Frequently Asked Questions

What is the latest date that I can apply for accommodation?

There is no closing date for students coming from outside Northern Ireland. There is a close-off date of 1 August 2019 for Northern Ireland students to be included in the first round of room allocations. Applications received after this date will be allocated in a second round and room preferences cannot be guaranteed.

Where is check-in?

Check-in for all students staying in Elms BT9 and Queen's Houses is at Elms BT9. If you are staying in Elms BT1 or Elms BT2 then you should arrive to check-in at these accommodation buildings.

When can I move in to my accommodation?

Check-in for students on a 38 week contract is Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September 2019.

Check-in for students on a 39 week contract is on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September 2019.

Check-in for students on a 51 week contract is on Saturday 21 September 2019.

Will there be someone to show us around?

There will be staff available during check-in weekends to help you find your room and guide you around the accommodation.

How long do I get to unload my belongings?

If you are travelling by car there is free parking available on the Elms BT9 site. In order to minimise traffic congestion you have approximately 30 minutes to unload your vehicle.

If you are coming to Elms BT1, there is free parking available in the Royal Belfast Academical Institution school on 7 and 8 September and 14 and 15 September. If you are coming to Elms BT2 there is free parking available in the Invest NI carpark located opposite the student accommodation in McClintock Street.

In order to minimise traffic congestion you have 60 minutes to unload your vehicle and then leave the car park.

Is there a telephone and data point in my room?

Telephones are not provided in Queen's Accommodation, however, there are data points in your room, and WiFi service. If you require a data cable please ask at reception.

There is an emergency telephone in each block in Elms BT9 if you need to contact Reception or Security. In Elms BT1 and BT2 there is an intercom phone in each apartment and studio which is linked to reception.

What about a television?

We provide a TV in all kitchens, studios and communal areas, however, if you wish to watch live TV on a computer/tablet/phone or TV, you will need to purchase a TV licence.

Can I bring my car?

If you have not been allocated a parking permit there is a Pay Per Use car park operating at the Elms BT9. Students can park in the two car parks located beside the Elms BT9 reception building on a pay per use basis – 70p per 24 hours. There is no car parking at Elms BT1 and BT2.

Is there security?

The University Safety team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Will a cleaning service be provided?

The housekeeping staff provide a weekly clean during core teaching times of communal areas in all accommodation; this is hallways, stairways, landings and corridors and public spaces.

In Elms BT9, kitchens, communal toilets and showers will be cleaned weekly (excluding Willow Walk). You can choose to pay for additional cleaning for your room at any time.

Will I need to insure my personal possessions?

Contents insurance is provided in all University accommodation through a block insurance scheme. You can see what level of cover is inlcuded on the Endsleigh Certificate 2018-19.

How far is Elms BT9 from Queen’s University main campus?

Elms BT9 reception - the main campus is 1000m

Elms BT1 - the main campus is 1500m

Elms BT2 - the main campus is 1200m

Can I transfer to another room?

The Accommodation team accept room move requests from 7 October 2018.

Who can I go to for help?

We have a large team of staff including the Residential Life team and Residential Assistants who offer support to you throughout the year. They will also find appropriate help for you from experienced staff within other support units in Queen's University.

Do students have to move out over the Christmas and Easter holidays?

If students select a 38, 39 or 51 week contract for accommodation this includes both the Christmas and Easter holidays. This means that students do not have to move out their belongings if they return home for the holidays. All the accommodation is open during the holidays therefore students can come and go as they please.

Can I have a guest to stay?

You can sign in one guest at a time at your reception by completing the relevant form by 9pm on the day of arrival. Please note that guests under 18 years old are not permitted. Please see our Guest Policy in the Useful Information section for more details.

What are Lifestyle Options?

If you have accepted a room in a lifestyle block you are required to maintain the ethos of that accommodation:

No alcohol - consumption of alcohol is not permitted at any time.

Single-Sex - members of the opposite sex are not permitted at any time.

Quiet Living - you are living with students who have chosen a more study focused environment and noise must be kept to a minimum at all times, especially after 11.00pm.

Is the £300 damage deposit included in the residential fees?

The damage deposit is not a pre-payment and therefore is not included in the residential fees. This amount converts to a damage deposit and is held on your accommodation account for the length of your contract.

When you check out of your accommodation, your room will be inspected and if there are any damages, the charges will be agreed with you and deducted from this deposit.

What should I do if I have problems paying my fees?

If you have any financial difficulties or queries please call your reception between 9:00am-5:00pm Monday - Friday to arrange to speak with our finance advisors, Fiona Shaw, Michael O'Halloran and Lesley McIlwaine.

What should I do if there is a maintenance problem in my room?

All maintenance faults should be reported online as soon as possible. Click here for details on how to report a maintenance fault.

How do I get my post?

All parcel post is kept at your reception. We will endeavour to inform students when a parcel arrives, however, due to the large volume of post during the first few weeks of term, we cannot guarantee this during this period.

If living in Elms BT9, it is important that you check for letter post on a regular basis. If living in Elms BT1 and BT2, you will be issued with a key for your apartment's post box which is located in reception.

Any post not collected after 4 weeks will be returned to sender.

When do I check out of my room?

The check out date for students living in accommodation in 2018/19 for students on a 38 and 39 week contract is Saturday 9 June 2019. You need to vacate your room and return your key or key fob to reception by 12noon on this date.