FAQs

Applying for Accommodation

How do I decide which type of room I would like?

Look at your budget, you will see that there are a variety of room types available at the RAU at different costs; you will need to choose a room that is affordable for you.

 

Have a think about whether you would be happy sharing your toilet and showering facilities or whether you would prefer your own en-suite bathroom. If you would like to share a bedroom with another student, we do have a limited number of twin rooms available. 

Am I guaranteed accommodation?

We endeavour to offer all first year undergraduate students accommodation on campus; however, we cannot guarantee this. Accommodation applications are dealt with on a first come, first served basis so it is vital that you apply for accommodation online via MyRAU at the earliest possible opportunity.

 

We have a limited number of rooms in a quiet block on campus and, whilst there is not such a strong demand for these, they are also dealt with on a first come, first served basis.

If you are not allocated accommodation on campus, the accommodation office will support you in finding alternative accommodation in Cirencester or the surrounding villages.

Will I get my first choice of room?

MyRAU will ask you to list the room types on offer in order of your preference; you then have the opportunity to choose your catering type.

 

Every effort is made to allocate you your first choice of room type (taking into consideration your preferred halls of residence); however as the forms are dealt with on a first come, first served basis, if all of the rooms are allocated, you will be allocated your second choice and so on.

When will I find out if I have been allocated accommodation?

Obviously, we will need to have a final list of all those applicants who will be coming to study at the RAU, so we need to wait until the A-level results are released.

 

Please be assured that if there is a problem with your application we will contact you. You will receive an e-mail from the admissions department informing you on how to access MyRAU to view your accommodation offer in late August / early September.

Paying for Accommodation

How much do I have to pay to secure a room in halls of residence?

A non-refundable administration fee of £200 will be required to confirm your application. 

Will I lose my administration fee if I decide not to come to the RAU?

The administration fee will be non-refundable in the event of withdrawal from a place at the University. However, if the place is still conditional and conditions of offer are not met, the administration fee will be refunded.

How much will it cost to live in halls of residence?

Please have a look at the  accommodation charges. Most of our accommodation is fully catered so the outgoings you will need to budget for will include payment of the termly electricity bill, toiletries, travel, clothes laundering, etc.

When do I have to pay for my accommodation?

UK and EU students can pay in instalments, termly in advance. Overseas students will be required to make payment upfront and it is advised that this payment is made prior to their travel to the Royal Agricultural University.

How many weeks of the academic year will I have to pay for?

Your room is allocated to you for the entire academic year. Catered accommodation will have 3 weeks free of charge over the Christmas period as there are no catering facilities available for those weeks. 

Living in University Accommodation

How will my room be furnished?

All bedrooms are fully decorated and furnished to include a single bed, desk, chair, bedside table, wardrobe with some coat hangers, wall mirror, notice board, lamp, kettle, duvets, sheets, pillows and covers, curtains, Wi-Fi connection for PC / laptop (you will need to register all computers upon arrival before you can access the internet).

When can I arrive for my accommodation?

Arrival date for your accommodation will be confirmed on your Terms and Conditions, when accepting your room offer.

Will I have the internet in my room?

Yes, you may access the internet from your computer / laptop with a network cable, or by connecting to the University's Wi-Fi network (providing your anti-virus software is up-to-date).

 

If you’d like to access the Wi-Fi through your smartphone or tablet, you will first need to register the device with IT Services.

Do I need a TV licence?

Yes, if you bring a TV or laptop which you can use to watch TV programmes you must  purchase a TV licence (the easiest way being through the TV Licensing website).

Can I smoke in my room in halls of residence?

No, the University has chosen to extend the smoking ban to all our buildings including the student residencies.

 

Any student caught in the act or allowing others to smoke or evidence found that smoking has occurred within the building / bedroom, will receive a £200 fine and 3 penalty points on their student conduct record. Repeat and persistent offenders can ultimately expect to face a formal disciplinary which may result in eviction from halls of residence.

Can I have guests to stay?

Yes. The University has a duty, under fire regulations and for security reasons, to maintain an accurate register of all persons living in residential buildings.

 

So, to allow the University to maintain accurate records please register all occasional / overnight guests at the Porters Lodge.

Where are the nearest shops to the halls of residence?

We have a shop on campus selling stationary, books, food and drink, toiletries, RAU clothing and gifts. It is a 20 minute walk into Cirencester town centre which has a huge variety of shops.

Is there a launderette on campus?

Yes, located between Bledisloe Court and Coad Court. This is for use by resident and non-resident students.

Are there recycling facilities?

Yes, bins are available in each hall of residence and there are a variety of recycling bins on the campus.

Are University staff available 24 hours a day?

Yes, during the normal working week you will have the support of the student support services manager, accommodation officer, tutors and, on published days the University nurse. Out of hours the Porters Lodge and security staff are contactable.

What do I do if something in my room is broken?

All maintenance and damage issues should be reported to the accommodation help zone or via e-mail. Any damage left unreported will become the responsibility of the resident  and you will be charged for it.

Do I have to move out of my room for the Christmas and Easter breaks?

No, you have access to your room for the full academic year. Whether you choose to stay during the Christmas and Easter breaks, or just leave some of your belongings, is up to you.

 

However during the Christmas shut down we do not supply food to catered students (and this shut down period is not charged for). Although if your room is in the Main Building you will need to move out during the Christmas shut down period, dates of which we publish in advance.

Can I leave my accommodation if I find a house to live in off-campus?

If a resident chooses to terminate the contract prior to the contracted date of the agreement (to move to alternative residence, withdraw from studies, attend a sandwich placement or another reason), then they shall remain liable for all charges associated with the accommodation.

 

A refund of the remainder of the accommodation premium will only be made once a suitable replacement resident is found who meets with the approval of the Accommodation Office. The replacement must be a registered student of the University who is not already in University residence.

 

Please be aware that the liability to cover the charge for the study bedroom will not cease until such point as a replacement resident is found for the room (this scenario may not be guaranteed). 

Moving Off-Campus

Where do I live after my first year?

There is a wealth of privately owned accommodation in Cirencester and the surrounding villages.

How do I find private rented accommodation?

Please visit Urban Fox to have a look at the properties currently available. Also, talk to current students to find out where they are living and what are the best areas and most accessible to the University and town centre.

What if I do not have a car, how do I then get to University?

The campus is only a short walk from some of the residential areas of Cirencester. The University runs a shuttle bus service throughout the day running from areas of town to the University.