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Your Questions Answered

We are asked these questions each year, so we now provide the answers in advance!

1. What will I be doing during the first few days?
You will have a very full registration programme and details of the timetable will be provided. This is all essential for the administration of University College courses and services.

2 . Can I go home at weekends?
Yes, but no refund can be given for meals not taken and time away from halls.

3. Can I have a friend to stay overnight?
Unfortunately, there can be no provision for overnight visitors in University College. Please read carefully Regulation 18.4 of the Terms of Occupancy. We can assist with details of local B & Bs/hotels.

4. Can I bring my duvet with me?
Fire retardant duvets and pillows, which meet safety regulations, are provided within each bedroom. However, you must bring your own bed linen, i.e., duvet cover, pillowcases, sheets and towels. You will be responsible for laundering your bed linen and personal clothing.

5. Is there a launderette in University College?
Yes, there is a coin operated launderette on campus. There are also a number of laundrettes and dry cleaners in the local area.

6. Should I insure things?
You are strongly advised to take out possessions insurance if you are not covered by another policy. The University College cannot take responsibility for any losses of property or money.

7. Can I bring my bicycle with me?
Yes, we provide bicycle racks . If you do bring a bicycle it is not a good idea to bring a very expensive one. You must make certain that it is covered by your insurance policy, as the University College is not responsible for loss or damage to bicycles.

8. Can I go in/out of the halls whenever I want?
Certainly, however, living in a hall of residence is community living and there has to be co-operation, especially about noise. Students are asked to enter/leave halls quietly and not to have music too loud. The hall should be quiet between 11pm and 8am. We also ask that students are considerate to our neighbours when leaving and returning to campus, particularly late at night.

9. Could I be asked to leave residence?
Most certainly, for a serious or continuous breach of the Terms of Occupancy. You should read these carefully. If in doubt about any of them, please ask.

Any connection or suspected connection with the possession, use, buying or selling of drugs will result in the immediate termination of residence. The University College will not condone any illegal practices and any matters concerning these are reported to the Police.

10. What happens if I decide to leave St Mary’s?
Any student leaving accommodation before the end of the academic year must notify the Registry to complete the formal withdrawal process. You are also responsible for advising the Accommodation Office and the Fees Office, so that your room can be re-let and accommodation charges calculated.

11. Do any new students get homesick?
Frequently, and there is no need to be ashamed of this. Many students are living away from home for the first time and inevitably there is some reaction to this. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone – for example your Senior Resident, Resident Mentor or Student Services.

12. Supposing I have an urgent problem during the first few weeks, where do I go for help?
There are several contacts:

• Your Senior Residents (students with previous experience of living in halls) are in halls specifically to help new students settle into life at St Mary’s and assist with any issues.
  
• Your Resident Mentor (Hall Warden) can deal with anything more serious or personal. He/she will either advise you or tell you exactly where to go for the help you need.
  
• The Student Services Manager, Sue Whitham, has close contact with all the support services and invites you to drop-in at any time to the Student Services Centre, Room E144. Appointments can be made if necessary.
  
• The Student Counsellors offer a confidential counselling service for anyone with troubling personal and/or emotional problems like homesickness. You can refer
  yourself to this service using a referral form or contact Sue Whitham directly for a counselling appointment. For more information, please see the counselling webpages.
  
• The University College Chaplain, Fr Gerry Devlin, is available to meet all students for a friendly chat, discussions, advice on personal matters, a mug of tea or coffee or, when necessary, to give practical assistance in any emergency. Fr Gerry and the Chaplaincy team work closely with Student Services staff on a variety of issues.
  

Please don’t be afraid to contact any of the above services for either a private or personal problem/concern.