Horton Halls Handbook 2018-19
Horton Halls Handbook 2018-19
Horton Halls Handbook 2018-19
2018-19
Welcome
In this booklet you'll find lots of practical information about Halls, like where the bins
are, when the cleaners come, what to do if something breaks. It also points you to
services available if you have a question or need some advice.
Horton Halls is a vibrant and welcoming community. We hope you'll settle in quickly
and get to know your fellow residents. Don’t be shy about getting out there and
meeting new people. Our students are a really diverse group but remember you've
probably got more in common than you think.
Don't forget to meet the Resident Advisors too. They're a great source of advice and
can help you out If you're stuck.
We look forward to helping you make the most of your new home.
Your Room
All bedrooms in Horton Halls have the same features, though they may vary slightly in floor area and bed size
depending on location. There’s lot of storage - under bed trays, bed head cupboards and desk drawer units.
Please only put posters and pictures on the notice boards provided and not on the painted wall surfaces.
These may be marked or damaged and you will be charged for anything requiring cleaning, repair or repaint-
ing at the end of the year.
All bedrooms have a phone, IT connection, TV aerial points and power sockets next to both the study desk
and the head of the beds.
Kitchen-Diner
Each flat has a shared kitchen-diner that is equipped with a large dining table, chairs, oven, fridge freezer, a
vacuum cleaner and food storage cupboards.
Please consider your fellow residents and tidy the area once you have finished cooking and respect each oth-
er’s food supply and storage! Any labelling should be done on the actual items only and not on any kitchen
surfaces.
It is a good idea to talk to your fellow residents if you have any particular food preparatory requirements so
that they are aware – if people don’t know, they can’t help. Residents sharing areas often find it helpful to
meet and agree a set of ‘house rules’. We provide a template flatmate agreement when you move in to help
you do this.
Shared Areas
Blocks A-E in Horton Halls have roof top common rooms, which have couches, flat screen TVs and magnifi-
cent views over South London.
The Large Common Room is open to all residents and provides lots of seating, multiple flat screen TV’s, table
tennis tables and a pool table. It also hosts a number of events for residents over the course of the academic
year.
Televisions
Large flat screen TVs are in each roof top common room. There are also aerial points are available in all bed-
rooms, if required.
If you wish to bring your own TV to site, you will need to pay for a TV Licence. This is also the case if you
view via a PC or laptop etc. An information leaflet is available in the reception. More information is available
via www.tvlicensing.co.uk or on 0300 790 6131.
Settling In
So you have unpacked, looked around communal areas, and met your new housemates. Where do you col-
lect your post? How do you connect to the internet? Where do you wash your clothes?
Reception
Access to Halls is via the front entrance only. The entrance incorporates Reception and the security desk.
Reception is open 24/7 and you can access a wide variety of services from there. It’s where you can sign in
guests, report a fault or lost keys, pick up packages or hire table tennis paddles. If you have any questions or
issues during your stay, Reception will often be the first place to ask.
Security
Security staff are on duty 24/7 and are based in Reception. The site is covered by CCTV and it is digitally rec-
orded.
Identity Cards
Please have your identity card with you at all times as it is required to gain access to the main SGUL site and
for moving around the building.
Telephones
The digital telephone located in your bedroom will allow you to contact the whole of the St George’s University
of London buildings including those in the Halls. Each telephone has a unique / direct dial number for you to
pass to your friends and family, this phone number is based on your room number, so A001 would be 1001,
B001 would be 2001 (etc).
Resident Advisors
A team of six Resident Advisors (RA’s) live alongside students in Halls. They are on hand if you need help or
advice. The RA’s are all postgraduate students at St. George’s and are trained in giving advice, mediating dis-
putes and dealing with emergencies. One of the team is on call from 6pm to 8am during the week and 24/7 on
the weekends. Their telephone number is available at Reception and is also on the back of this booklet.
Inventory
One of the most important things you will need to do on arrival is complete your inventory form. The form lists
all the fixtures and fittings in your room and the kitchen-diner. Please check through thoroughly and return the
form to Reception within seven days of your arrival. That way if there is anything missing , damaged or not
working we can rectify the issue straight away. If we are not made aware of issues on arrival, it may unfortu-
nately be charged to your deposit.
Queries and Fault Reporting
Should anything go wrong with your room or communal areas, let the helpdesk at Reception know as soon as
possible.
All issues raised will be recorded and routed to the Estates & Facilities Help Desk so they can be resolved.
You’ll receive a confirmation sent to you by e-mail. You will also be automatically contacted by e-mail when the
issue has been resolved.
Our Facilities staff will investigate and fix the problem as soon as possible. It may not always be possible to fix
maintenance problems straight away, but we will always be clear with you about how long we expect it will
take. We have chartered timescales for resolving problems and these are detailed in the Horton Halls Service
Level Agreement. This is available from Reception if you would like to find out more.
Insurance
The University insure all the buildings and its major fixtures and fittings, as well as having Public and Employ-
ees Liability insurance. Your rent also includes an insurance policy covering some of your personal belong-
ings. You can check or extend your cover by visiting www.endsleigh.co.uk/reviewcover
Guests
In the interests of safety and security, all visitors, parents and non-resident students must sign the visitor’s
book when entering and leaving the building. This is to ensure that in the event of an emergency, we have
identified that all occupants are accounted for.
You are welcome to have an occasional guest stay overnight but they must be over 16 years of age and only
one overnight guest is permitted at a time. Overnight guests are allowed to stay for up to five nights in one
month of which only three nights can be consecutive. When signing in at Reception please indicate that they
will be an overnight guest, so that we can account for everyone in the building should it be required.
Keys
On arrival at the Halls site you will be issued a set of two keys, one for your room and the other for your post
box. You will also be issued with a fob, which is programmed specifically for your block and flat entrance. All
major doors you will need to pass through can be opened using your security fob, including the laundry rooms
and bike store, so it is important to ensure that your fob is carried with you at all times. If you lose your keys,
you may be charged for a new lock and keys, so please take care of them. If you lose your keys, please con-
tact Reception as soon as possible. They will be able to cancel access on your lost fob and issue you with a
replacement fob and keys.
Car Parking
Horton Halls has limited parking for residents available on site. Parking bays are allocated on a ballot basis
among residents. All residents are emailed applications for parking bays at the beginning of Autumn term.
Permits for bays operate for the period of 24th September to 6th July at a cost of £325.00 for a car or £160.00
for a motorcycle bay. Full information on the ballot process is available from the SGUL Estates Helpdesk.
Bicycles
There are two bike storage facilities located within the Halls grounds. For access please contact Reception to
ensure that your security fob is updated. For your own security, please lock the bike to the fixed steel frame-
work.
Post
Please ensure that you give your room number and Block as part of your address. Any post will be placed in
the appropriate post boxes located in the reception area. Parcels or items that require a signature will be re-
tained by Reception and a note placed in your post box to indicate the item has arrived.
The postal address for Halls is:
Horton Halls
St Georges Grove
Tooting, London
SW17 0BD
Unfortunately, it’s not possible for us to forward your mail during vacation periods and after you have vacated
Halls. Do try to take this into account over the holidays and at the end of the year.
Laundry
There are eighteen coin-operated washing machines and dryers installed in the two laundry rooms, which can
be found in the upper courtyard in D Block and to the side of F Block. A change machine is located in Recep-
tion.
A large ceramic sink is also provided as a boot wash or to pre-wash heavily soiled clothing or sports wear.
Please follow the operating instructions carefully. If you experience any difficulties with the equipment or need
some help please ask at Reception.
IT Access
Each room is connected to the SGUL IT network. For wired access, just plug in your PC or laptop into the point
next to the desk and log on with your SGUL network credentials.
WI-FI access is available throughout Horton Halls. Remember to use your whole SGUL email as the username
and your regular SGUL password.
If you have any problems getting logged on, help will be on hand in the common room during move in week-
ends, or via the Library, Student Centre or out IT Team during the year.
Your Licence—The Legal Stuff
This section will you help you to understand your Licence Agreement—your contract for staying in Halls.
The Licence is a legally binding contract between you and St George’s, before signing the agreement we ad-
vise all students to make sure that they understand their responsibilities and rights. If necessary, please seek
independent advice on the contents.
The Licence confirms that you have agreed to rent your room from the university for a fixed period of time un-
der the outlined terms and conditions.
Change of Room
Requests to change room must be put to the Student Centre. Requests may be granted at the discretion of
the Assistant Registrar (Student Services) or their designated officer. Requests are normally only granted in
exceptional circumstances. An administrative fee will be charged for the process.
At the end of the tenancy keys must be returned to the Halls staff by 12pm on the day you leave. There may
be a charge for replacing the locks if this is not adhered to.
Your deposit will be returned at the end of your Licence less any charges or costs.
Deposit Returns
As you near the end of your tenancy, we will provide you with our Moving Out Guide. The Guide contains de-
tailed information about key returns, forms to complete and standards of cleaning required. We will also ask
you to confirm payment details for returning your deposits. Deposits will be returned within 28 days of receipt
your keys and all of the relevant check out documents.
Hall Fees
By accepting the Licence Agreement terms and conditions for a room in Horton Halls a student accepts liability
to pay the accommodation fee for the duration of their Licence.
Hall fees include heating, lighting, water, internet and contents insurance. Fees are payable in full on 30th Oc-
tober or in three equal instalments:
30th October
30th January
30th April
Halls fees can be paid by:
SGUL Web Payment https://webpayments.sgul.ac.uk
Credit or debit card at the SGUL Student Centre
Cheque made payable to St George’s, University of London
Bank Transfer
Important Note:
Students who do not pay their accommodation fees by the payment dates listed above, or who have
not made alternative arrangements will be charged late fees at 3% of the amount due.
Students in financial difficulty are strongly encouraged to seek finance support from the Student Cen-
tre through the Student Accommodation and Welfare Advisor.
Students who have not paid their accommodation fees by the end of each instalment period will auto-
matically be entered into the debt collection cycle. All costs incurred in the process of debt collection
will be passed to the student.
Bank Transfers
If you are paying by bank transfer please ensure that you include your full name, student ID and the reason for
payment (Halls deposit or Hall fees). It is also recommended that a copy of confirmation of payment is sent to
the Student Accommodation Advisor (accommodation@sgul.ac.uk) for reference.
Bank Details
Bank: Barclays Bank
Address:
Level 25
1 Churchill Place
London E14 5HP
Resident Conduct
At St George’s, there is an expectation for all members of the University Community to conduct themselves in
a appropriate and professional manner. All residents are obliged to follow these expectations. The following
section is an outline of the behaviour we expect from our residents.
To comply with all reasonable requests of our staff
Not to do anything that might risk the safety of, or cause annoyance or nuisance to, our students, staff or
neighbours.
Not to discriminate against a person’s race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment,
marital status, pregnancy or disability.
Not to use or bring to our premises any illegal drugs or substances.
Not to smoke on our premises including all common areas, courtyards and areas near to building en-
trances.
Not to interfere with, cover or otherwise misuse the fire fighting and safety equipment.
This is not an exhaustive list of our expectations; please see terms and conditions for more info.
Notice to Quit
SGUL may end your Licence straight away by issuing a Notice to Quit (NTQ) to you in writing if you have com-
mitted a very serious breach of the Licence or have committed persistent breaches of less serious terms.
Will we then provide 28 days (or fewer in extremely serious cases) to move out of Halls and return your keys.
If you fail to leave Halls after the expiry of the notice to quit, the university may undertake legal action to obtain
possession of your room and seek to recover the costs from you.
Health and Safety
Electrical Safety
Electrical goods will need to comply with UK and EU standards (see separate section for advice relating spe-
cifically to PAT requirements), and undergo a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) in relation to the UUK Student
Accommodation Code of Practice recommendation. The standard electricity supply in the UK is 220 / 240
volts, 50 cycles AC, and the standard outlet is a 13-amp square 3-pin plug. If you suspect there is a fault with
any electrical appliance, ensure it is turned off and report it immediately to staff at Horton Halls Reception.
Please check that the appliance is in good working order by looking for:
Overheating
No cracks or damage to the appliance casing
Cables should be free from damage, no signs of burning, cuts or abrasions and have no signs of non-
standard joints (e.g. a taped up cable)
That the appliance had the required European Community Standard
That the equipment has a 3 pin, 13 amp, standard UK plug or the correct adaptor
That the equipment is not rated above 3KW or 13 amps
PAT Testing
In accordance with the Licence Agreement all of your equipment must have a Portable Appliance Test (PAT)
and an in-date pass sticker before being used at Horton Halls.
If you have been unable to have your items tested before arriving at Horton Halls, it will be tested on site. You
will be notified of when this will happen, and you must make your equipment available for inspection accord-
ingly.
Electrical equipment, including adaptors (which must meet EU safety standards) found to be in an unsafe con-
dition, that may endanger a person(s), cause damage to the building, e.g. may cause an electrical shock or
fire, will be labelled, and recorded. They must not be used during your stay at Halls. If a failed item is found in
use, the plug will be removed. Non-personal items will be removed and disposed of. Personal items that have
failed a test will need to be removed by the student.
Untested electrical equipment found in residences will, in the first instance, have a warning label put on it ad-
vising “not to be used, requires PAT testing”. If not tested after this warning, it will then be removed from Halls
and stored in a secure place until it can be tested or removed from site. This will be managed by the Halls
team, when conducting their inspections.
If any concerns with respect to having the equipment tested are raised, students are requested to discuss this
with the Residential Services Manager.
Smoking and Naked Flames
The building and courtyard are entirely non-smoking; the only area available to smoke is outside the main reception gates.
No naked flames including candles are allowed in the Halls.
Fire Evacation
Please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the various means of escape from the building and the assembly point.
This is identified on the rear of your room door and it is for your safety. All corridors and staircases within the building are
fire escape routes. Please keep them clear at all times, and ensure all doors are closed and not propped open.
In the event of a continuous alarm sounding, please leave the building by the nearest exit. Do not return to your room as
you may be putting yourself and or others in danger.
The fire alarm is tested at 1.30pm on Friday afternoons. The test will activate the fire alarm bells for a period of around 10
seconds. If the bells sound for more than 10 seconds, please evacuate the building as quickly and as safely as possible.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are not to be used as door stops. Extinguishers are to remain on their appropriate stands at all times.
Any fire extinguisher found to be discharged by the students or their guests (other than putting out a fire) will incur a
charge. The students, flat or block involved will be fined a minimum of £100.00 each.
All doors are fire doors and are labelled as such; they are to be closed at all times for your safety.
Fire safety equipment is part of statutory legislation and as such damage or tampering of these systems is a criminal of-
fence. Offenders will be reported to the Assistant Registrar for disciplinary action and serious cases may result in a crimi-
nal record.
Fire Precautions
On leaving your rooms, please ensure you turn off any electrical equipment, especially phone chargers, as these may
overheat if left on for long periods
If you are the last one in the kitchen please ensure that all appliances, cookers and ovens are switched off when you
leave.
Please also be aware that cooking equipment is not permitted in the bedrooms. Please use the kitchens provided.
Damage or tampering with fire safety equipment is a criminal offence. Offenders will be reported to the Student Centre
Manager for disciplinary action and serious cases may result in a criminal record.
Please ensure that all cooking is supervised at all times. Burnt food can activate the fire alarms and any costs incurred as a
result may be charged to those responsible.
Water Hygiene
In order for SGUL to comply with the latest HSG 274 Water Hygiene Standards it is essential that any student
vacating their accommodation for any more than 4 days, must inform Reception.
This will enable us to ensure that during any prolonged absence your shower unit and wash basin can be flushed
through. This will prevent any possible accumulation of bacteria biofilm forming within these units.
Cleaning
Housekeeping
The Facilities team will be cleaning the communal areas once a week. This includes the kitchens, common
rooms, corridors, staircases, lifts, foyers and lobby areas.
The kitchens will be cleaned every week between 9am and 1pm.
As a community, we all have a responsibility to ensure we have a clean and litter-free living environment.
There are a variety of ways of taking care of rubbish and we encourage you make best use of them.
Since the cleaning of individual rooms is the occupant’s responsibility, we suggest you keep your room in good
order at all times.
Kitchen and bedroom waste bins are emptied daily, Monday to Friday. Please leave any waste from your bed-
room bin in a bag outside your room, so that the cleaners can remove it. Otherwise please make sure the
main flat corridors are kept clear.
Large rubbish bins are available in the Bin Store to the rear of E Block if you need to take out the rubbish more
often.
To help the cleaners, please try and keep the common areas clear of rubbish. Kitchens, and in particular the
sinks, should be kept clear of unwashed pots, pans, crockery and cutlery as much as possible to enable the
cleaning staff to ensure that the facilities are professionally managed.
In the interests of cleanliness, please dispose of any food waste as soon as possible. This will reduce the risk
of insects, rodents or other pests.
Should additional cleaning be required due to poor housekeeping the costs may be charged to individual students
or the flat as a whole.
We carry out three monthly shower head de-scaling during your residence in Halls and we will be in contact
with you nearer the time.
More information on cleaning services is detailed in the Horton Halls Service Level Agreement, available at Recep-
tion.
Cleaning of shared space can sometimes become an issue with flatmates! We suggest organising a rota and
we have included a sample in your template flatmate agreement.
Environmental Issues
Please put any recycling in the blue waste bins located in each kitchen-diner. Paper, card, plastic bottles, tins and
glass can all be placed in the one container. Please ensure all the recycled waste is not contaminated with food
matter as this will condemn the whole batch.
Large recycling bins are available in the bin store to the rear of E Block for bulkier items.
Rain water is also collected in water butts located at the base of some of the external rain water pipes in the
central courtyard. This grey water is used to water the plants around the site.
Student Support
To support you prior to and during your time at St George’s we offer a wide range of services.
Accommodation Service
Provides advice on University accommodation to our students and private sector renting advice as well as support from
the University of London Housing Service.
email: accommodation@sgul.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8266 6348
Fax: 020 8725 0841
Careers Service
Available to all students with a team of advisors. To book an appointment contact the Student Centre:
Tel: 020 8266 6344
email: studentcentre@sgul.ac.uk
Counselling Service
Operates a confidential counselling service for staff and students. If you feel you would like to make an appointment our
counsellors can be contacted by telephone or email.
Telephone: 020 8725 3628
email: counselling@sgul.ac.uk
Disability Service
The first point of contact for any student or potential student who has a disability.
Tel: 020 8725 0143
email: disability@sgul.ac.uk
Student Centre
The place to go for all student matters. Our team of advisers tan help with: student finance; tuition fees; exams and as-
sessment; accommodation; disability; appeals and complaints; admissions; careers; student life and wellbeing; getting
around Tooting and the local area.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am-5.00pm
Tel: 020 8266 6344
email: studentcentre@sgul.ac.uk
Students’ Union
Our Students’ Union (SU) offers too many events, volunteering opportunities and sport clubs to list here. And if there’s
nothing that takes your interest you can even start your own society. Visit the SU website for more details.
http://www.sgsu.org.uk/
Useful information
On the Underground
The nearest Tube station is Tooting Broadway; it’s about a twenty-minute walk from the station to
Halls. The G1 bus runs to Halls—but make sure you get on the one going to Battersea or you’ll
head off in the wrong direction! Buses 44, 77 and 270 will all take you close enough to Halls to
make the walk more manageable with luggage. Get off at the stop for Garratt Lane/Wimbledon
Road.
By bus
Buses 44, 77 and 270 get you the closest to Halls. Jump off at Garratt Lane/Wimbledon Road.
The 155 (from Elephant and Castle), the 280 (from Sutton) and the G1 (from Streatham and Bat-
tersea) stop directly outside St George’s. Even more stop at Tooting Broadway, including routes
57, 127, 131, 219, 264, 333, and 355.
By rail
The closest station to Halls is Earlsfield. Trains run out from Waterloo and Clapham Junction and
in from Kingston, Guildford, Dorking and Woking. It’s about a 15 minute walk from Earlsfield to
Halls or jump on the 44, 77 or 270 to the stop at Garratt Lane/Wimbledon Road.
By bicycle
If you can pack your worldly possessions in your panniers we certainly respect your commitment
to minimalist living! Cycling info can be found on the TFL website: www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/
cycling. Cycling is the single smartest way to get from Halls to George’s, though, and there’s se-
cure bike storage at both places.
By car
If you’re bringing your stuff in by car, the closest major roads are the A3 from the West, M23/A23
from the South and from the East, the A2. If you’ve got SatNav, the postcode for Halls is SW17
0BD. Parking at Halls is very limited, but there are spaces for parking up while you unload your
stuff and haul it to your room. It gets quite busy the weekend before term starts, so it would be
appreciated if you’d move after you’ve unloaded—there are pay-and-display spaces nearby.
Living in halls FAQs
Bedroom
- Is there a laundry bag/basket? - No
- Is there a waste paper bin/basket? - Yes
- Is the desktop lamp provided in all rooms? - Yes
- What size bedding do you recommend? - Standard room = 90 x 190cm or 35 x 75 inches
Premium room = 120 x 190cm or 47 x 75 inches
- Are students allowed a mini fridge in their rooms? - Only for medical reasons
- Are clothes hangers provided? - No
- Are students allowed to have a kettle in their rooms? - No
- Is the phone provided in the bedrooms a standard landline number that can also be reached
externally? - Yes - 020 8696 1133 - Room number = phone number (eg A001 = 1001)
Bathroom
- Are students responsible for cleaning their own bathrooms? - Yes
Kitchen
- Is there a dishwasher? - Yes
- Should students bring their own plates/cups/cutlery sets, etc? - Yes
- Should students bring their own pots/pans/baking trays/chopping boards, etc? - Yes
- Are cleaning items such as washing up liquid, sponges, sprays/wipes, etc, provided? Or is it the
responsibility of students individually/collectively to purchase them? - Students need to bring them
- What is the allocated space for each student in the fridges, freezers, and cupboards? To be
arranged with fellow flatmates
General
- Is there a hoover available for use by the students? - Yes, one per flat
- Is there an iron and ironing board available for use by the students? - Yes, one per flat
- How much does it cost to use the washing machines/tumble dryers? - £1.70 per load
- Is there a curfew in place for visitors/friends/other students not living at the flat in
question? - 3 consecutive nights per month, 5 nights per month in total, with the
agreement of the flatmates
- Are students able to have food deliveries from supermarkets?
Yes, to reception, they must come and collect
Halls Staff Reception
(Management, Reception, Security)
Tel 020 8696 1133
Fax 020 8772 7240
Email hallsadmin@sgul.ac.uk
Accommodation Advisor
Tel 020 8266 6348
Email accomodation@sgul.ac.uk
Resident Advisors
Tel 07717 291 253
Email warden@sgul.ac.uk
Every effort has been made to ensure that the content is correct and up to
date at the time of printing. St. George’s, University of London reserves
the right, without prior notice, to amend any details.