Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of questions that we have been asked many times! They’re all questions from students asking exactly what you’re probably thinking when you progress through this exciting search for accommodation and housemates! We’ve separated the questions under the following headings to make it easier for you to find the answer that you’re looking for.
Glossary of terms
Sometimes we alternate using the same word, so we try to mix it up a little. Here is a list of synonyms and definitions to keep things clear for you.
- Accommodation/property/house/flat = All these words may be used to describe the accommodation that you see on the website.
- Property provider/Landlord = the owner or manager of the accommodation that you see on the website.
- Housemate/flatmate/roommate = other students that you will live with and share the communal areas of the accommodation with.
- Semester/Term = the academic period of study, each institution has 3 terms during one year. Each term varies in length, generally between 3-4 months.
- College/University = Academic Institution of higher education.
- Student/tenant/you = our favourite people!
FURNITURE
Is the accommodation furnished?
All student accommodation will be furnished unless stated in the description of the accommodation.
What furniture will be included?
The extent of the furnishing will differ with each accommodation. Some, but not all accommodation will have a TV. Most furnishing will be mentioned in the description. Cutlery, Crockery and bedding are very rarely provided. If this is required please contact us and we can arrange it for you.
BILLS
How much will the bills be if they are not included, or can we have them included?
Utility bills (gas, water, electricity) are not included, unless stated in the accommodation description. It is not easy to estimate how much bills will be as each accommodation varies. However, in general expect to pay an extra £5 - £10 per week on top of the rent. If bills are not included in the rent, simply register with studentsolutionsonline.co.uk everyone in your shared accommodation needs to use this service to organise all of your bills, Internet and TV licence for the whole accommodation. Each bill can be divided equally between the housemates to make paying bills much easier.
Do we need a TV licence?
Yes, you can organise it through www.studentsolutionsonline.co.uk
Will I have to pay council tax?
Full-time Students do not have to pay council tax. If your property provider or the council requests confirmation, ask at the University for a Certificate that confirms that you are a student.
INTERNET
Will there be Internet available when I arrive?
Internet is not provided as standard in all accommodation. However, some landlords may include it in the rent, in which case it will be described as having the internet included. If you would like the Internet installed and ready for your arrival, please go to www.studentsolutionsonline.co.uk
RESERVATION & INITIAL PAYMENT
What happens when I reserve the accommodation and make the payment?
When you make your reservation request we will hold your payment until we have confirmed with the property provider that the accommodation is available to you for the period requested. When the reservation is confirmed we go ahead with the transaction and take the payment.
Where does my money go?
Student Mundial sends your money straight to the property provider i.e. the landlord. You will then be instructed to communicate with your specific accommodation provider.
Can I go and see the accommodation?
Yes, you can visit the accommodation, simply click ‘arrange a viewing’ and you will receive instructions. For those students unable to view the property in person we endeavour to provide as much information as possible for each accommodation.
What currency should I make the payment?
Online payments will be accepted in Pounds Sterling. However, if you wish to make the payment in an alternative currency, we are happy to accept payments in any foreign currency. Simply click ‘pay in foreign currency’ and fill out the form.
I am still applying for my Visa, but want to reserve an accommodation; can I get my money back if I do not get a visa?
If you wish to reserve an accommodation, but have not secured a visa to study abroad, this is acceptable if you inform us prior to booking so that we can inform the landlord. However, if you do not get a visa then you will lose your deposit, but will be entitled to receive any monthly rental payments that you have sent.
I am nervous about giving my card details over the Internet?
Our online payment gateway is 100% secure. We use WorldPay who are the market leaders in Internet payments. See: www.worldpay.com/about_us/index.php?page=security&c=UK
Can I pay directly through my bank?
Yes, this is absolutely fine; if you contact us we will provide you with the necessary details to make the payment.
Are there any taxes or administration fees involved? That is, apart from rent, are there any other expenses associated with the flats?
Our service is completely free for students. You pay the price you would pay directly if you had found the accommodation in person! However, in order to accept payment online we have to pay fees. Therefore, we are obliged to pass on a 1% fee on any online payment over to the student. Please accept our apologies for this.
RENTAL PAYMENTS
I assume that as with other flats we have looked at, we will have to pay rent 3 months at a time. Is this so? Also, what exactly is a UK guarantor?
Firstly, a UK guarantor is someone who lives and works in the UK who can sign a contract to say that they will pay your rent if you do not pay it. Many foreign students do not have this privilege and we certainly aren’t going to pay for it!
So, most landlords expect to receive the rent each term. Alternatively, if you do have a UK guarantor, then you should be able to pay your rent on a monthly basis.
How do we pay the rent?
Each property provider may differ. Generally, you will be expected to set up a UK bank account and then set up a direct debit to pay the rent on the dates agreed in your contract.
Can I pay my rent through Student Mundial?
You will be contracted to pay the rent directly to the property provider. However, if you wish to pay in any currency other than Pounds Sterling, feel free to contact us and we can arrange to have your rent paid in your preferred currency.
How do I calculate the monthly rent from the weekly rent?
Contrary to common belief there are not exactly 4 weeks in every month!
Monthly rental = Weekly rental x 52 (weeks) / 12 (months)
Weekly rental = Monthly rental x 12 (months) / 52 (weeks)
Is the rent payable weekly, monthly or each term?
Each property provider may differ. The rent will normally be paid monthly or every term.
DEPOSIT
Who holds my deposit?
UK legislation states that every deposit must be held under the tenancy deposit scheme. You will be expected to pay the deposit insurance (approximately £35.25). This ensures that your deposit is held under the scheme. For more information please see: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm
Will I get it all back?
You will get your deposit back if you leave the accommodation in the same state that it was in when you arrived. We advise all our students to take good care of their accommodation, if you break something then replace it, otherwise it will come out of your deposit, it’s that simple! For more detailed information just read your tenancy agreement.
CONTRACTS & DURATION OF STAY
I’m only studying for one semester, is it ok to only rent for 3 - 4 months?
Yes, this is absolutely fine. As long as you inform us how long you will be staying then we can find the right accommodation for you.
Is the tenancy contract individual or is it to be signed by the whole house?
Each property provider may differ. Generally, contracts are drawn up for the whole house and each student signs a copy.
Am I therefore responsible for the other tenants?
You are not responsible for the other housemates, however, should there be damage caused by one individual, it is up to them to inform the property provider that it is to come out of their deposit and not split between everyone in the flat/house. It is up to you as housemates to agree these types of disputes. These are the joys of shared student accommodation!
Do I have to provide my move out date now?
As long as you can provide the month that you are moving out, that is generally enough to sign a contract. Although, the sooner that you can give an accurate date the better, otherwise you may be liable to pay rent for the whole final month.
Can I move in on any day, or does it have to be at the beginning of the week or month?
The move in date is not important, although your contract may begin at the start of the month. You will therefore, be expected to pay for the whole month regardless of the day you actually move in.
I need to move out of my accommodation, although I am still under contract, what do I do?
We can help you find another student to take over your contract. You can easily advertise the room with us for free! Follow the simple instructions by clicking got a spare room.
ARRIVAL
What do I do when I arrive?
You should have arranged with your property provider the details of your arrival and agreed a time to meet at the accommodation. Please make sure that you have his or her phone number available for you to contact if necessary.
How do I get to the accommodation?
Depending on which airport or train station you arrive at we can instruct you on the most efficient transport to get to the accommodation. When reserving the accommodation please go to our transport links section.
What if I arrive late at night?
If you arrive too late at night to meet your property provider and collect the keys you may be instructed to contact one of the housemates who has already moved in. This will have to be arranged between yourself and the other housemates, feel free to use our network, that’s what it’s there for!
Hostels & Hotels?
If you are going to be the first to arrive at the accommodation and it is too late to collect the keys then we can recommend local hostels or hotels, please go to our entertainment and local services link section on your accommodation’s details page on the site and type in hostels or hotels.
Can I change my mind if I don’t like the accommodation when I arrive?
Of course you can change your mind when you arrive; you are not obliged to live there! However, you are only entitled to receive your money back if the accommodation is clearly not how it has been described to you. Otherwise, it is your responsibility to find another student to take over your contract.
Go to: got a spare room. We will still help you find another house or flat if you are not happy with the one that you have reserved. We are still here to find you suitable accommodation.
What if I don’t like my housemates?
This is why we have provided the network, it is here that you should communicate with your potential housemates to get an idea of the kind of people they are. The more communication you have in advance of moving in, the more confident you will be about living with them!
What documents do I need to produce when I arrive at the accommodation?
All students will need to provide proof of identification, i.e. a passport, driving licence or an ID card before collecting the keys for the accommodation.
CONTACT
Where can we find you when we arrive at the campus?
Student Mundial HQ is located in the heart of Nottingham Trent University city campus in the Maudsley Building. The address is:
The Hive, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG1 4BU
However, if you would like to come and see us, please phone or email ahead so that we can ensure that we are there to meet you. We are also based in London.
Email: josh@studentmundial.com or jamie@studentmundial.com
Telephone: +44790 664 737
OTHER QUESTIONS
Is there parking available?
Parking availability will vary with each accommodation. Each description should be clear on the parking situation. However, if you do require parking, please contact us and we will do our best to arrange it for you.
Who pays Student Mundial?
Student Mundial is paid by the landlords. So, you don’t have to wonder ‘what’s the catch!’ We’re here for the students, and the landlords appreciate that, so they keep us going.
I’d like to live with a host family (a homestay) can you find me anything?
This is possible; simply contact us with your requirements and we will find a suitable host family for you.
There are no accommodation options in the area that I’m looking?
This is not a problem, let us know the area you are looking for and your requirements and we’ll find accommodation for you. Simply fill out the request a city form and we’ll do the rest for you!
I’d like to stay in the same house next year, how do I arrange that?
This is no problem at all. Simply contact us and we will arrange it all for you. The sooner you inform us the better, as we would not want your accommodation to be reserved by other students if you intend to stay there!
Thank You