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.