Student F.A.Q.

All you need to know about your time here!

Applying

How and when can I apply?

You can apply at any time using the online application system. Fees and academic year dates are normally published in March each year when offers will begin.

How long can I book a room for?

The length of booking is for an entire academic year, totalling 39 weeks. Please check the application form for the dates of the relevant academic year.

When will I hear if my application has been successful

You should receive a confirmation from the Accommodation Office within a few days, stating that we have received your application. The Accommodation Office will be in touch with you as soon as it has decided whether or not to offer you a place. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee you a place.

After I receive an offer, when will my deposit be due?

Your deposit is due within one week of receiving an offer.

Please contact the Accommodation Office if you think you will have difficulties with this.

How much deposit do I need to pay?

Your room deposit is the equivalent of four weeks’ accommodation fees.

How should I pay my deposit?

Your room deposit may be paid by credit/debit card, bank transfer or online at  leeabbeylondon.paytostudy.com (now known as TransferMate).

What is a licence agreement?

A licence agreement is a legal contract which is used for temporary accommodation or shared housing and differs from a tenancy agreement.

What are the cancellation charges after I have paid my room deposit?

If we offer you a place at Lee Abbey and you subsequently cancel after you have paid your deposit, the following conditions apply:

For cancellation up to four weeks before the start of the academic year: one week’s fees will be non-refundable.

For cancellation up to two weeks before the start of the academic year: two weeks’ fees will be non-refundable.

For cancellation up to one week before the start of the academic year: three weeks’ fees will be non-refundable.

For cancellation less than one week before the start of term or non-arrival: your entire deposit will be non-refundable.

Am I able to request a specific room or share a room with my friend?

You may put in a request to the Accommodation Office for a specific room, which we will consider but may not be able to grant. If you would like to share a room with a friend, please give details in your application form and contact the Accommodation Office.

Arriving

Can I arrive before the start of the academic year?

Yes, there may be rooms available before the start of the academic year, depending on when you would like to arrive. Please contact the Accommodation Office.

When can I check-in?

Check-in time is after 4.00 pm. However, you may store your belongings here from 9.00 am until you check in later in the day.

Am I able to pay my rent in instalments?

If you pay your fees for the full academic year in advance, you will be eligible for a small discount.

If you are not able to do this, please pay according to the following schedule:

  • 16 weeks’ fees due before the start of the academic year in September
  • 8 weeks’ fees due in January
  • 15 weeks’ fees due in March
What does my rent include?

Your rent includes all utilities (gas, water, electricity), internet, bedding, breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and all three meals at weekends.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring a towel with you. We will provide you with a Student Pack consisting of duvet, pillow and fitted sheets.

How do I register with a doctor?

There is a local GP (doctor’s surgery) where you can register using the letter we give you at check-in. We recommend you register with a doctor as soon as possible, since they are not able to treat you for an illness unless you are registered with them.

Living

Is there Wi-Fi in my room?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available throughout Lee Abbey London facilities. Internet use is included in your fees. You will need to register with our ISP, StudentCom, in order to use this service.

Are meals included in the rent?

Yes, meals are included in your fees. We offer half-board (breakfast and evening meal) from Monday to Friday and full-board (breakfast, lunch and evening meal) on Saturday and Sunday.

Do you cater for special dietary needs?

Unfortunately, we cannot cater for any special dietary needs. Please speak to the chef on arrival if you have any concerns about specific ingredients or allergens. All allergens will be clearly labelled for each meal.

How often are the rooms cleaned?

Residents are responsible to clean their own rooms. Room inspections will occur weekly.

Am I able to have guests stay over?

You are welcome to have guests in the building until 23:00. If you would like a friend to stay over, you will need to make a booking with the Accommodation Office. In some cases, if your friend is of the same gender, it may be possible for you to book to enable a friend to stay in your room, depending on the room size.

Am I able to change rooms during the academic year?

If you have a problem with your room, please speak to the Accommodation Office. If they are not able to solve the problem, it may be possible for you to move rooms during the academic year, but this is not guaranteed.

Do you have practice rooms?

We have three practice rooms available for use, each with a piano.

How can I open a bank account?

You will be given a letter in your arrival pack, which you can use to open a bank account.

Do you have a curfew?

We do not have a curfew. You may enter and exit the building 24 hours a day. However, we do have quiet hours between 23:00 and 08:00 and ask that you respect others in the house and our neighbours during that time.

Is there 24hr Security?

There is CCTV in operation at Lee Abbey London.

What do I do if something is not working in my room?

You need to email maintenance to report the problem or put a note in the maintenance book at Reception. They will endeavour to fix the problem in the next working day, but it may take longer depending on the nature of the problem.

Are there kitchen facilities available?

Lee Abbey London has a house kitchen available for your use 24 hours a day. There are two cookers and two microwaves available, as well as a number of fridges/freezers.

Can I have a fridge or hot water kettle in my room?

It is not possible to have a fridge in your room; however, we do allow mini-coolers of up to four-litre capacity, providing they do not contain Freon. You can have a kettle in your room.

Do I need to buy a TV licence?

If students watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service – on any device – they need to be covered by a TV licence. That applies to a TV, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, games console, digital box, DVD/VHS recorder or anything else. Please see the TV licensing website (www.tvlicensing.co.uk) for more information.

Departing

Am I able to store my luggage over the summer holiday?

Lee Abbey does not offer storage facilities for returning students. If you are returning for the next academic year, we encourage you to use www.lovespace.co.uk as a possible storage solution.

When will my deposit be refunded?

The Accommodation Office will try to process the refund of your deposit within two weeks after your departure at the end of the academic year.