or
more hours volunteering!
We are planning on launching three new
regular projects next year
• Einstein - Delivering sessions at schools
where you carry out interesting scientific
experiments
• Golden Age - Spending time with elderly
people on e.g playing Nintendo Wii games
• Time Traveller - Supporting young children
by providing extra help with history through
dressing up as historical figures and giving
brief talks
To find out more about the volunteering opportunities available or to sign up today visit essexstudent.com/vteam
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Notes:
Rather than having to travel into town to collect your prescription, now all you need to do is bring it into SU Reception and we will get it for you!
Service available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Non-prescription items can also be ordered.
To find out more visit SU Reception or go online at:essexstudent.com/supharmacy
We are supplied by The Green Pharmacy:www.the-green-pharmacy.co.uk
Get your prescriptionswithout leaving campus...Directions for Use:
Drop off your prescription to SU Reception before midday and we’ll have your medicine ready for you by 3pm the same day.
Find out more at: essexstudent.com/supharmacy
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Substance abuse and keeping safe
Keep reading… this is not to be sniffed at!
Drink and DrugsAlcohol is a big part of the student experience
for many students, and for some dabbling in
other substances becomes the norm. Your
SU wants you to enjoy your time at Essex,
however if you are drinking alcohol or using
other substances we want you to know the
facts so that you can be safe. Check out
essexstudent.com/support for more info.
Please be aware that we operate strict
zero tolerance policies on drugs in all
SU venues and we will not serve anyone
that appears drunk.
Look after yourself
• Open Road Open Road is based in Colchester and
offer help and advice for anyone affected
by drugs and alcohol. Call them in
confidence on 0844 499 1323 or check
out their site openroad.org.uk
• Drink spiking
This is very rare on campus but always
be on your guard. Don’t leave your drinks
unattended and don’t accept drinks
from strangers.
• Get home safe! Always plan how you’re going to get home
before you get to drunk to remember!
Don’t forget the SU Safety bus runs until
the early hours of the morning, every
night of the week. For more info check out
essexstudent.com/safetybus
• Be informed For honest information on drugs and their
effects check out Frank at talktofrank.com
remember!Don’t let good times go bad. Know your limits.
SU advice and supportCome to us if you want confidential advice on these issues
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Your SU off campusAll of the students elected to lead your SU this year have lived off campus - we remember
the good and bad bits, and it certainly didn’t stop us getting involved in campus life!
Alex“Off campus living provides an
excellent opportunity to integrate
in a community dissimilar to
the campus lifestyle. But it also
separates you somewhat from
the university and the union,
so it is very important to continue
engaging and not forget the excellent opportunities on offer.”
Jevanni“Living of campus is great! You
really get to exercise your
independence whilst spending
quality time with your close friends.
However, be cautious with estate
agents, they can be more costly
and less student friendly!”
VP Services and Communication
Kishor“Living in a house off-campus
opens up a new world of University
life. The walk to campus is
a minor hinderance compared to
the advantages, and best of all,
a great set of house mates!”
President [email protected]
Zoe“The best part about living off
campus is living with your friends.
The worst part is the horror stories
you hear in the build up to moving
from campus. The comfort of
sitting in a living room gossiping,
a dishwasher, washing machine
and a bathroom with no boys
makes off campus life bliss!!”
VP Sports & [email protected]
Student Stories
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Useful ContactsMoney
SU Advice Centre
01206874034
Citizens Advice Bureau
0870 121 2033
citizensadvice.org.uk
Accommodation
SU Advice Centre
01206874034
Shelter0808 800 4444
shelter.org.uk
Student Lets
01206 878978
Immigration
SU Advice Centre
01206874034
TravelTraveline0871 200 22 33 travelinesoutheast.org.uk
National Rail Enquiries
08457 48 49 50nationalrail.co.uk
LegalEssex Law [email protected]
HealthNHS Direct 0845 4647
Campus Health Centre
01206 794484
Open Road (Substance abuse support)
08444991323
Local Issues including
Rubbish and Recycling
Colchester Borough Council
01206 282222colchester.gov.uk
SU Exec
President
Kishor Krishnamoorthi
VP Education
Alex Reily
VP Welfare & Community
Ashley Rudge
arudge@ess ex.ac.uk
VP Sports & Societies
Zoe Lester
VP Services & Communications
Jevanni Letford
If you’ve got a problem but you don’t know
who best to talk to feel free to contact Ashley
at [email protected] or the SU Advice
Centre at [email protected]
Catch the Students’ Union Safety Bus tonight for just £1 per journey!
(see posters under the podia for more details, or go online)
essexstudent.com/safetybus
GET HOME
SAFE.Please Note: The Students’ Union Safety Bus is primarily a safety service, so priority will be given to those considered to be most in need.
Regular service from 20:30
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STUDENT STREET guide
University of Essex Students’ Union produced this guide in partnership with:
essexstudent.com/studentstreet