Frequently Asked Questions
Questions relating to:
Room and Campus Facilities
Is the Student Accommodation situated on campus?
Yes, all our 9 residential blocks are located next to the academic building, allowing for quick access to classes, the Learning Resource Centre, Sports Centre, Students Union and catering facilities.
What facilities and services are available on campus?
What is provided in student accommodation?
Each flat will have a kitchen with comfortable living area.
- Each room has:
- En-suite shower and toilet
- Wireless Internet Connection
- IPTV Connection (start date to be confirmed)
- Bed
- Desk
- Fitted Wardrobe
- Fitted Drawers
- Bookcase
- Telephone
What is provided in the living/kitchen area?
- Oven & Hob
- Microwave
- Fridge/Freezer
- Dry Food Storage Cupboard
- Additional Cupboard Space for Crokery and cooking equipment
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Iron & Ironing Board
- Bin
- Broom
- Mop
- Dustpan & Brush
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Dining Table & Chairs
- Easy Chair (1 per resident)
- Coffee Table
- Curtains
What should I bring with me?
- Bedding – duvet and cover (standard room: single bed or premium: double bed).
- Bedding – pillows and pillow cases
- Cutlery, crockery, pots and pans.
Is smoking permitted in student accommodation?
Smoking is not allowed in any of the accommodation areas or rooms. There are designated spaces outside each block.
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Applying for Student Accommodation
Who can apply to stay in student accommodation?
You can apply for a place in halls of residence if you are a:
- Full or part time student at QMU
- Post graduate or undergraduate at QMU
- UK or International student at QMU
- You are an "Exchange","Study Abroad", "Erasmus" or "Socrates" student
- Have a conditional or unconditional offer
- Student of other Universities are welcome to apply. Please complete the:
Non-QMU Student Detail form and email it to: e-accommodation@qmu.ac.uk. We will then email you with a student ID number so you will be able to apply through the Apply Now button below.
How do I apply for a place in Student Accommodation?
What is the closing date for applications?
Although we have no official deadline we receive a high number of applications, therefore we suggest that you apply as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
All 40 and 50 week contracts commence on Friday 7 th September 2012. If you apply late (i.e. after 7 th September 2012) we will be happy to process your application assuming that we still have room availability.
If you receive a late offer to study at QMU please follow our usual application procedures.
Is there support for students with disabilities?
Queen Margaret University welcomes students with disabilities and we aim to provide you with all the help and support we can. If you are thinking about coming to QMU, and you have any special needs or requirements in terms of accommodation, please contact Jo Jebb , our Disability Officer on tel: 0131 474 0000 so that we can take these into account in allocating rooms. If you have a medical assessment of any disability, a copy of this would also be useful.
I have applied for a room, what should I do next?
If you have an unconditional course offer, you will receive notification of allocation within 7 days. Please accept the offer online following the instructions provided. You will be required to make your prepayment at this stage.
If you have a conditional offer, you will be allocated a place following the receipt of your unconditional offer. If you have not heard from us within 7 days, please contact Accommodation Services.
Is there accommodation available off campus?
For those students who wish to live off campus, you can find details of privately owned accommodation in Edinburgh and the Musselburgh area on the Studentpad Website or at gumtree.
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Room Allocation Information
How are the rooms allocated?
In order to be allocated a place in student accommodation, you must have firmly accepted an Unconditional Offer to study a course at QMU. Then we can offer you a place and allocate a room to you subject to availability.
The current allocation policy takes into account date of accommodation application, students' preferences and distance from QMU. With 800 rooms we expect to be able to accommodate all who apply, however we cannot guarantee all students a place.
I have been allocated a room, when can I move in?
| |
Arrival Date |
Departure Date |
| 40 Week Contract |
7th September 2012 |
14th June 2013 |
| 50 Week Contract |
7th September 2012 |
23rd August 2013 |
| Short Stay Contract |
As per contract |
As per contract |
Can my lease be extended at a later date?
Yes, subject to availability.
Can I change rooms if I am not happy with the one allocated to me?
Yes, subject to availability. If you are not happy with the room you have been allocated, please speak to our accommodation staff who will be happy to assist in moving you to a more suitable room, where available.
What if I change my mind and do not wish to remain in student accommodation?
If you have any concerns, please speak to a member of our Accommodation staff who will be happy to offer you support and advice. If you still wish to leave halls, you will need to contact Accommodation Services immediately either at the reception or by email. You will be asked to complete a Withdrawal from Halls form. Please note that you will still be liable for the fees for the full duration of your contract.
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Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct
Please read our: Tenancy Terms and Conditions
Complaints Procedure
The complaints procedure for Accommodation is separate from the University's. Please direct any complaints regarding your accommodation or Accommodation staff in the first instance to the Accommodation Manager. Your complaint should be in writing by either using the Complaint Form available on the Accommodation Services intranet page or by letter. For your information, the line of reporting within Accommodation Services is as follows:
- Paul Sibanda, Acting Accommodation Manager
- Siobhán O’Connell, Deputy Director of Commercial Services
- Steve Scott, Director of Campus Services
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Travel & Transport Information
Where is the university located in relation to the city centre?
The University is located in Musselburgh, just outside Edinburgh. Travel into the city centre from the campus takes only 6 minutes by train or 25 minutes by bus.
What transport options are available?
There are many transport options available to students staying at QMU. The campus is a 2 minute walk from Musselburgh train station and there is a bus terminus on campus served by Lothian Buses No. 30 and 15. There are locked bike sheds for resident students.
Please see our travel and transport pages for further information.
Can I bring a car?
As part of the plan to encourage environmental sustainability, parking is highly limited for students staying in Halls. Access to the car park is controlled by an access barrier and a permit is required.
Permit charges apply. Please contact a member of the Accommodation Services team to find out if you are eligible. You will find information about prices of parking permits on the Parking website.
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Arrival Day Procedures
Who will meet me on arrival?
Accommodation Services will be there to welcome you on the arrival dates which are within your online Welcome Pack. This can be downloaded from your contract pages. A student helper will show you to your room.
Please advise Accommodation Services if you plan to arrive out of hours. You will then be required to report to the reception in the main building where our friendly Security staff will issue your key and direct you to your room.
When can I arrive?
We recommend you arrive on the 8th September 2012 when the arrival events, including parents' talks, take place. This is the weekend prior to Freshers' Week. However, your lease starts from 7th September 2012 and you can arrive from that date onwards.
The Accommodation office will be staffed Friday 7th September, Saturday 8th September and Sunday 9th September 2011 9.00am to 4.00pm. If you plan to arrive any weekend times outwith those dates/hours, please contact us so we can ensure your keys are with Security staff for you to collect.
Where do I get my key?
At the Accommodation Reception during opening hours or at Security out of hours.
What are the Accommodation Reception opening hours?
- Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm
- Friday 9am - 4.30pm
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How can I be contacted when staying in student accommodation?
How do my parents contact me by telephone?
A new company has taken over the contract. Residents are advised to collect leaflets from the Accommodation reception with instructions on registering their landline number. This is an improved service from the previously installed premium numbers.
Where should I get my mail sent?
Block X, Flat X-X, Room X
Student Residences
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
Musselburgh
East Lothian
EH21 6UD
Can friends/relatives stay with me?
You may have 1 visitor at any one time for up to 4 nights staying in your room. You will be required to complete a visitors form at the Accommodation Reception. You will need to notify us of any visitors in advance.
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What do I do if I need assistance?
General enquiries.
The accommodation reception is based in Block A. The accommodation staff will be happy to assist you with and enquiries or concerns that you may have.
How do I make a complaint in general or regarding other residents?
If you have any issues with your accommodation, service or other residents, please contact the Accommodation Services staff either at the Accommodation Reception desk or by email. Please note that all complaints will be treated promptly and confidentially.
If there is a disturbance in your flat/block at night, please contact Security on 2222 (free of charge) from your room phone to ask for assistance.
Who will be there in the event of an emergency?
Please contact Security on 2222 (free of charge) from your room phone in the event of an emergency.
What do I do if there is a repair required in my room?
Please report any faults to Sanctuary Management Services either by completing a repair form available at the Accommodation Reception or through the Accommodation Services intranet page.
Is there support and advice services available?
Our Student Services team are here to help and support you throughout your student life to ensure that you get the most out of your time with us. Student Service provides the following:
- Careers advice
- Job shop
- Counselling service
- Medical service
- Disability advice
- Financial advice
For further information, please visit the Student Services section of the website.
In addition to this, the Students Union can provide welfare advice throughout your time at Queen Margaret. For further informaation, please visit the Student Unions website.
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Are there any additional costs?
Do I require room insurance?
Basic contents insurance is included. If you would like to check the level of cover or upgrade this policy please visit the Endsleigh Insurance website.
Do I need a TV License?
If you chose to have a TV, you are required by British law to buy a TV license or you risk a fine. If you use IPTV (once installed) on your PC or laptop, you will also require a TV licence. A TV license can be purchased from the TV Licensing Agency. Details of payment methods are available on their website.
Do I need to pay any further bills?
No, your bills for heating, electricity and water are included.
If you have any further questions, please contact Accommodation Services who will be happy to help with your enquiry.
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