Communal Living

Your campus has a 24/7 security team looking out for you, so you’re never on your own if you have an issue. They’re there to help with anything, and honestly their presence just makes the whole place feel way safer.

All security staff wear body cams — they’re only used if there’s an incident, and it’s all about keeping students and staff safe and protected.

If you need them, call 01902 32 2106 or check out their webpages for more info.

Use this number for emergencies, accidents, loud noise issues, or head to one of the Security Help Points around campus.

Lost your keys? Missing something? Got a non-urgent issue? Please direct these to the security team.

Friend of a friend?

If you don’t know someone, don’t let them in.
You wouldn’t invite randoms into your family home, so don’t do it here. If they really know someone, they can call them.

If someone’s hanging around and it feels off, trust your gut and report it. It’s probably nothing, but better safe than stressing about it later.

Security are on duty 24/7 and regularly patrol the campus. If you see anything that doesn’t feel right, report it — that’s literally what they’re there for. They’re friendly, easy to approach, and you’ll recognise them by their uniform and ID.

Stay smart, stay safe!

Noisy neighbours

Living in a block with lots of first-years means it won’t always be quiet. It helps to know when to put headphones on or head somewhere else for a bit.

From 11pm, things should start to quiet down so everyone has a chance to sleep. If you’re still up chatting, just keep the volume down — especially if someone’s got a louder voice. If it’s turning into a late night, it’s best to move elsewhere.

What’s normal noise?

With shared living, you’ll hear everyday sounds — people walking around, doors closing, conversations, maybe even early morning birds.

But if noise is regularly stopping you from sleeping (loud music, shouting, parties going late), contact security at the time and they’ll deal with it.

If it keeps happening, you can also contact your Campus Hub or log a concern through your StarRez portal so the Accommodation team can look into this.

Planning a party?

If you’re having people over and it might get loud, make sure you get permission first. This avoids complaints and keeps things fair for everyone. You can do this on the Estates and Facilities Planon 48 hours in advance of your party.

Important to know

Make sure everything is cleaned up afterwards. If not, you could be held responsible for any mess or damage.

If you’ve followed the rules and there are no complaints, you can continue until 1am.

Also, don’t advertise your party publicly — keep invites private to avoid uninvited guests or unwanted issues.

Be considerate, look out for each other, and enjoy your time here.

If you’ve got friends visiting, they can stay in your halls for up to 2 nights in a row.

Just make sure you sign them in at reception — it’s important for safety and fire regulations.

You’re responsible for your guest while they’re here, including how they behave. If there are any issues, the university can ask them to leave.

Communal cleaning

If you’re living in halls, cleaning the kitchen isn’t just someone else’s job — it’s everyone’s. Cleaning staff help out, but it’s down to you and your flatmates to keep the kitchen, corridors, and shared bathrooms clean and hygienic.

Kitchen inspections

Kitchens and communal areas get checked weekly.

If your kitchen isn’t up to standard, you’ll get 24 hours to sort it out.
If you think it’s unfair, you can appeal — but it has to be in writing to the Accommodation Team before 4pm on the same day.

If things still aren’t clean after that 24 hours, everyone in the corridor can face disciplinary action.

Struggling to get your flatmates to pull their weight? Or worried you might fail an inspection? Get in touch with the Accommodation Hub as they can help.

Cleaning staff

Cleaning teams are on site (usually 8am –1pm, depending on campus). They check shared spaces and help keep things hygienic, but they’re not there to clean up after everything — that part’s on you.

What actually needs cleaning?

Accommodation Cleaning Rules

Quick Tip

Want to avoid mould and damp? Get in the know with our Damp and Mould information

Keep it fair, do your bit, and you’ll avoid the group chat arguments and the warnings

Heating in your room

Heating runs from October through to spring and comes on at set times during the day:

Monday–Friday

6:00am – 9:30am
12:30pm – 1:30pm
3:30pm – 11:00pm

Saturday–Sunday

6:00am – 11:00am
12:30pm – 1:30pm
3:30pm – 11:00pm

How it works

Your room is set to stay between 19°C and 22°C during heating times — once it hits that range, the system will switch on/off automatically to keep it steady.
The heating is smart, so it might come on up to 2 hours earlier if needed (basically, if it’s freezing outside, it adapts).
If temperatures drop seriously low (below -3°C for a while), the uni may adjust heating times to keep things comfortable.

If you think there is a problem with the radiator in your room, please log it on our Online Maintenance System, this will go straight to out maintenance teams who will deal with this for you. If it is not reported via the link it will not be dealt with.

Post & Deliveries

Your letters will be delivered straight to your accommodation post boxes:

City Campus: at the entrance of each accommodation block
Walsall Campus: WA Building
Telford Campus: Main Reception, SA Building

Got a parcel or signed delivery? You’ll need to bring your University ID to collect it — no ID, no parcel.

Parcel collection times

City Campus (MX Building, North Road): Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Walsall Campus (WA Building): Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm
Telford Campus (SA Reception): Monday–Friday, 10am–3:30pm

Times can change, so keep an eye out for updates.

Circuit Laundry App‌ ‌

1. Make sure you have downloaded the FREE Circuit Go Laundry App from the App Store!

2. Follow the registration instructions

3. Follow the top-up instructions

4. Now you are ready to do your laundry

Check out our handy guides to doing your laundry...

Student Welcome Guide - Circuit Laundry

Washing Guide	Drying Guide
1. Scan Card/Phone 2. Open door to washing machine 3. Put in detergent/powder/tablet into bottom of drum 4. Load washing into washing machine 5. Close door to washing machine 6. Scan Card/ Phone 7. Select Cycle (Standard Wash, Super Wash, Super Wash Plus) 8. Press Start 9. Unload when finished	1. Scan Card/Phone 2. Open door to dryer 3. Clean out lint filter 4. Load wet washing into dryer 5. Close door to dryer 6. Scan Card/Phone 7. Select Cycle (Complete Dry) 8. Press Start 9. Unload when finished

Washing Guide

Drying Guide

1. Scan Card/Phone

2. Open door to washing machine

3. Put in detergent/powder/tablet into bottom of drum

4. Load washing into washing machine

5. Close door to washing machine

6. Scan Card/ Phone

7. Select Cycle (Standard Wash, Super Wash, Super Wash Plus)

8. Press Start

9. Unload when finished

1. Scan Card/Phone

2. Open door to dryer

3. Clean out lint filter

4. Load wet washing into dryer

5. Close door to dryer

6. Scan Card/Phone

7. Select Cycle (Complete Dry)

8. Press Start

9. Unload when finished

How much will it cost?

Each wash will cost you £2.50 and for a dry it will cost you £3.00. If you choose the super wash/dry this will cost a little more.

For more information please visit the Circuit Laundry Website

Parking is limited across all accommodation sites, so if you want a space, you'll need to contact your Accommodation Hub to get access sorted.
Only park in marked bays - anywhere else is a no-go.
Parking on yellow lines, grass or curb? Not worth it. You could lose your parking access and face disciplinary action.
Having parking access doesn't guarantee your spot. This just means you're allowed to use the car park if there's space.
Roads around campus are monitored too, so parking on double yellow lines could lad you a ticket from the council or police.
Your car is your responsibility. The university isn't liable for any loss or damage, so make sure your vehicle is insured, taxed and roadworthy.

Got a bike instead? Smart move.

Cycling’s a great way to get around (and avoid traffic), and there’s bike storage available on all campuses — just request access.
Don’t keep your bike in your halls — you’ll be asked to move it.
Heads up: your accommodation insurance doesn’t cover bikes, so you’ll need separate cover to keep it protected.

Whether you’re binge watching your favourite comfort show, watching live sport or keeping up with the latest episode everyone’s talking about, it’s important to know when you need a TV Licence.

If you’re watching or recording live TV — on any device (yes, even your phone or laptop) — you’ll need to be covered by a licence. It doesn’t matter how you’re watching either, whether that’s through streaming, cable, satellite or aerial.

Watching anything on BBC iPlayer? That’s a licence too — live or catch-up.

Good news: if someone in your flat already has a TV Licence for their room, it also covers a TV in your shared kitchen/living space.

Quick heads-up: this isn’t optional. Watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer without a licence can lead to a fine of up to £1,000. Not the kind of surprise you want at uni.

For all the details, check out the TV Licensing website on TV Licence

Lost Keys

Lost your keys or think they’ve been stolen? Let Reception know ASAP.

If it happens outside office hours (5pm–9am or weekends), Security can let you back into your room — but you won’t get a replacement key until Reception is open again.

If your keys aren’t found and returned within 10 days, you’ll be charged for replacements. And if losing your keys becomes a habit, you might also get hit with an extra admin fee.

Fob (access card)

Lost your fob or key? Here’s what it’ll cost:

£40 for a replacement fob
£40 for a replacement key

You’ll need to pay this directly to the University. In some cases, you may also have to cover the cost of changing locks if your key is lost.

Small win: if you find your lost key within 10 days and the locks haven’t been changed yet, you won’t be charged.

Bringing electrical items?

If you bring your own electrical stuff into halls, it’s recommended you get it PAT tested for safety. You can arrange this through the Accommodation Hub — there may be a small charge.

If something is considered unsafe, a fire risk, or not suitable for shared living, it can be confiscated without notice. This also counts as a breach of your Licence Agreement. Using banned items can lead to disciplinary action.

Things to think twice about

Items that can cause noise or disruption (like large speakers, sound systems, TVs, or musical instruments) may also be restricted. This isn’t a full list — management can add to it if needed.

Not allowed in your room

For safety reasons, don’t bring:

Cooking appliances (e.g. toasters, rice cookers)
Kettles
Candles
Joss sticks / oil burners
Smoking equipment (bongs, shisha, ashtrays, etc.)
3D printers
Electric or halogen heaters/fans
Mini fridges/freezers
Ceremonial knives
E-cigarettes
E-scooters
LED lights

Not allowed in kitchens/communal areas

Deep-fat fryers
Chip pans
Rice cookers (unless they have a 3-pin plug that meets UK standards)

If there’s any damage, loss, or extra cleaning needed that you (or your corridor) are responsible for, you’ll be charged.

If you think someone else caused damage or took University property, report it ASAP. Communal areas are checked regularly, and if damage is found, everyone will be contacted.

You’ll be asked to provide any info that could help identify who’s responsible.
If no one is identified, the cost will be split between everyone on the corridor — and you won’t be able to appeal after that.

Please note: due to the different standards of finish in the different accommodation, charges listed are indicative only and subject to current rates of VAT.

You’ll always be notified before any charge is applied
Prices are estimates and may change (e.g. VAT)
Charges cover the repair/replacement only (call-out fees may be extra)
Costs will be kept as low as possible

A full list of damage charges for this year can be found here: Damage Charge price list. To avoid getting a charge:

Fill in your room inventory form properly as soon as you move in — this protects you from being blamed for existing damage
If you’re leaving for more than a day, return your keys to reception so they’re kept safe

Appealing a charge

If upon inspection of your bedroom or communal area there is damage found you will receive a letter from The Accommodation Hub stating that you will be receiving a charge to cover the cost of the repair/replacement.
If you do not consider that you should be charged for any damage you will need to write to The Accommodation Hub, either by letter, or email only, stating why you believe you shouldn’t be charged along with any evidence you have.
The Accommodation Hub will then respond to your appeal with a holding letter and a response to your appeal will be given within 28 days.
If your appeal is unfounded and the charge remains, you have the right to a second appeal, of which would be responded to by an Accommodation Manager.
You will need to write to the Accommodation Manager either by letter, or email only, stating that you are appealing the charge for a second time along with any evidence.
A holding letter will be issued. The respective Manager will investigate your claims within 28 days and respond accordingly.
If after receiving this response you are still dissatisfied with the outcome from your complaint, you have the option to have it considered at stage two of the formal complaints procedure. Further details of stage two (review) are contained within the principles and procedures document of our student complaints system which is available here Student Conducts and wellbeing 2019 - 20 (Word doc 124k). Please note that any request to have the complaint reviewed at stage two must be made in writing to the Head of the Conduct and Appeals Unit within 20 working days of the date of receiving a response

Bottom line

If damage happens, speak up early. If no one takes responsibility, everyone pays — so it’s always better to flag things straight away.

The Fire Safety equipment installed in the accommodation is there to help save your life in the event of a fire. Tampering with, or vandalism to these fire safety devices will result in disciplinary action, financial penalties and you will be reported to the Police. Details of the fire regulations are posted throughout the accommodation.

ALL students MUST be acquainted with these details and be able to identify the location of fire exits and the procedure for safe evacuation of University accommodation.

If a fire starts, please remember not to panic. If possible, close the door to the fire. It will delay the spread of the fire and smoke. Get yourself out as quickly as possible. DO NOT stop to pick up valuables or possessions. When the Fire Alarm sounds, the Fire Service will be alerted either automatically or through a member of staff. NEVER go back into the accommodation unless the Security team tell you it is safe to do so.

Fire Safety in Student Accommodation

We’d like to reassure all new and returning students to University of Wolverhampton student accommodation that your safety and security is our number one priority.

University buildings undergo regular fire risk assessments and have fully integrated fire warning systems, emergency lighting and fire compartmentation which are all supported by thorough fire risk assessment procedures which are tested at regular intervals.

We are also working with private providers of student accommodation to seek safety assurances.

We would like to emphasise that the safety and security of our students, staff and visitors is always our primary priority.

If you have any accommodation questions please do not hesitate contact our The Accommodation Hub team via email CityAccommodationHub@wlv.ac.uk or by telephone on 01902 32 1268.

Smoking

Smoking (including vapes and e-cigarettes) is not allowed anywhere in accommodation.

If you’re caught:

First Offence: First warning
Second Offence: Final warning + you’ll sign an Anti-Social Behaviour Contract
After that: Referred to Conduct & Appeals — you could be asked to leave your accommodation

When you move out, if your room smells of smoke, you’ll be charged £250 for deep cleaning.

Fire Doors

All doors are fire doors and they’re there to protect you. Do not wedge them open. It’s a disciplinary offence.

Fire alarms & safety systems

These are taken very seriously. Don’t mess with them.

Malicious fire alarm activations:

First time: Final warning + Behaviour Contract signed.
Second time: Referred to Conduct & Appeals (could lead to removal from halls or suspension)

Failure to Evacuate during an alarm:

First time: First warning
Second time: Final warning + Behaviour Contract
Third time: Referred to Conduct & Appeals (could lead to removal from halls or suspension)

Covering or tampering with smoke detectors:

First time: Final warning + Behaviour Contract
Second time: Referred to Conduct & Appeals (could lead to removal from halls or suspension)

Breaking break-glass points:

First time: First warning
Second time: Final warning + Behaviour Contract
After that: Referred to Conduct & Appeals

If no one owns up, everyone in the corridor may be charged and be issued with the relevant warning.

If you’re already on a warning for something else, you’ll automatically move to the next stage of the disciplinary process.

Tampering with fire equipment

Damaging or interfering with fire safety equipment is a serious offence.

You’ll get a final warning + Behaviour Contract
You’ll likely face a fine (see Living in Halls Guide)
Serious or repeated cases → immediate referral to Conduct & Appeals
You may have to leave halls while it’s investigated

In some cases, this can also lead to police involvement

Bottom line

Fire safety rules aren’t optional. They’re there to protect everyone — take them seriously or the consequences escalate quickly.

Fire alarm testing take place in the Halls of residence to ensure our students become familiar with the assembly points and how to respond in fire incident.

Below are the time the tests take place: