ACCOMMODATION APPLICATION QUESTIONS

How do I apply for University of Sheffield accommodation?

You can apply as long as you have accepted your offer to study at the University (conditional or
unconditional). You will need to have created a University MUSE account to access the application. You can
do this by visiting the webpage below and following the instructions showing how to activate your account:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/account-management/applicant/active
You will need your date of birth and one of the following pieces of information – UCAS ID, PG applicant
number or your email address – to active your account.
Further information on applying for accommodation is available at:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/prospective/apply

What is the deadline for applying for accommodation?

If you have chosen Sheffield as your firm choice, you need to apply by the deadline of 31 July 2019 to be
guaranteed accommodation.
Full details regarding our guarantee are available at:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/guarantee

I have chosen Sheffield as my Insurance choice. Can I still apply for accommodation?
Insurance, clearing and adjustment students can apply from A-Level results day (15 August to 31 August
2019). You will not be able to submit an application until you know you are definitely coming to the
University of Sheffield and been offered a place.

Do you guarantee accommodation for students?

We guarantee accommodation to all new full-time students studying for the full academic year as long as
you meet a few conditions. Information about the Accommodation Guarantee can be found at:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/guarantee

What happens when I apply for accommodation?

 From Application go live until 31 May 2019 you can self-select accommodation.
 Once you self-select a room you will move onto a held page
 The Accommodation Office will contact you to accept the room from July onwards if you are at an
unconditional status or after A-level day if you are awaiting results.

 After 31 May self-selection will no longer be possible and you will be asked to provide three
accommodation preferences within your application.
 The Accommodation Office will allocate you a room based on your preferences and will email you
after A-Level day to accept the room online.

I self-selected a room but it is no longer showing in my cart?

Once a room is added to your cart, you will have 10 minutes to confirm the room. If you do not confirm
within this time, the room will be made available for another student to self-select. If you log out during the
10 minute period or lose internet connection, when you log back in, the room choice will no longer be in
your cart and you will need to self-select another room.

I have confirmed my room but would like to change my choice. Is this possible?
You can change your choice but you will need to restart the application and repeat the self-selection
process.
Please note that if you choose to restart, the room will no longer be on hold, and will be available for other
students to self-select.
Once you accept your contract and your room is reserved you will not be able to change your room.

When I am choosing accommodation, I can see other students’ personal details, is this correct?

There is a web profile page in the application which allows you create and share your web profile. You will
be asked to confirm if you agree to share your web profile by ticking the box on the web profile page.

Is University accommodation mixed gender?

The majority of our accommodation is mixed gender. If you require single gender accommodation then you
can ask for this on your application and only single gender flats will be displayed. If you chose mixed gender
and it is not displayed, then this means there is no availability and you will need to select single gender.

How long are the contracts?

We offer 42 week and 51 week contracts to all students. There is limited availability for undergraduates who
choose a 51 week contract. At the beginning of your application you can choose your preferred contract
term.

We also offer shorter contracts to students studying at The University for one semester and have a new
term available for Nurses

I have deferred my offer to study at the University until the following year. Can I still have
University accommodation when I start my course?
Yes; you will need to re-apply for accommodation online from March 2019 onwards for the 2019-2020
academic year.

What is catered accommodation?

Students who live in catered accommodation have a meal allowance included within the rent. The allowance
is added to your GeniUS card every Sunday during term time (31 weeks in total). Kitchenettes are available
within the accommodation for the preparation of light snacks. They are small but you do have a microwave
kettle and toaster.

Do you cater for students with special diets in your catered accommodation?
We do cater for students with many different dietary requirements, offering vegetarian, vegan and halal
meals. Please advise the catering team of this on arrival.
If you have requirements that are more specific or allergies to food such as nuts and wheat, it may be more
suitable for you to move into self-catered accommodation.

Do all rooms have internet points?

All the accommodation has either data points or wireless connections in the room and internet is included
in the rent.

Are bills included in the rent?

Yes, all water, gas, electricity and internet bills are included in your rent. We even provide contents
insurance so you'll never have to worry about bills.

I am looking for accommodation with friends; can we apply as a group to live in the same
accommodation?
If you wish to live in University accommodation as a group of friends, you will each need to log into MUSE to
start an application. Each member of the group will need to self-select a room within the chosen
accommodation.
Can I get accommodation on my arrival in Sheffield or must I apply before I arrive?
We advise that you apply for accommodation before you arrive. However, if you arrive in Sheffield before
arranging accommodation, please ensure you have arranged temporary accommodation for your arrival.
You can book into the University of Sheffield’s Halifax Hotel or Jonas Hotel and contact us at:
accommodationoffice@sheffield.ac.uk once you are in Sheffield and we will be able to advise you on the
availability of accommodation.

How much will my accommodation rent be?

Rent includes all bills, internet, contents insurance and Residential Life activities. Further details can be
found at: http://360degreevirtualtours.group.shef.ac.uk/rent

Which accommodation is closest to my Department?

All University accommodation is within a twenty-minute walk of campus and is served by excellent public
transport. We advise you look at all factors when choosing where you would prefer to live, not just the
proximity to campus. For specific details of University accommodation properties and their distance from
your Departmental building, visit:
https://www.shef.ac.uk/accommodation/location

I applied for accommodation but I have now been offered a job as a Residential Mentor – what do I
need to do?
You will need to inform the Accommodation Office immediately at: accommodationoffice@sheffield.ac.uk.

Do I have to apply for accommodation if I am a Residential Mentor?

Yes, you will need to submit an accommodation application and self-select your own room from the options
available.

Can I view the accommodation that I have chosen?

You will not be able to view a specific room; however, we do have 360-degree tours of all room types
available online at: http://360degreevirtualtours.group.shef.ac.uk.

How many students share kitchens in the self-catered apartments?

The kitchens will be suitable for the number of students living in the apartments and range from 3 to 12
rooms in a cluster flat.

How many students share bathrooms in the shared properties?

Properties and facilities vary in size; we do have a high ratio of bathrooms to students and no more than 6
students share a single bathroom.

CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE

How do I accept my Residential contract?

 The Accommodation Office will contact you in July if Unconditional firm to ask you to accept the
terms and conditions of contract, pay a £150 deposit, and set up a payment method for your
accommodation fees, all before a stipulated closing date. You will then have fully accepted your
residential contract.
 Students who apply after this time will be able to select a room and immediately accept the
contract.
  Conditional Firm students will be asked to accept the contract after A-Level day once their place at
the University of Sheffield has been confirmed

I am getting error messages when trying to accept my online contract?

If you are receiving error messages please try using a different browser, we find chrome works well.

I am unable to accept the accommodation contract before the stipulated closing date?

If you are unable to accept your contract, get in touch with the Accommodation office before your
stipulated closing date.

I have sent my accommodation fees by bank transfer and the closing date has passed?

If you have sent a bank transfer payment, it can take up to 3-5 working days to arrive. You can send a copy
of your bank transfer receipt to the accommodation office, who can hold the room until the payment
arrives.

I have fully reserved my room, but want to amend my payment details?

If you need to amend your payment details after accepting your room online, you will need to get in contact
with the Income office to manually update your account. If you are paying by recurring card payment or
direct debit, the payment is called for in advance of your payment date so please leave enough time to
amend your payment details.

I have ‘Accepted/Reserved’ my room but would like to change my room. Is this possible?
Once you have accepted your ‘Accommodation Offer’, you will need to contact the accommodation office to
check availability if you wish to change your choice.

MOVING IN
When can I move into my accommodation?
University accommodation contracts that are for 42 and 51 weeks commence the weekend before Intro
Week and will therefore start on either Saturday 21st September 2019 or Sunday 22nd September 2019. Full
details will be provided on your ‘Accommodation Contract’.

Can I move in earlier than the contract start date?

Early arrival is not always possible; once you have fully accepted your contract, please contact the
Accommodation Office for further information about early arrival. Please note options are limited and not
guaranteed

What do I need to bring?

You will need to bring bed linen (sheets and pillowcases), duvet, pillow and towels. Students in self-catering
accommodation will also need to provide cutlery/crockery, pans etc.
We recommend contacting the other students in your flat via Facebook so you can arrange to share these
items, as our experience shows that if you all bring these items, you will be short of kitchen cupboard space.

What are the living costs in Sheffield?

The following webpage can help you work out how much money you will need to live in Sheffield:
https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/costs

If the accommodation is not suitable when I move in, what should I do?
As you have signed a contract for the accommodation, you have accepted to live in the accommodation.
However, for a variety of reasons, you may not settle in as you expected. We would ask that students give it a
few weeks to settle in, meet new friends and get to know the city. The Residential Mentors are available to
offer support. You can apply to transfer (after the first 4 weeks of moving in) to other University
accommodation, depending on availability.

Can I cancel my University accommodation contract before I move in? Will I get my deposit
refunded?
Once you have accepted your contract, you will only be released from your contractual obligations if you are
no longer coming to study at the University of Sheffield. If this is the case, we will look to refund your
accommodation deposit within a few weeks after A-Level Results Day (16th August 2018). Please note that if
you do not collect your keys, your deposit will not be refunded and you are liable for the rent.

Can I cancel my University accommodation contract once I move in?

Once you have accepted your contract you are not able to cancel your contract. You will need to contact the
Accommodation Office for further information: accommodationoffice@sheffield.ac.uk

I am not planning on arriving after the accommodation contract start date, is this allowed?
If you are arriving later than the official contract start date, you will need to email latearrivals@sheffield.ac.uk
with your arrival date and they will provide you with the information required.

MOVING OUT
My accommodation contract is over, when is my deposit returned?
When you accepted your accommodation contract, you paid a £150.00 deposit. You will either be refunded
this amount within 6-8 weeks of the end of your contract, or if any deductions are to be made from this
amount due to damage, extra cleaning etc., you will be notified.

What do I do if I haven't had my accommodation deposit back?

Accommodation deposits are refunded 6-8 weeks after the end of your contract. If after this time your
accommodation deposit has not been refunded and/or you have not had any communication about this,
please contact the Student Customers Team by email at: student-dd@sheffield.ac.uk

How much rent do I still owe for my accommodation?

If you want to check how much rent you owe or speak to someone about the payments, please contact the
Income Office, either in person on Level 6, Students’ Union Building or by calling 0114 222 4868 or emailing
residencefees@sheffield.ac.uk

RETURNERS
What is a ‘returner’?

A returner is any student who is not a first year. Whether you are currently living in University
accommodation and want to stay, you lived in University accommodation previously and have been living in
private housing until now, or you have never lived in University accommodation, you can apply for returners’
accommodation.

When is the deadline for applying for returners’ accommodation?

There is no deadline for applying, so don’t feel rushed into booking accommodation; however, the most
sought-after properties will be snapped up first and remember the Donut campaigns ends 30 April 2019.