COVID-19 restrictions, set out by the Northern Ireland Executive and effective from 26 December 2020, were updated on 21 January 2021; the lockdown restrictions have been extended until 5 March 2021. We continue to remain as flexible as needs be with accommodation contracts.
The initial pause to contracts was offered to students for the period from 9 October 2020 until 9 January 2021. This period was subsequently extended to 31 January, and is now being further extended to 5 March 2021.
Current Resident Students
-
What is the situation if I had previously paused my contract from 9 October until 31 January 2021?
The University recognises that at the start of Semester 2 students may still prefer to work on the online elements of their studies from home and/or commute to campus. It has therefore been agreed that you may extend the pause to the contractual obligations of your accommodation contract until 5 March 2021. This means you do not have to pay rent between 9 October 2020 and 5 March 2021. These arrangements apply to all students living in Queen’s Accommodation, irrespective of where you are studying.
Should you wish to return earlier than 5 March, you will pay for your accommodation from the date you return.
- What if I have previously paused my contract and have already returned, or have made arrangements to return, to accommodation before being advised of the contract pause extension?
If you have made arrangements to return, you have the option to remain at home and extend the pause to your contract until 5 March.
Should you wish to return earlier than 5 March, you will pay for your accommodation from the date you return.
- What if I did not pause my contract from 9 October – 31 January, but I am now unable to travel due to COVID restrictions, or wish to start a pause in contract?
If you have not previously taken the contract pause from 9 October it has been agreed that you may pause the contractual obligations of your accommodation contract during the pause extension periods, after 9 January 2021.
This means you will not pay for your accommodation between either the date you inform us of your travel problem until 5 March; or, the starting date for your pause until 5 March 2021.
These arrangements apply to all students living in Queen’s Accommodation, irrespective of where you are studying.
Should you return earlier than 5 March, you will pay for your accommodation from the date you return.
New Students arriving from January 2021
-
If I check in late, can I get a refund for part of the tenancy period that I missed?
If you are commencing your accommodation contract and intend to arrive on campus in January 2021 but your travel is delayed as a result of COVID-19 restrictions or Visa issues, we will change the start date of your contract. You will begin to pay for accommodation from your arrival date. Please inform us if your intended arrival date changes.
- Is my accommodation deposit fully refundable if I am unable to take up my academic course offer?
With our accommodation guarantee, your deposit is fully refundable should you be unable to take up your place to commence study at Queen’s.