Who is Host?

Host is a student accommodation management company with sites throughout the UK. Host is managing the King’s Cross property on behalf of the Aga Khan Development Network.

Where does Host have accommodation?

We are based in university cities across the UK and Europe. To view our UK locations, check out the locations page on the Host website.

Can I view a room before I make a booking?

Viewings at Victoriah Hall King's Cross are available by appointment only please contact the management office by emailing kingscross@host-students.com to arrange a time and date.

Do you have summer accommodation?

We have rooms available throughout the summer months for students. Please contact us to get further information and make a booking.

How do I make a booking?

The easiest way to book is online at www.host-students.com, clicking on either the ‘Book Now’ or ‘Book your student accommodation’ link. Here you can follow simple steps to provide us with all the information we need to process the booking. If you chose to pay in instalments, you will need to send us details of a UK guarantor, for whom specific documents are required. Please check with your guarantor to ensure that he/she is able to provide these documents, as Host King's Cross will not confirm your booking until all information is returned to us and the initial rent payment has been made. Alternatively please contact Host King’s Cross and a manual application form can be sent via email.

Are there accessible rooms?

Within Host King’s Cross there are accessible rooms and future accessible rooms which can be adapted to your needs. Please speak to the management team for more information of which rooms are accessible and the facilities within each room.

Can I live with my friends?

When making your booking, you can request to be allocated to a room close to a friend. We will try our best to fulfil your requests, however we cannot guarantee such requests, as they are dependent on availability at the time of booking.

If I book by myself, how will you allocate me a room?

We look at the room type you have requested, your year of study, gender and any other preferences. Host will try to allocate you to a flat suitable to your situation and preferences, however it is not always possible for us to meet your requests. 

I have some requests for my room – will you guarantee them?

You can state any requests you have when you fill in your application form. Whilst we will try our best to fulfil these requests we cannot guarantee to do so. If you have any specific concerns regarding your tenancy please contact the management office.

Can I live at Host King's Cross for more than one year?

Yes, it is possible for you to stay at Host King's Cross throughout your studies. Bookings are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to re-book as soon as possible.

What are the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement?

A copy of the standard King’s Cross tenancy agreement can be downloaded from this website. Upon arrival, all residents will receive a copy of their tenancy agreement.

Can I cancel my contract before I move in?

If you cancel your contract before the contract begins, you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges. Cancellations will only be accepted upon receipt of a completed cancellation form. Please contact the King’s Cross Management Office to request a form.

Can I cancel my contract and move out early?

If another tenant is found to take over your tenancy, Host will agree to release you from your contract. You will be required to pay an administration charge. You must vacate your room and return the keys to the Management Office. You will be refunded any overpaid rent after you have moved out. This refund will be calculated based on the date the new tenant takes up occupation of the room, not the date you move out. Should no replacement tenant be found for your room, you would be liable for the rent.

What do I need to bring with me on arrival?

Make sure you have your accommodation booking confirmation, as well as some form of photo ID, such as a passport, ID card or driving licence. If, during the booking process, you have been asked to bring any additional items, make sure you have them with you as you will need to produce them before your keys can be issued.

Is there somewhere to park when I'm unpacking?

Host King's Cross does not have any parking facilities on site. Management staff will be able to direct you to local car parks. Limited parking is available on the surrounding streets.

Will there be someone to collect my keys from?

Host King's Cross has staff on site 24 hours a day. At the start of contract we have extended opening hours and you are advised to arrive when the office is open. However, if you arrive when the office is closed, instructions outside our office will advise you how to contact the member of staff on duty.

What happens on moving-in day?

You will be welcomed on arrival in our management office by a member of Host staff. You will be asked to sign a fire safety agreement and provide any documents that may be outstanding. After this, we will issue you with a welcome pack, which contains all the information you need to live at Host King's Cross and then you will be shown to your room.

What if I am not happy with my allocated room or my flatmate?

Part of the university experience is meeting people from different backgrounds, interests and cultures and we hope that you will enjoy the diversity of university life. However, should you be unhappy, it is worth spending some time talking to your flatmates to try to come to a mutually agreeable solution. It is usually not possible for a room move, unless an empty room is available. It is important to remember that moving to university is a stressful time and any initial teething problems are often resolved within the first few weeks.

Can I move in before my contract starts?

This is possible, but is dependent on availability. Please check with the management team for availability.

What cooking equipment is provided in my flat?

All flats come with a cooker, hob, microwave, toaster and kettle provided. We also supply an extensive kitchen pack which includes cutlery, crockery and pans for you to use.

Is bedding supplied?

Bedding is not supplied at King's Cross. 

Is there a telephone in my flat?

All flats have a phone provided in the hallway. These phones can be used to make and receive both internal and external calls and access voicemail. Please speak to the management team for more information on how to set up your account.
 

What are the broadband packages?

A high-speed 100MB broadband connection is provided to every room at Host King’s Cross free of charge. Our service provider Ask4 also offers residents additional add-ons for TV, gaming and back up. All residents wishing to use the internet services must sign up to the terms and conditions of use.

How do I connect to the internet?

You can connect via Wi-Fi or a Cat 5 patch cable – if you don’t have one, you can buy one from reception.

To contact ASK4 with pre-arrival queries or assistance when you move in, visit their website or call the support team on 0114 303 3232. Alternatively, text ‘help me’ to 07797 800 545 to receive a call back or email support@ask4.com.

Is a TV provided?

A flat-screen TV is provided in the lounges of each shared flat. There is a Sky package, as well as all the usual Freeview channels. Host King’s Cross provides the TV licence for the TV in the shared flat. If you bring your own TV for your bedroom in a shared flat, or in a studio you must purchase a TV licence. You can find more information about TV licences at www.tvlicensing.co.uk.

What TV channels are provided?

Host has a selection of TV channels from Freeview and Sky.

Can I park on site?

There are no parking spaces for cars, motorbikes or scooters available onsite for students.

Where can I store my bike?

Storage for your bike is available. We strongly advise that you purchase a good quality bike lock and storage is at the owner’s risk. Bikes may not be stored within the flats or studios.  

Is there always a member of staff on site? 

All our residences are staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week by trained caretakers or security guards.

What are the opening hours of the Management Office?

The Management Office is open Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm and closed on weekends and Bank Holidays.

What about security?

We provide 24-hour security with CCTV, electronic access control and a member of staff on site at all times. Our residents also have a responsibility for ensuring the site is kept secure and are asked to ensure the accommodation remains safe by not allowing access to non-residents and reporting anything suspicious to staff immediately.

How do I report maintenance issues?

Maintenance issues should be reported to the management staff or online through the portal.

What happens once I have reported an issue?

Details of the issue will be recorded in our maintenance book and the caretaker on duty will try to fix the problem on the same day, however this is not always possible. Repairs are responded to on a priority basis. Please be aware that it may not be possible to attend to your problem the same day you report it, especially at busy times of the year. Occasionally, a maintenance issue may require multiple visits or for contractors to attend the site. You will always be kept informed regarding such issues and we will try to fix the problem as quickly and with as little disruption to you as possible.

How do I report emergency maintenance problems that occur overnight or at the weekend?

If you have a maintenance problem that needs urgent assistance when the Management Office is closed you should contact the member of staff on site. The phone number is provided within your welcome information and notice boards within your studio or flat. The Caretaker will respond to your problem and do whatever is possible to resolve the issue, but it may not always be possible to complete the repair out of office hours.

Where can I do my laundry?

Washing machines and tumble dryers are available in the Student Laundry, provided by Circuit Laundry. You will need to buy a laundry top-up card from the dispensing machine in the Student Laundry at a cost of £2. You can then visit the Circuit Laundry website (web address is on the card) and register your credit/debit card in order to top-up your balance. You will then receive a code to enter into the top-up machine in the laundry room. Once your balance has been loaded onto your card, you can use the machines as per the instructions provided. You will need to provide your own washing powder and detergents. You can also see live information on which machines are available on the Circuit Laundry website.

Where can I collect my post?

Letters will be kept in your studio/flat post box at Reception. Please come to Reception and ask a member of staff and they will be able to give you your post. Parcels and any mail that requires a signature will be signed for by Host staff without liability and stored in the post room until you collect it.

Who is responsible for cleaning my flat?

It is the responsibility of the tenant to keep their studio/flat clean and in good order. Management staff will conduct inspections throughout the year and any issues relating to cleanliness will be addressed. Failure to meet the required cleanliness standards will result in external cleaning contractors being brought in, the cost of which will be passed onto the resident(s). At the end of the tenancy, the studio/flat must be returned in a good, clean condition to avoid cleaning charges. All communal areas will be cleaned regularly by Host staff. 

Can I smoke at Host King's Cross?

Smoking is not permitted in any area within Host King’s Cross; this includes bedrooms, stairways, communal areas, external courtyard areas and balconies.

Can I decorate my room?

You are responsible for ensuring that you leave your room and flat in the same condition that it was given to you. You will be asked to complete and return an inventory to record the condition of your room upon arrival. Marks, including those caused by blu-tac, white-tac or pins will require painting once you have left and you may be charged in line with our advertised schedule of charges.

Can I have guests to stay?

Overnight guests are permitted, provided the number does not exceed more than one guest at any one time for a maximum of three nights per week. All overnight guests must be signed in at Reception for safety, security and so that staff know who is on site in the event of an emergency. As a resident of King’s Cross you must accompany your guests at all times whilst they are onsite and you are responsible for their behaviour.

Are there any guest rooms on site that I can book?

Host King’s Cross does not have guest rooms. 

Can visitors just walk in?

Our accommodation has doors at the entrances to ensure that only residents have access to the site. Visitors need to contact Reception or yourself to gain access. All visitors should be signed in at Reception, this is for reasons of safety, security and to ensure that in the event of an emergency, Management know who is on site. Visitors must be accompanied by residents at all times whilst on site.

Can I bring a pet?

Pets of any type are not permitted at Host King’s Cross.

What if I have a complaint?

We hope that you never have reason to be dissatisfied with the service we provide. However, if you have any issues that you would like to discuss with us, please contact a member of staff in the Management Office and we will endeavour to resolve the problem for you.

Do I pay a deposit?

Host King's Cross do not take any deposits. The payment you make upon booking is a rental payment.

What options are there for me to pay my rent by?

You can pay your rent by credit/debit card. It is also possible for payments to be made by bank transfer. You can choose to pay your rent in one payment on the due date in place before the contract starts. If you choose to pay in instalments, you will need to provide a UK guarantor, who is in full-time employment to support your application. Payments can be made through the portal by logging on and selecting ‘accounts’. On the portal it will also remind you when the instalments are due to be paid.

Do I need a guarantor?

All students can choose to pay in instalments as long as they can provide a UK guarantor. If you cannot provide a guarantor you will need to pay the full year rent upon booking your accommodation. 

I do not live in the UK – how can I pay my rent?

If you do not live in the UK and do not have a UK guarantor, you will need to pay for your rent in full, or use the guarantor company Housing Hand to act as your guarantor. You can arrange to do this either by credit/debit card, or bank transfer. Please be aware that if paying by bank transfer, the bank will usually deduct charges from the amount you send us and you will need to pay the full amount due before you can move in.

Can I pay my rent with my student loan?

Please note that we don’t wait on student loans here at King’s Cross and payments will need to be made on the due dates.

What should I do if I am having financial problems?

Please contact a member of the Management immediately. Failure to do so could result in interest charges being added to your account if you fail to pay on the due dates, as well as legal proceedings against you and, where applicable, your guarantor. Management staff can usually advise you of where to go to get additional financial help that may assist you in meeting your financial obligations. 

Can I pay with foreign currency or travellers cheques?

Host cannot accept foreign currency or travellers cheques as payment. The safest and simplest way for international students to make a payment is by credit/debit card or bank transfer. 

How can I find out how much I owe?

On the portal it will outline when each instalment is due and amounts owed. Alternatively, contact a member of the Management Team who will be able to advise you of payment amounts and dates due. 

What if I don’t pay?

If you don’t pay your rent, daily interest may be added to the amount you owe to us. Your guarantor will be contacted and will be asked to pay the amount that you owe. Host will commence legal proceedings against any resident who fails to pay the rent due. These proceedings will also include action against the resident’s guarantor.

Do I need to pay council tax?

If you are a student in full-time education you will be exempt from Council Tax.

Do I have to pay any utility bills?

Our rents are inclusive of electricity and no charge is made for water.

Is there a charge for the internet?

A high speed connection is provided to your room free of charge for up to 4 devices. It is possible to connect to more devices by purchasing an add-on through our internet provider, this can be done online once an account has been made.

Do I need a TV licence?

Host King’s Cross supplies the TV licence for the television supplied in the lounge of shared flats. Should you bring a television for your bedroom or access TV through your internet connection, you will need to arrange for a TV licence. 

How do I make an insurance claim?

Basic insurance cover for personal belongings is provided for each resident. Details of your cover are provided in your welcome pack. Should you wish to make an insurance claim, you will need to contact the insurance company directly.

What do I need to do before I move out?

You are expected to ensure that your room and flat are returned in good condition at the end of your contract. You must make sure that all areas within the flat are cleaned thoroughly and that all rubbish and unwanted items are removed from the flat to avoid any charges being incurred. Damage to the flat or missing items will be charged for in accordance with the publicised charges. All outstanding invoices must be settled prior to your departure. A final room and bedroom check will be completed at the end of your contract. If you wish to be present at the check, you should arrange an appointment. 

How do I return my keys?

During office hours they should be returned to the Management Office. If you move out when the office is closed you should put your keys in an envelope with your name and room number clearly marked on it, and return them to the member of staff on duty. 

Will I get a deposit returned to me?

Host king's Cross does not take deposits. All damages will be invoiced to you after your departure.