Welcome Guide

Welcome to Asha HouseOffice Opening Hours and Contact Details Emergencies FacilitiesRefuse, Laundry,Bicycle Storage, Internet.General InformationAccess (fobs and keys),Rent Payments Maintenance Response, Post, Relocation, Smoking and Substances,TV Licence Contents Insurance,Damage and Breakages, Noise, Social Conflicts and Differences, Overnight Guests, Housekeeping,Breach of Tenancy, Complaints. Security, The Fire Action Plan.SupportWelfare, Health,International Student Support.

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Social GuideNightlifeCity GuideAbout Loughborough Town, Local Attractions Shopping,Supermarkets, Sport and Fitness. MapGo GreenTips for a greener lifestyle.Feeding YourselfWhere to find recipes.Getting AroundBuses, Coaches, Trains Taxis, AirportsMoving OutLeaving University, Moving Out, Re-booking your roomUseful ContactsNotes

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Contents

Asha House

Welcome Guide 2012

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Welcome Guide 1

Welcome to Asha House

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Asha House, and to your new home.This guide has been developed to enable you to settle into your new home with the greatest of ease. It aims to provide necessary information regarding your stay at Asha House. The guide hopes to answer all of your frequently asked questions and will help familiarise you with all of the available facilities. Asha House is committed to providing all residents with quality and secure accommodation, supported by the highest standard of customer service.

Accommodation TeamA particularly important function is dealing with residents enquiries so this will often be the first face you see when you come into the office and the team oversee the day to day running of Asha House and all of its facilities. They have a particular responsibility for delivering customer service and ensuring that bookings and lettings are dealt with efficiently. That means an interest in everything related to these subjects for example that all paperwork is in place and completed correctly and that all rents are paid on time.

Resident Co-ordinatorsThese are the student staff members of our Accommodation Team who live within the building and spend their time working in the office, supporting residents, arranging events and social activities and fire safety assistance. They are there for your personal welfare so do not hesitate to contact themif you have any personal problems with your accommodation or the University - seek advice from a fellow student! They are also on call out of office hours.

Facilities TechnicianResponsible for dealing with repairs and maintenance issues within your apartment and the communal areas of the building. If you need assistance in these regards please complete a maintenance request form in the office. The Facilities Technician is also responsible for meeting health and safety regulations as well as keeping Asha House clean and tidy so will often be seen around the site.

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Office Opening Hours/Contact Details/Emergencies

Office Opening HoursThe accommodation office will open during the following hours:

Monday - Friday 9am - 6pmSaturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm

During peak times of year we may extend these opening hours. We’ll keep you updated via our regular newsletters and notice boards

Office Contact DetailsAsha House63 WoodgateLoughboroughLeicestershireLE11 2TZ

Tel. 01509 266 258Web. www.ashahouse.co.ukEmail. enquiries@ashahouse.co.uk

Your addressPlease ensure your mail is addressed to you with your apartment and room number/studio number, at the main office address.

EmergenciesIn case of an emergency that requires the urgent attention from the emergency services (Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Ambulance) call 999.

For on-site emergencies that require a member of the Accommodation Team outside of office opening hours, please call the following number:

Emergency number outside office hours:01509 266 258

A member of the Accommodation Team is on-site and contactable on the above number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Welcome Guide 3

RefuseResidents are required to transfer their household waste to the refuse centre located on the ground floor, near to the laundry. You will need your fob to gain entry.

LaundryA fully fitted laundry is located on the ground floor. It is open 24hrs a day, 7 days a week. You will need your fob to gain entry.

Posters on how to use the machines are displayed in the laundry room and any problems can be reported directly to the service provider on the telephone number shown or if you prefer just let our Accommodation Team know.

Bicycle Storage If you rely on pedal power, there are secure bike storage facilities located on the ground floor to the rear of the laundry. You will need your fob to gain entry.

For additional security all bicycle owners will be issued with a key for direct access to the bicycle store that we will ask you to sign for together with a disclaimer. Lost keys will be charged for.

InternetThis is provided by a Company called Ask 4. If you experience any problems with your connection, contact the helpline on 0845 123 8710.

You are provided with 10Mb in your room and upgrades are available at extra cost as shown on the posters throughout the building and on the leaflets in your welcome pack when you first checked in.

Facilities

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Welcome Guide 5

AccessKey Fob Provides access to the main entrance,your block and other facilities around the site.

Room KeyProvides access to your apartment and yourindividual bedroom.

IntercomLocated in the corridor of each apartment or just inside the door on the left hand-side of your studio. To ensure an enhanced level of security your intercom will not permit you to open the main door. You must meet all your guests at the main door, thus ensuring only legitimate guests gain entry.

Rent PaymentsYou should have already paid your first months rent before you moved in and the remainder will be collected in 3 instalments via direct debit in October, January and April, as detailed in your tenancy agreement.

Please note that an administration fee of £35 may be levied for each letter sent in relation to late rent payment. Failure to meet your obligations to pay rent promptly will result in the necessary recovery action.

If you are unable to pay by standing order on the specified dates, please advise our office on 01509 266 258 at the earliest opportunity.

Maintenance ResponseAll maintenance should be reported to the accommodation office by completing a maintenance request form as soon as possible. We will ensure any problems are rectified in an efficient manner and in line with the ANUK code of practice.

PostLetters are delivered directly to your post boxes and a key has been provided for your use of the post box facilities. For packages the Courier will attempt to reach you to obtain a signature using the intercom system. If there is no answer at your room/apartment, the delivery company will leave a calling card with their contact details so that you can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Alternatively, they may leave letters and parcels at the accommodation office, which we will accept without liability on your behalf.

RelocationBest endeavours have been applied to match your requirements on the rooms provided. You should under no circumstances change your room with any other resident prior to the consent of the management team.

Please be aware that room moves can only be agreed in exceptional circumstances. If a decision is made that a room move is possible there will be an administration charge of £75.00 per person moving and subject to the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement.

Smoking and SubstancesSmoking is not permitted within any of the communal areas of the building including apartment kitchen and lounges.

The use of illegal substances within the building will not be tolerated, and any suspicion that a resident is trafficking any illegal substance will be reported to the police.

Shisha is not allowed on site and if found in use will be confiscated.

General Information

Contents InsurancePersonal contents insurance is included, you must register to activate your policy once you have settled in. An information pack will be given to you upon check in.

Damage and BreakagesAny damage to a bedroom shall be deemed to have been caused by the resident of that room. Damage to any communal areas will be assumed to be caused by all those residents who use the common areas in question, the cost of rectifying any such damage shall be apportioned accordingly.

NoiseResidents are requested at all times to have respect and consideration for all residents within the building. People are not always aware of how easily noise travels and what seems acceptable to you, may not be to your neighbour.

Residents are requested to refrain from the slamming of doors playing of loud music and the use of abusive language/behaviour.Although it is requested that noise levels are kept to a minimum at all times, it is especially important to keep noise levels at a minimum between 11.00pm and 9.00am.

N/B Please be considerate and extra cautious of noise during exam dates

Social Conflicts and DifferencesIf any resident is in dispute with another resident they should endeavour to come to an amicable resolution with the other party. If you are finding it difficult to find a resolution to any problem, we highly recommend that you seek the advice of one of your Resident Coordinators or a member of the Accommodation Team.

Overnight GuestsDue to insurance restrictions, overnight stays by guests and friends are restricted to two nights per week only and are subject to approval by the other members of your apartment. We would like to remind you again that you are responsible for the behaviour and conduct of your guests whilst they are on the premises.

HousekeepingThe apartment you live in is your home and as such you are responsible for the cleanliness of your apartment, in accordance with your tenancy agreement.

Some cleaning equipment has been provided to assist your house keeping; this includes a vacuum, mop, bucket, dustpan and brush.

Utilities As confirmed to you your electricity bills are included in your rent subject to acceptable usage and we have found that our limits are more than adequate for normal use throughout the year but please be sensible about the use of additional appliances that may cost you money if used extensively and for long periods of time.

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Welcome Guide 7

TV Licencing

If a TV is provided in the communal area as part of your rental package and provided by your landlord in shared apartments and studios, the TV licence for that TV is provided.

If NOT provided as part of your rental packageor if you bring a TV to your bedroom or use IPTV, you will need to purchase a licence.

For further information call 0300 555 0281 or alternatively visit the website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

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Breach of TenancyShould we receive notification of any breach of tenancy a fine may be levied toyour account and continued breach could result in disciplinary action or eviction.

ComplaintsIf you have not been satisfied your complaint has been dealt with by the Accommodation Team please write to:

Stanton Asset Management LtdPO BOX 9131KeyworthNottinghamNG12 5WJ

Tel. 08452 99 77 66Email. info@stantongroup.uk.com

Security The building has many security measures in place to ensure that your living environmentis a safe and secure place to live. Accommodation is covered by CCTV and a member of the Accommodation Team is available on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We ask that when you leave the building you ensure both your bedroom and apartment or studio doors are locked.

When entering the building please do notlet other people in behind you unless youknow that they are a resident.

The Fire Action PlanPlease ensure you take time to read the fire action plan which is detailed on the signs fitted on the back of every apartment or studio door and above every break glass call point around the building.

In the event of hearing the fire alarm please take the following action:

• Evacuate the building immediately• Do not rush or push• Close doors behind you• Do not use lifts• Proceed to the designated assembly point

Safety and Security

Welcome Guide 9

On discovering a fire, please follow these instructions:

• If it is safe to do so, close the door of the room where the fire is present• Break the nearest fire alarm point• Proceed to the exit

Please ensure you follow all instructions given by the Accommodation Team and the fire service at all times. If you fear somebody may be left within the building or know of the cause of the fire alarm activation, please alert a member of staff immediately.

Under NO circumstances should you re-enter the building until either a member of the fire service or our Accommodation Team advises it is safe to do so.

Please note:Deep fat fryers and chip pans are strictly prohibited. When cooking please ensure the apartment door/kitchen door is closed as the fire alarm maybe activated in the corridor. We have had numerous false alarms from burnt toast syndrome!

Candles, incense burners and other paraphernalia which creates smoke are strictly prohibited. They are extremely dangerous and pose a health and safety risk to not only you but other residents, staff members and the building as a whole.

If these items are found in your apartment they will be confiscated and stored until the end of your tenancy.

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You are encouraged to treat your Resident Coordinator team as your first point of contact, should you have any questions. You could be new to the town and want to know where the best place to pick up books is or you could be homesick and feeling low. Regardless of how big or small you perceive your challenge to be, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Our strong team have already experienced University life and may have had a similarexperience and thus will be able to guide you. The Resident Coordinator team may not always have the answer, but our close relationship with external bodies will allow us to assist you and point you in the right direction of someone who can.

HealthAlthough you may be registered with a Doctor at your home address, we strongly recommend that you register with a local GP or Medical Centre in case you require medical attention during term-time.

NHS Direct (Walk in Centre)The Health Centre,Pinfold Medical Practice,Pinfold Gate,Loughborough

Opening Hours:Monday – Wednesday 8am - 8pmThursday–Friday 8am - 6.30pmSaturday and Sunday Closed.

Tel: 08444 771881

International StudentsWe understand that this is not necessarily just your first time living away from home, it may also be your first time outside of your own country and/or in the UK.

You may find that there are cultural differences between you and our UK residents and we are committed to creating an environment where our International students are supported throughout their stay by our Accommodation Team and other residents to help us all understand each others cultures and enjoy the experiences of student life together.

Throughout the year we will arrange several social events and we will welcome ideas from you as to how we can embrace your culture or teach you about ours.

We also suggest that you take part in the various social activities organised by your Universities’ International School.

Welfare

Throughout the year, Loughborough University boasts an outstanding calendar of cultural, sporting and entertainment events which will give you the opportunity to mingle and meet new people.

For more information, visit www.lboro.ac.uk

Social Guide

Welcome Guide 11

With superb bars, nightclubsand restaurants, shopping,world-class sporting facilities and more, there is never a dullmoment in Loughborough.

Loughborough has all the things that you will need to enjoy a good night out. A superb cinema showing the latest movies is located in the heart of the town, along with a number of night clubs such as Vice Versa, Echo and a selection of bars and pubs such as Varsity, Amber Rooms, Riley’s, Orange Tree and Bar Europa.

Pulse (Club)Pulse offers a range of themed nights, drinks promotions with foam parties on the weekend.

Riley’s American Pool & Snooker BarA members snooker club that provides a wide range of additional entertainment including American pool, fruit machines, quiz machines and Sky Sports on satellite TV. They serve a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as well as a selection of dishes and snacks. Non-members are also welcome.

Student NightsSpecial student nights at the Student Union on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; Varsity Saturdays; Vodka Revolution and Vice Versa Thursdays.

Cinema

The Odeon Cinema could not be much closer - just a few hundred metres from Asha House. Situated on the Market Square in the centre of town and open 7 days a week this newly refurbished 6 screen cinema has the latest 3D projectors for ultimate film enjoyment and also boasts a fully licensed bar.

The Nightlife

There is a large selection of eateries nearby but some of the most popular with our students tend to be the following: Fast FoodMcDonalds, Subway, KFC & Maryland. CafésCosta Coffee, Café Nero & 2 Monkeys. Take AwaysCheck out options at www.just-eat.co.ukAlso available are Dominos and Pizza Hut. RestaurantsCurry Lounge, Laughing Buddha, Salim’s, The Phantom Pub (Sky Sports) and Moon and Bell (Wetherspoons).

Restaurants and Cafés

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Loughborough has all the things that you will need to enjoy a good night out!

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LoughboroughCollege

LoughboroughUniversity

Forest Road

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Forest Road

Wood Gate

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QueensPark

RNIB CollegeLoughborough

CharnwoodMuseum

Sports Ground

LeisureCentre

Marketplace

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About Loughborough TownLoughborough is within communting distance of larger cities, Leicester, Derby and Nottingham. Frequent direct public transport is available to these cities daily.

Local AttractionsThere are a number of places you can go within the town when you are looking a for a thrill or just a little relaxation such as Queen’s Park, the Leisure Centre and various world cuisine restaurants. These are all located within close proximity of the town centre and Asha House.

Shopping Carillon Court & The Rushes are well known shopping centre’s within the city. An outdoor market takes place every Thursday and Saturday in the Market Place. Larger shopping centres are located in Leicester (High Cross Shopping Centre) and Nottingham (Victoria Shopping Centre).

SupermarketsLoughborough has a number of leading supermarkets in the town centre. The closest to Asha House are Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Oriental Food Shop (Chinese) which are all a 3–4 minute walk away.

Sports and FitnessLoughborough University is well known for specialising in sports courses and it’s world class training facilities for athletes and research. There are additional sports facilities available at a number of local gyms and at the Loughborough Leisure Centre in the town centre.

City Guide Loughborough is a small town in the Charnwood Borough of Leicestershire.

The town boasts of the world’s largest bell foundry — John Taylor Bell founders. This was established in the mid 19th century and made bells for the Carillon war memorial — one of which is found in the Queen’s Park in the town.

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Epinal W

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Epinal Way

A6004

LoughboroughCollege

LoughboroughUniversity

Forest Road

Forest Road

B5350

Forest Road

Wood Gate

B5350

QueensPark

RNIB CollegeLoughborough

CharnwoodMuseum

Sports Ground

LeisureCentre

Marketplace

Loughborough is a small town in the Charnwood Borough of Leicestershire.

The town boasts of the world’s largest bell foundry — John Taylor Bell founders. This was established in the mid 19th century and made bells for the Carillon war memorial — one of which is found in the Queen’s Park in the town.

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Using energy probably causes more environmental damage than almost any other human activity; yet most people have not made the link between the energy that they use and its impacton the environment.

Saving energy means• More efficient use of resources• Lower emission of carbon dioxide• Reduced impact of global warming

Lounge/KitchenCook several dishes in one session. Use all of the shelves within the oven rather then heating the oven several times

Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily as every time you do, the temperature drops by around 15C. Never put warm or hot food into the fridge or freezer.

Choose the right size pan and use lids to retain heat and reduce cooking time.

Take turns cooking for your flatmates or friends rather than cooking for one. Boil the right amount for every cup of tea rather than filling the kettle to the brim every time.

Avoid accumulating gadgets unnecessarily, even hand operated ones, as around six million appliances a year end up in landfill sites.

Sort your laundry before ironing so that you iron delicates on a low setting first, working your way through to fabrics such as linen, which require the highest setting.

Turn off your lights if you are not in the room.

Try not to keep electrical items on standby as they use just as much energy.

Bedroom/BathroomClose curtains at dusk to prevent heat escaping through the windows.

Try not to leave the tap running whilst brushing your teeth you’d be amazed at how much water this can save.

Only use electrical items when you need them and try not to leave your computer running unnecessarily.

Go Green

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Feeding Yourself

Need to learn how to cook? Or just in need of some inspiration? Either way, take a look at these websites for some top tips…

Recipes for students, from students: www.studentrecipes.com

Food in a hurry:www.studentcook.co.uk

Make good use of your leftovers: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/recipes

Simple recipes from Jamie Oliver: www.jamieoliver.com/recipes

For the health conscious: www.tescorealfood.com/healthy-eating

Vegetarian and Vegan recipes: www.vegcooking.com

Special occasions: www.bbc.co.uk/food/occasions

BusesAs a student living at Asha House, you will need to get to the University campus as well as the Train station or East Midlands Airport. There is a bus service, Sprint, which shuttles through the University, Town Centre and Train Station every 10 minutes at a cost of about £1.30. There are also other bus services that can take you around and outside of Loughborough to destinations which include Leicester, Nottingham and East Midlands Airport.

Coaches and TrainsThere is a National Express coach stop in front of The Amber Rooms Bar. From Loughborough Train Station, you can get a direct trains to destinations such as Leicester, London, Nottingham, East Midlands Airport Parkway and Derby.

TaxisIf you like things a little more laid back, then there are a number of Taxi services available. Most fares start at a minimum cost of about £3–£4. You can collect some taxi service numbers from a member of the Accommodation Team.

AirportsThe closest airport to Asha House is East Midlands Airport. Daily flights are available to UK and International destinations. Flight information can be obtained from www.eastmidlandsairport.com

Transport

Welcome Guide 17

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Leaving UniversityWe appreciate that circumstances do change.Some people do find that University is not for them and decide to pursue other directions. Certain individuals may decide to transfer to a different University; in these situations we are here to assist you in the transition and make life as easy as possible, though we must inform you of the following;

Your tenancy agreement does not contain any provision for early termination/cancellation. However, a tenant may be released from their contract following an alternative suitable replacement tenant being found and signing a tenancy agreement.

Your Accommodation Team can fully explain the re-let procedure to you and forward to you the re-let documentation which enablesthe re-let process to commence.

Whilst our Accommodation Team will do everything possible to arrange a re-let at the earliest convenience, the ultimate responsibility of finding a replacement tenant remains with yourself and you remain liable for the rent payable for the tenancy term, until a replacement is found and new tenancy agreement signed. Even if you are returning for the next academic year you must have a check-out appointment at the tenancy end date.

Our Accommodation Team will be pleased to recommend proven methods of advertising i.e. use of Facebook or other internet websites/University noticeboards etc. to support you.

Moving out at the end of your tenancyIn the 8 weeks leading up to the end of your tenancy agreement you will be contacted by the accommodation office with instructions for checkout.The check-out process will involve arranging an appointment with the Accommodation Team

for your apartment and room or studio to be inspected against the original inventory.

We ask that you are present at this inspection so that you are aware of any charges that may be taken from your deposit and in some cases can be given the opportunity to rectify damages/cleaning issues before charges are applied.

If you cannot be present at the check-out inspection you will need to complete a no check-out form in advance of you leaving the accommodation.

Further details on the check-out procedure and return of deposits will be sent to you nearer the time but should you wish to discuss this process sooner, please speak to a member of the Accommodation Team.

Re-booking your roomWe will be taking room bookings for next year from November. We will announce when re-booking has opened via our newsletters and notice boards.

We always give priority to our existing residents if you would like to re-book for another year and wherever possible we will try to retain your existing room for you but we cannot provide such guarantee if you exceed certain booking deadlines that we must impose in the fairness of all concerned. From time to time we may run special loyalty promotional room rates for early re-bookers so please ask for details at the time. In order to qualify for any discounts there will be a time limit imposed that you will be advised about when you enquire.

If you do decide to re-book with us any deposit paid in the previous year will not be re-funded but instead rolled over into the new tenancy agreement that you will be signing. Any deductions that may have been made from your deposit will be required to be topped up at this time.

Moving Out

Welcome Guide 19

Asha House Office01509 266 258enquiries@ashahouse.co.uk www.ashahouse.co.uk

Find Asha House on Facebook:Asha House Student Accommodation_

UniversityLoughborough University01509 263171www.lboro.ac.uk_

CollegeLoughborough College01509 215831www.loucoll.ac.uk_

GeneralTV Licensing0300 555 0281www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Endsleigh Insurance0800 783 7352www.endsleigh.co.uk/student

Student Loans Company0845 300 50 90www.slc.co.uk_

HealthNHS Directwww.nhsdirect.nhs.uk0845 46 47_

TravelNational Rail Enquiries0845 748 4950www.nationalrail.co.uk

National Express (Coaches)0871 781 8178www.nationalexpress.co.uk_

East Midlands Airport0871 919 9000www.eastmidlandsairport.com_

InternetAsk40845 838 1174support@pavilion-connexions.com_

Advice National Debt Line0808 808 4000www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

The Samaritans0845 790 9090www.samaritans.org

National Drugs Helpline0800 77 6600www.talktofrank.com

Consumer Direct0845 404 0506www.consumerdirect.gov.uk

Citizens Advice Direct0844 848 9600www.citizensadvicedirect.org.uk

Useful Contacts

Notes

Your Asha House Kitchen

Notes

63 WoodgateLoughboroughLeicestershireLE11 2TZ

T. 01509 266 258enquiries@ashahouse.co.uk

www.ashahouse.co.uk

Asha House are members of the ANUK National Code of Standards for larger student developments (Non educational establishments)