University Hall
Guide
Welcome to your new home. This guide will help make your stay in our
accommodation as happy and successful as possible. This information is for
University Hall and should be used with the Handbook, which contains general
rules and regulations of living in a University owned residence. Please read this
guide now and keep it for reference throughout your year in Hall.
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University Hall, Shaplands, Off Parrys Lane, Bristol BS9 1AR
www.bristol.ac.uk/universityhall Telephone: 0117 9033730
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The Essentials
Who to call in an emergency:
Accidents and emergencies
In an emergency telephone:
University Security Services (24 hours)
Fire, Police, Ambulance
First Aiders are:
John Graves, Handyman
Senior Residents
Liz Posner, SSA
0117 9287848 or 0117 3311223
999
internal extension: 33730
duty mobile: 07789 396698
internal extension: 33730 (full number 0117 9033730).
First aid Boxes are located at:
Reception
SCR Room (Flat 46)
Behind the bar in the social area
Deputy Warden’s Flat (Flat 43)
How to report a repair:
Please ensure you have read the Handbook rules and regulations relating repairs. If any maintenance
or repairs are needed to your accommodation, or if you become aware of any pest control issues,
you should complete the form for University Hall at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/reporting-problems/repairs-replacements/.
If you should require an emergency repair during the evening or weekends, please contact the
Senior Resident on duty. There is a 7-day timeframe for all planned maintenance.
What to do if the fire alarm goes off:
Please ensure you have read the Handbook rules and regulations relating to fire. You must
familiarize yourself with the fire and safety regulations and procedures. Please read the “Action in
Case of Fire” notice in your flat or on your corridor and make sure you know where to find fire exit
routes from your room and from communal parts of the Hall.
In the event of the fire alarm sounding you must leave the building at once and assemble in
University Hall car park adjacent to University Hall/Hollybush Lane. Do not wait to pick up personal
belongings. You are not expected to fight fires, but to use fire blankets when necessary.
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Contents
Accidents and emergencies .......................................................................................................................... 2
Welcome to University Hall ............................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction from the Warden .......................................................................................................................... 5
Contacts ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Senior residents ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Important information ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Absence ......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Bedrooms ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cleaning......................................................................................................................................................... 7
Communications ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Gardens and grounds .................................................................................................................................... 8
Guests and visitors ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Laundry ......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Lost keys and lockouts .................................................................................................................................. 9
Lost property ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Mail ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Neighbours .................................................................................................................................................. 10
Noise ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
Personal safety and security ....................................................................................................................... 10
Repairs and maintenance............................................................................................................................ 10
Rubbish and recycling ................................................................................................................................. 11
Storage ........................................................................................................................................................ 11
Students with disabilities or special needs ................................................................................................. 11
Television .................................................................................................................................................... 11
Vacations ..................................................................................................................................................... 11
Travel and transport ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Buses ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Cars and parking.......................................................................................................................................... 12
Bicycles ........................................................................................................................................................ 12
Taxis ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Life in University Hall ....................................................................................................................................... 13
The Junior Common Room .......................................................................................................................... 13
Facilities....................................................................................................................................................... 13
The Common Room .................................................................................................................................... 13
The Computer Room ................................................................................................................................... 14
The Shaplands Room ................................................................................................................................... 14
Support for Students ........................................................................................................................................ 14
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Welcome to University Hall
University Hall provides a 24-hour support system of Warden, Deputy Warden and Senior Residents,
who are there to help new students adjust to life in Bristol. The Hall was constructed in 1971 and
was the first self-catering Hall of Residence built on the Stoke Bishop site and accommodates nearly
300 students. The majority of students are accommodated in the six original buildings that comprise
of 56 flats, each providing five standard, single study-bedrooms with shared facilities. In 1992 an
additional cottage-style building was added to the site. This building is comprised of eight flats and
the accommodation is arranged into six en-suite single study-bedrooms with a shared kitchen/diner.
The Hall traditionally has a good mix of students including recent school-leavers, international and
UK-based students. Most flats are mixed, although single sex flats are available. All flats are nonsmoking and fees reflect the different facilities.
The main social and administration building is the focus of Hall life. The facilities include a large
social area, bar, TV room, computer room, a study, music practice and entertainment room, terrace
area and launderette. The Hall is a five minute walk from the main University sports ground and also
shares sports facilities, such as squash, tennis and croquet courts, on the Stoke Bishop site. The Hall
has ample bicycle parking facilities.
The social life at the Hall is a great place to start off your University career - the perfect environment
to make friends. With so many students in one place you cannot avoid meeting someone you will get
on with. From the vibrant and exciting atmosphere of Welcome Week to the tension of exam time,
living at the Hall is an excellent way to share good times, or discuss any concerns you might have.
The Hall has an elected student Junior Common Room (JCR) committee, which organises a variety of
social and sporting events, and all members of hall are encouraged to participate.
The Hall is located in the pleasant Stoke Bishop district of north Bristol and is within five minutes’
walk of the Downs. Clifton and Durdham Downs make up more than 400 acres of grassland
stretching from the very cliffs of the Avon Gorge to the edges of the Victorian-built suburbs. Access
is easy and convenient, whether travelling by air, rail or road.
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Introduction from the Warden
A warm welcome to University Hall and I hope you enjoy your stay here. University Hall is run with
community spirit in mind and, as such, we aim to create a dynamic, student-centred and balanced
community that allows individuals to achieve their full potential and become what they want to be
and what society needs.
Becoming a member of an academic community is an exciting transition and you will discover there
are endless opportunities that await you here at Bristol. The Hall is home to nearly 300 residents and
provides a stable environment where individuals may study and develop in a relaxed, friendly and
scholarly atmosphere. The Hall offers a unique opportunity for individuals to become actively
involved in Hall life and, at the same time, allows for the subtle variations that make life in Hall a
very individual experience.
I hope that you will take full advantage of everything that University Hall has to offer and make the
most of your university experience.
Tilly Beech
Warden
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Contacts
Tilly Beech (Warden)
As Warden I assume overall responsibility for the management and administration of the Hall, its
students and its staff. A central part of this role is to create a supportive and rewarding environment
during your first year at University.
Ali Mokrane (Deputy Warden)
As Deputy Warden I lead the Senior Common Room, which is the collective name for the Senior
Residents. I also help the JCR to organise entertainments and supervise the running of the bar.
The Warden and Deputy Warden have other commitments outside University Hall. If you wish to
see the Warden privately, please make an appointment with the Student Support Administrator
(SSA), email: uh-office@bristol.ac.uk
Senior residents
A Senior Resident is responsible for the pastoral concerns of around 50 students. In addition,
working on a rota basis, a Senior Resident responds to after-hours emergencies. They should be
contacted in the first instance in case of any difficulty or emergency when the Hall office is closed.
They are also happy to talk over and help with any problems of a more personal nature. If
something is wrong or troubling you, do not hesitate to approach them to discuss it.
The Duty Senior Resident’s name and contact details are displayed on the main front door to the
administration building and on the notice board in each block. The Senior Resident on duty is
available from 6.00 pm to 11.30 pm each evening.
Liz Posner (Student Support Administrator)
The Student Support Administrator deals with all student administration and is the main point of
contact for all student enquiries. The SSA arranges the Warden's appointments and is the main
liaison between the Hall and the University's academic departments. The working hours of the SSA
are displayed at Reception. You can contact the SSA on uh-office@bristol.ac.uk
Operational Staff
Ann Tan (Accommodation Manager)
As the most senior member of the operational staff, the Accommodation Manager has overall
responsibility for the day to day running of University Hall, the maintenance of the buildings, the
general administration of finance and the welfare of the staff.
A team of operational staff supports the Accommodation Manager:
John Graves/Colin Coates
Diane Jesty
Kim Dibble
Claire Bleaden
Debbie Orgee
Wendy Bisley
(Porter/Handyman)
(General Assistant)
(General Assistant)
(General Assistant)
(General Assistant)
(General Assistant)
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Important information
Absence
It is very important that your residence knows when you are away in case there is a fire or other
emergency. To report your absence from your residence please complete the relevant form for
University Hall, which is available at: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/report/.
Bedrooms
For reasons of safety you are not permitted to have your own heaters or cooking equipment such as
toasters or kettles in your bedrooms. Any such items may be taken into storage by residence staff.
On arrival you will be asked to complete a room inventory. It is vital you attend to this carefully, and
report any damage or marking that exists. At the end of your stay the room will be re-evaluated
based on your declaration. New burns or damage, additional markings etc. will incur charges either
for replacement of the item or for extra cleaning.
Please note: it is a violation of University regulations for anyone to smoke in bedrooms (or anywhere
inside buildings); if at the end of your stay there is an odour of smoke in your room, you will be
charged for a deep clean – in addition to any penalties due to breaking the University rules.
What is provided in your residence (as a minimum):
Bedrooms
 Bed, mattress and mattress cover
 Wardrobe
 Desk, chair and lamp
 Bookshelves
 Curtains
 Mirrors
Kitchens
 Cooker
 Fridge
 Freezer
 Dining table/breakfast bar
 Dining chairs
 Microwave
What to bring:
 Bed linen
 Duvets
 Pillows
 Kitchen utensils, cutlery, crockery, etc. Please don’t bring too much as remember that your
flatmates will be bringing things too!
Cleaning
University Hall operates a programme of continuous building improvement. The support team takes
great pride in the high standards of cleanliness maintained throughout the buildings. It is therefore
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disappointing when decoration, fabric or the furnishings are damaged. All residents and their guests
are asked to respect and take care of their surroundings, keeping pantries clear of dirty pots and
utensils, shower drains clear of residual matter, etc.
Too often showers and drains become blocked. With a little thought and care this can be avoided –
all users are asked to take responsibility for leaving washing facilities as clean and free from loose
hair and dirt as possible; also to avoid blocking toilet drains please do not attempt to flush away
bulky items or plastic bags – sports people should soak dirty sports kit in the Belfast sinks in the
laundrette and not in baths.
It is hoped that all residents will respect our aims and support the Hall staff in maintaining a campus
to be proud of.
Communications
All urgent messages are communicated via your allocated University email address for all residents
of University Hall. Please check this daily. You are included on the University Hall distribution list by
which regular bulletins and information messages are sent. The main reception notice board
advertises events within the University as a whole. Do check regularly to keep well informed.
The University website provides a wealth of information about Hall and organisation. The Hall Office
window board will display contact information, fee details and insurance data.
If any resident would like to meet with the Warden or seeks advice during the working week, they
should contact the Student Support Administrator in the Hall Office between the hours of 08:00 and
16:00 Monday to Friday.
Telephone
Members of staff will not take telephone messages on behalf of students, except in cases of real
home emergency. Please make sure that the Hall has an up-to-date mobile number for you.
Email
If you do not have a PC or laptop, the Hall computer room has available four machines with a
printer. You can use these between 07:15-22:30 any day of the week. Print credit has to be
purchased. There is wi-fi connectivity in all University Hall buildings. Part of your student agreement
is ensuring that you check your University email regularly. Please make sure you do so, otherwise
you will miss important messages.
Gardens and grounds
The playing of ball games, Frisbees and skateboarding is not permitted on University Hall premises,
which includes the hill area between Flats 13-24, Hiatt Baker and Wills. Please do remember that
one of the many benefits of living at University Hall is that the Downs, Coombe Dingle sports
grounds and University Hall tennis courts are nearby and provide a more conducive environment for
outdoor activities.
Please note:
Parking on the grass is strictly prohibited.
B-B-Q’s and fireworks are strictly prohibited.
Guests and visitors
Please ensure you have read the Handbook information regarding guests and visitors. You must not
have overnight guests in the Accommodation except by permission of the Warden. It is very
important that we know who is in the residence in case of fire. Students may have the occasional
overnight guest to stay, subject to the prior agreement of all residents in the flat concerned and
provided they are over 16 years of age. Guests should not stay in the accommodation for more than
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3 nights in a month and not for more than 2 consecutive nights. The hosting resident will be
responsible for the conduct of their guest at all times. Guests and hosts alike are responsible for
knowing and abiding by all regulations and either or both may be subject to disciplinary action for
violations. Students should complete a Visitors request form for University Hall, available at:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/report/.
Security and authorized personnel may insist on any unauthorized guests leaving the building.
Laundry
A laundry service is not provided. The launderette can be found in the Administration block on the
lower ground floor, open daily from 9 am - 10 pm A wash costs £2.00 and drying is £1 for 30
minutes. Washing powder and fabric softener is not provided. The machines are operated by a card
which will be issued to you on arrival and residents top them up with money online
Lost keys and lockouts
Students are responsible for the security of their room keys. Students are not allowed to loan their
keys to anyone at any time. If a student is locked out of his/her room, a backup key may be obtained
from the office. If the backup key is not returned within 72 hours you will be charged £20 per
replacement key. Please take care of your keys - lost keys mean lost security.
Students who are certain their key is lost may request an emergency lock change. If you should lose
a key, report it at once to Reception where you will be able to get a replacement for £20 per key
(remember most sets contain 2 keys so this can be expensive). Whenever you leave your room and
flat make sure it is locked and that you have the key with you.
The transfer of keys between individuals, or acquisition of duplicate keys, is unauthorised and may
lead to immediate termination of residence.
It is strictly prohibited for residents to remove or change/alter locks.
Please try to remember to carry your key with you at all times. However, if you do lock yourself out
and the Hall Office is closed, the Senior Resident on duty will be able to let you into your room
before 11.30pm. After 11.30pm the Security Officer can let you in. For Security - Tel: (0117) 92
87848 (internal 87848).
There will be an amnesty on lock-outs until the end of October. Lock-outs that occur after October
will be subject to the following procedure: Students are only let back into their flats “on the hour”,
(i.e. if you lock yourself out at 6.10 pm you will not be let back in until 7.00 pm).
It is therefore important that you carry your key with you at all times. A record is kept of all
lockouts. Persistent offenders will be asked to meet with the Deputy Warden and a fine may be
imposed for further incidents.
Keys must be returned to your SSA at the end of your tenancy.
Lost property
Lost property may be claimed from the Hall Office during normal working hours. After 12 weeks
items remaining unclaimed are sent to a local charity. Stolen property should be reported to the
Student Support Administrator and a claim made through the block insurance.
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Mail
All letters and small packages are delivered direct to your flat. Postal packages and recorded delivery
items are received at Reception for all residents and may be collected during office hours or
between 7.30 and 8.30 each evening when a Senior Resident is in Reception. If such items of mail
are delivered for you, an email will be sent to you asking you to come and collect it. Please collect
your parcels etc. as soon as possible as there is little storage in Reception for such items.
Neighbours
The University takes its role as a good neighbour seriously. Residents in the Stoke Bishop halls are
part of a wider community and have a responsibility to ensure that our neighbours are able to enjoy
their homes and conduct their lives without aggravation, or disruption from our students
individually, or collectively. Drunken, loud or disruptive behaviour by students in either the halls or
their grounds, or in the roads and lanes surrounding the halls, is viewed seriously and will result in
disciplinary action being taken against any identified student, either by the Warden, the Deputy
Warden or by the Pro Vice-Chancellor.
Noise
Residents are expected not to make noise likely to disturb others’ work or sleep at any time and to
use stereo equipment with discretion and consideration. No noise /loud music should be heard
from outside your room/flat at ANY TIME. Loud music can be extremely disturbing and annoying
and lack of sleep can affect academic performance, especially at exam time. Amplified musical
instruments and drum kits are NOT allowed in the Residences. Students who like playing music
loudly should use headphones. Residents who contravene this rule will be required to surrender
their equipment or instrument.
Arrangements may be made to use the Shapland Room or the bar, for individual un-amplified
practice. Request for quiet at any time must be upheld. No noise must be audible after 11 pm or
before 8 am. When returning late at night students should observe quiet both outside and inside the
Residences. Residents are responsible at all times for the behaviour of their guests or anyone
admitted to their residence.
During exam periods any resident who disturbs other residents may be asked to leave Hall at the
end of their exam period.
Personal safety and security
All external doors to residential parts of the Hall are kept locked to discourage unwanted visitors. Be
vigilant and do not hold doors open to allow others to ‘tailgate’ you into any building. Similarly each
resident is encouraged to shut and lock their bedroom door at all times they are not in the room,
keeping their keys safe with them at all times.
Repairs and maintenance
Please ensure you have read the Handbook information regarding repairs. If any maintenance or
repairs are needed to your accommodation, or if you become aware of any pest control issues, you
should complete the repairs form for University Hall at
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/reporting-problems/repairs-replacements/. Please do
not report a repair in any other way as it may not be dealt with. Arrangements for repair will be put
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in hand, via the University’s Building Services. There is a 7-day timeframe for all planned
maintenance.
Rubbish and recycling
Please ensure you have read the Handbook rules and regulations relating to rubbish and recycling.
Rubbish should be disposed of promptly and carefully in sealed bags in the large green wheelie bins
located on site. On no account leave rubbish bags outside flats or on the ground as these will be
ripped open by squirrels and the contents scattered. Residents are responsible for ensuring that the
grounds are kept free of litter. Please keep windowsills clear at all times. Recycling facilities for
bottles, paper, plastic, cans, cardboard and food waste are available on site. There is also a St Peters
Hospice collecting box in the laundry area for any clean unwanted items of clothing.
Storage
There are no storage facilities at the Hall.
Students with disabilities or special needs
If you have a disability or suffer ill health please contact your accommodation manager within the
first week of term to agree a personal evacuation plan.
Television
If you have a TV with you, you WILL need a licence. You will not be covered by your parents’ licence
or any communal TV licence. See: http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/
You will also need a licence if you have a TV card in your computer.
Vacations
If you stay in Hall any time during the Christmas and Easter Vacations, for safety and security
reasons, you must let the office know your expected periods of residence. Occasionally it will be
necessary for maintenance work to be carried out during the vacations and your co-operation in
enabling this to be done, i.e. by leaving your flat clean and tidy, is expected.
You may not sub-let your room or let friends stay while you are away. If a vacancy occurs in a flat
during the session, the Accommodation Office will fill it.
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Travel and transport
Buses
Students in University-allocated accommodation receive a bus pass included in their rent. See
http://www.bristol.ac.uk/transportplan/transport/bus/ for details of the bus services.
Buses depart from the transport hub between University Hall and Hiatt Baker.
Cars and parking
Please ensure you have read the Handbook rules and regulations relating to cars and parking.
Instructions for applying for a permit will be included in your e Induction.
There is very limited parking available at the Residences. The few spaces are allocated based on
need, for example to blue badge holders. You will only be considered for a space if you meet one or
more of the criteria.
Bicycles
Bicycles are not permitted in any flat, hallway or landing (fire/safety regulations). They must be kept
in the bike sheds and registration is required. A cycle registration scheme operates at the Hall, and
forms are available from Reception. A charge of £5 is required for a key to the bike shed and you
will be issued with a registration identity tag which must be attached to your bike at all times.
Thefts of bicycles are becoming increasingly common and a strong padlock or ‘D’ lock and chain and
insurance cover are advisable. You are strongly advised not to bring expensive bicycles to Bristol.
Please attach bicycles to the designated posts and securing hoops provided within the bike sheds
and not to the chain fencing as this blocks the entrance to the shed.
Taxis
Details of local taxis companies can be found on the notice boards in reception. The collection and
drop-off point is the transport hub and not Shaplands Road.
Remember that only hackney cabs (which are painted blue, and display council licence plates with a
white background) are allowed to pick up passengers when flagged down.
Private hire cars (which display council licence plates with a yellow background) aren’t allowed to
pick up passengers when they’re flagged down – be wary of any vehicles which do this.
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Life in University Hall
The Junior Common Room
The JCR committee (students at University Hall) looks after entertainments, welfare and sports, and
aims to cater for the interests of all students. Your suggestions and/or involvement are welcomed.
Full details of the JCR representatives can be found on the JCR webpage
www.bristol.ac.uk/universityhall/jcr/. The JCR notice board posts details of events, sports and other
general details.
You automatically become a member of University Hall JCR when you become resident in University
Hall. The JCR’s income comes from your subscription (£50). The JCR subscription fund is used
throughout the year to provide events and sporting opportunities for students. We are always
interested to hear your suggestions, both for events and for ways we could do things better, so
please let us know. Feel free to come along to any of our weekly meetings, day and time to be
announced.
The JCR committee is responsible for organising (and in some cases, providing) the entertainment,
and looking after the sporting interests of those in Hall. The committee consists of a group of
approachable students representing the students at University Hall. Responsible posts are available
for First Years wishing to acquire experience – giving you the opportunity to have something to write
on your C.V. If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch. The various tasks and
responsibilities are split into ‘portfolios’ as follows:
Principal Officers:
Other Officers:
President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary
Entertainments & Events Officer, Sports Officer, Communications and
Marketing Officer, International Students Officer, Web & Technology Officer,
Environmental Officer
Elections for membership of the JCR committee will be held during the third week of term.
Facilities
Hall staff are available to help you with all enquiries, arranging for repairs to be carried out, taking
requests for maintenance, providing change for the launderette etc. Reception is open Monday –
Friday between 9.00 am and 6.00pm
Out of normal office hours the Senior Resident on duty is available in the Reception office from 7.30
to 8.30 pm to assist you.
The Common Room
This is the main social area and it is the place to relax and meet new people. It has a pool table,
table tennis, table football, quiz machine and wi-fi facilities, together with an x-box and wii. It also
houses a projector for screening films and sporting events. The JCR frequently host events here. For
further details please visit the JCR website: www.bristol.ac.uk/universityhall/jcr/.
Club 1909 is a private members’ club by which the hall is granted a licence to sell alcohol. All
residents are members of and bound by the rules of the club, which is run by a management
committee composed of staff and students.
The bar opening times are:
Sunday to Thursday:
Friday and Saturday:
8 pm - 10.30 pm
8 pm - 11.00 pm
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The Computer Room
The computer room is networked to the University's main computing facilities and has 4 computers
and a printer. The Computer Room is open from 9.00 am–10.30 pm. Printing credits can be
purchased online from IT Services: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/it-services/applications/printing/.
The Shaplands Room
This can be primarily used for quiet study/reading or it can be booked for music practice. The room
contains a piano, music stands and a small library and it is possible to remain in the room after the
main building has been locked. As this area has a diversity of usages, and in order to avoid
disappointment or confusion, a booking diary is held at Reception. When the room is not in use for
either music or study it can be made available for residents to hold social gatherings by arrangement
with the Warden.
Please note that during the exam period this room is designated a quiet study area between the
hours of 10.00 am and 6.00 pm.
Support for Students
Accommodation Office: bristol.ac.uk/accommodation/ 0117 954 6640.
For all accommodation inquiries and help with finding housing in your second year.
Student Services: bristol.ac.uk/studentservices/.
Comprises:
Multifaith Chaplaincy:
Disability Services:
Careers Service:
Student Counselling Service:
Students Health Service:
Vulnerable Students Support Service:
0117 954 6600
0117 331 0444
0117 928 8221
0117 954 6655
0117 330 2720
0117 331 0419
Student Funding Office: bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/ 0117 331 7972.
Help with budgeting, bursaries, scholarships and loans.
International Office: bristol.ac.uk/international-office/ 0117 331 8591.
Help and support for international students.
Just Ask: bristolsu.org.uk/justask/ 0117 331 8634.
The Students Union service offering information, support and advice on student issues.
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