Shared Kitchens

A cooker, microwave, kettle, toaster and sink will be provided in your communal kitchen. You will have to purchase your own crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils (except if you are living in Westwood Ensuite Halls of Residence). There are many local charity and reuse shops where you can find new and second-hand items and you can also attend our ‘Kitchen Kit MarketLink opens in a new window’ on campus during Welcome Week (further details will be noted on your Welcome Week timetable).

You cannot purchase your own white goods such as fridges/freezers. If you require a fridge in your room for medical reasons, you will need to apply for specific accommodation requirements and the University will supply the fridge.

Some kitchens have induction hobs which require the use of induction pans and you can check this by visiting your residence webpageLink opens in a new window. Please let us know if you use mechanical medical devices such pacemakers or insulin pumps which may be affected by using induction hobs.

Please do not place anything on the tops of kitchen cupboards, fridges and freezers to avoid accidents. Kitchen doors should be kept closed at all times. In the event of a fire, keeping fire doors shut prevents and slows the spread of smoke and fire. Propping fire doors open compromises the safety of others living within the residence.

Your kitchen door will lock automatically when closed. You will be able to open your kitchen from the inside but you should ensure you carry your key fob with you at all times as you'll need this to enter your kitchen.

Cooking and Cleaning

You are responsible for keeping your accommodation safe, clean, and in a tidy condition at all times. When you first move in, we recommend that you speak with your flat mates about how you will manage the daily cleaning and tidying of your communal areas such as kitchens and bathrooms and plan a bin rota. It is helpful to set these expectations and boundaries when you first move in. If you would like support in having these conversations at any time during your tenancy, please contact The Residential Community Team.

A weekly cleaning service is provided with your accommodation for all communal access areas including communal kitchens and communal bathrooms. You can find a schedule for when the cleaning team will visit your kitchen, and you will need to be prepared to vacate these spaces at those times to allow the cleaning team to work. Please be mindful that it is your responsibility to make sure these areas are clear of obstructions that prevent the cleaning team from completing a clean. We expect that you will clear worksurfaces, mop up spills and do your own washing-up to keep the sinks clear. It is your responsibility to keep your bedroom clean, tidy and clear of obstructions at all times as this will be dangerous for staff that may need to gain access to your room. Residence Managers will conduct occasional room checks to make sure that bedrooms are being well cleaned and maintained.

Messy kitchens and communal areas

It is important that our residences are clean and tidy for the health and safety of our residents. If Campus Cleaning Services find that they cannot complete a clean due to mess in a communal area or kitchen, Campus Cleaning Services will implement their Messy Kitchens Process.

Messy kitchens process

In the first instance, the flat will be given the opportunity to tidy the area. However, if the mess is not cleared, or the flat is regularly reported for mess, the residents of the flat will be charged the additional cost of the cleaning team clearing and cleaning communal areas; this may include charges for the cleaning team’s time, materials and repair of any damage, plus an administration fee of £50.00.

Heating

The heating systems are controlled centrally by the University to achieve a room temperature of 19°C to 21°C. Please do not use heating appliances other than those provided by the University. Portable heaters are not allowed in the residences.

In many residences, you can use the numbered radiator valve to adjust the temperature which will help to control how warm your room is automatically. If you have a numbered radiator valve, please turn this down before opening the window to cool your room. Due to the age and variety of our residential halls, the times when buildings are heated may vary. Not just throughout the day, but throughout the year in response to the changing seasons. We recommend to set the valve at 3 when you first enter your room and turn it up or down by 1 and leave it for a couple of hours to settle. You can report a fault if your TRV isn’t working.

Please remember to close your windows while your heating is on, turn your numbered radiator valve off before opening a window and wear more layers before turning up the heat. Remember to keep your room well ventilated to reduce the risk of damp, condensation and mould. To do this, open windows and do not dry clothes on radiators.

Water

The cold water within your accommodation is suitable for drinking (unless it is marked otherwise) and you are encouraged to use this as it helps to maintain a fresh supply of water to the cold taps. Hot water within your accommodation is heated to approximately 60°C to help washing of plates, pans and cutlery, accommodation cleaning and also helps control legionella bacteria therefore any local water heaters in kitchens must not have the temperature setting adjusted.

You should quickly become familiar with your accommodation however care must be taken to check the temperature of the hot water to avoid scalding. Showers and areas of higher scald risk will have thermostatic control for user comfort but care should always be taken.

If you are going away for a period of 7 days or more, please make your Residence Manager aware as the Campus Cleaning Services Team can undertake water flushing in your room to maintain a hygienic water supply for all residents.