Frequently Asked Questions
Accommodation FAQs
The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby. This section answers your frequently asked questions.
When will I get an accommodation application form?
The Accommodation Guide, which contains an accommodation application form, is distributed by the Admissions Service to applicants who have put the University of Hertfordshire down as their first choice.
When will I get an offer of student accommodation?
Offers are made from 1 July to eligible students. Accommodation offers won’t be made until your GCE A level results are known.
Will I have priority for a room at the de Havilland Campus if I’m studying in the Business School, School of Humanities or the School of Education?
No. We don’t take courses into account when making allocations.
Can I say what type of room I want?
We ask you to specify your preferences for the location, cost and the type of accommodation you want on the application form. These are taken into account as far as possible, depending on what’s available when we allocate your accommodation.
Will I have to empty my room during the Easter and Christmas holidays?
In most cases, no. Your contract includes Christmas and Easter, except for a small number of blocks on the de Havilland Campus, which is used during the Easter holiday for conferences.
If I live off-campus, is there a bus service?
The UNO bus service provides convenient university buses throughout the area.
Will I get my first choice of accommodation?
Rooms are given out as per the allocation priorities. We can allocate rooms once you’ve accepted your course place in writing and submitted your accommodation application form. The earlier you do this, the more likely you are to get your first or second choice.
We do our best to give you the accommodation that most closely matches what you want, but it isn’t always possible to give you your first choice. Our most modern accommodation is always very popular, with more requests than there are places.
Will I have to share accommodation?
Most of our study-bedrooms are single rooms. However, there are some double rooms at the College Lane Campus and some students do share accommodation on a permanent basis.
We might ask you to share a room temporarily at the beginning of the year, while final arrangements are made.
We do our best to avoid this – but if you do have to share temporarily, you’ll have the advantage of a lower rent while you’re sharing. You’ll be offered a permanent room when one becomes available.
Is accommodation provided for families?
No. Our accommodation is designed for single people. If you need family accommodation, we can give you advice and information on renting in the private sector. Couples who are both full-time students are eligible for university accommodation.
What if I have a disability or special needs?
If you have a disability (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1995), or need special consideration because of a medical condition or exceptional circumstances, we can help. We offer a number of full disability-standard flats and adapted rooms at both campuses.
If you are a disabled student who requires personal full-time assistance, we can also offer residential accommodation for your helper(s). We may ask you for supporting information from your doctor.
Is living on campus safe?
We want our campuses to be safe for everyone who lives, works and studies here. Our resident assistants and security staff are around outside office hours to deal with situations such as urgent repairs, medical emergencies, noise complaints – or if you lock yourself out.
They spend a lot of time out and about, getting to know students and providing general advice and support. Unisecure, the university's security department also provides patrols and CCTV to make sure our campuses are safe and secure.
Can I smoke in my room?
At the College Lane Campus generally, smoking isn’t allowed in any communal areas, but you can smoke in your own bedroom. A small number of areas are entirely non-smoking. At the de Havilland Campus smoking isn’t allowed inside any of the residential areas.
Is there a cleaner?
You’re responsible for keeping your own bedroom clean, but in most halls communal areas are cleaned by housekeeping staff.
Can I bring my car?
Students living at the College Lane Campus can buy a car parking permit for the residential area. Students living at the de Havilland Campus can’t bring a car on to the campus or the neighbouring residential areas.
What will I need to bring to furnish my accommodation?
Our accommodation is well equipped, but you’ll need to bring your own cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery, towels and tea towels. If you bring a TV for your room, you’ll need to buy a TV licence. You aren’t allowed to bring your own fridge or microwave. Before you come to the university, we send you detailed information to help you decide what to bring with you.