FAQs will be updated regularly for all students arriving in August/September 2020,
please keep checking for updates.
What is the latest date that I can apply for accommodation?
There is no closing date for students to apply. Allocations are made based on date of application so the earlier you apply the more chance you have of securing one of your room or location preferences.
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?
Under current UK government guidelines, if you are arriving from outside the United Kingdom travelling from a country which is not exempt, you will have to stay in quarantine for 14 days. At Queen’s, students will quarantine together in dedicated accommodation which is separate from other students.
Postgraduates, Returners and First Year Undergraduates will be kept separate and housed together; you will be allocated accommodation in line with your chosen preferences for location and room type, subject to availability.
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.
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 Wi-Fi 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?
In the current Covod-19 pandemic, additional cleaning will be carried out in all accommodation locations. Your bedroom will be hygienically cleaned prior to your arrival. This improved cleaning practice will continue throughout the academic year, with particular emphasis on high touch points, for example, light switches, hand rails, door handles. Cleaning materials are provided in all kitchens to enable you to clean effectively after cooking. This is in addition to the normal cleaning set out below.
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.
In Elms BT1 and Elms BT2 we do not offer communal cleaning.
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 included here >> https://www.qub.ac.uk/accommodation/useful-information/
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?
You can request a room move with staff at your reception, however this can only be possible subject to availability.
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 Belfast.
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?
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 2020/21 for students on a 38 and 39 week contract is Saturday 12 June 2021. You need to vacate your room and return your key or key fob to reception by 12noon on this date.
Fire Safety
Is there cladding used on any of the Queen’s Accommodation student housing buildings?
There is no combustible cladding used on Queen’s Accommodation buildings.
How often are fire alarms tested?
Compulsory fire alarm system testing is carried out on a weekly basis throughout all student accommodation and across university buildings. If the alarm sounds for more than 10 seconds please treat this as an emergency and evacuate.
Where can I find out more information about fire safety in my accommodation?
In the Useful Documents section of our website please read the QUB Fire Safety Booklets (BT1 & BT2) for Residents in Elms BT1 and BT2.
For Willow Walk residents click HERE.
For Elms BT9 and Queen’s Houses click HERE.
Will there be fire drills so that students know what to do in case of fire?
Yes. Fire drills are carried out regularly in all student accommodation. In this context, it is important that all residents evacuate buildings on the sounding of any alarm. There is also a fire evacuation notice on the back of every student bedroom door which details what to do in the event of a fire and also where your assembly point is.