Connaught Hall Residents' Handbook 2007-8

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U n i ve r s i t y of L o n d o n

Connaught Hall

Residents’ Handbook 2007 / 2008 SESSION

www.connaught-hall.org.uk

Connaught Hall Connaught Hall is a fully catered University of London intercollegiate hall of residence for full-time students from all the colleges and institutes of the University. We aim to provide a secure, supportive, friendly, and tolerant environment in which our residents can study, relax, and socialise. Connaught Hall was established in 1919 by hrh Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn — the third son of Queen Victoria — at 18 Torrington Square as a private hall of residence for male students, a memorial to the Duchess of Connaught, who died in 1917. The Duke gave the Hall to the University of London in 1928, but it was not until 1961 that Connaught Hall moved out of Torrington Square to its present location in Tavistock Square: a converted Georgian terrace with a Grade II listed façade. Women have been admitted since 2001. One of eight intercollegiate halls of residence, Connaught Hall now accommodates 214 students. There is an even mix of men and women and a great diversity of cultural and social backgrounds. Most residents are first-year undergraduates, with around 20% being allowed to return for a second year at the Warden’s discretion; approximately 10% are postgraduates, and about a third are overseas students. Most accommodation is in single study-bedrooms; there is room for ten students in twin rooms. There is a washbasin in every room, but toilet and shower facilities are all shared. Every room has telephone and internet connections. Amenities include a fitness room, laundrette, common rooms with TV, computer room, library, private courtyard garden, and a bar managed and staffed by Hall residents. Numerous meeting rooms are available, which are hired out during the day and early evening; in the summer, residential courses and conferences are held in the Hall. These activities make a direct financial contribution towards keeping student fees down and facilitating improvements throughout the Hall. Many of the residents in Hall are experiencing life away from home for the first time; for some, home is on the other side of the world. And whilst London is undoubtedly a vibrant and exciting place, in can sometimes be a lonely and impersonal city in which to live. So at Connaught Hall we hope to be a warm and welcoming “home from home”. The Warden, Vice-Warden, and four student Senior Members, all resident within the Hall, deal with matters concerning residents’ welfare and discipline; they can offer advice and assistance on academic and pastoral matters, and help with any disputes between residents. The elected Residents’ Club Committee, meanwhile, organises social events and runs the Hall bar on behalf of the residents, under the supervision of the Warden and ViceWarden. You are encouraged to get to know the Warden’s team and to participate in the activities of the Residents’ Club Committee to shape the social programme to your requirements. The Warden, Bursar, and all the staff wish you an enjoyable and successful time at Connaught Hall. We look forward to meeting you and encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Contents Introduction........................................................................................................................2 Regulations...........................................................................................................................2 Hall staff & administration..............................................................................................3 Emergencies..........................................................................................................................4 Reception services...............................................................................................................5 Keeping up to date...............................................................................................................5 Residents’ Club Committee................................................................................................6 Facilities Committee...........................................................................................................6 Residents’ ID card...............................................................................................................6 Hall facilities & amenities................................................................................................7 Arrival & departure, deposit & fees................................................................................ 10 Housekeeping arrangements...........................................................................................11 Catering arrangements...................................................................................................12 Noise..................................................................................................................................... 13 Daytime visitors.................................................................................................................13 Overnight guests & meal tickets....................................................................................14 Hall security......................................................................................................................15 Smoking................................................................................................................................16 Drugs.................................................................................................................................... 16 Right of staff to enter room...........................................................................................17 Proselytizing, discrimination & harassment...............................................................17 Tavistock Square & Gordon Square............................................................................... 17 Care of rooms & Hall property......................................................................................18 Fire & general safety.........................................................................................................19 Health & medical emergencies........................................................................................21 Getting help & making suggestions................................................................................23 External sources of help.................................................................................................24 Personal notes...................................................................................................................24 Wardenial staff................................................................................................................. 25 Fire action..........................................................................................................................26 If you are using the electronic (pdf) version of this Handbook, you can go directly to any of the sections above by clicking on the link. Sections are also bookmarked in your pdf reader. All references to websites in this Handbook are hyperlinked. Throughout this Handbook, a large asterisk is used in the outside margin to draw your attention to especially important information about your accommodation contract, including the main supplementary regulations referred to in the Licence Agreement.

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Introduction This Handbook aims to help you understand the Hall, its structure, and normal procedures. It forms part of your accommodation agreement with the University, and should be read in conjunction with, and interpreted so as to be consistent with, the University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement. This Handbook contains the “supplementary regulations” referred to in the Licence Agreement.

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You are expected to observe the letter and spirit of these conditions; any breaches will be dealt with under the Student Disciplinary Procedure and may lead to expulsion from the Hall. Please remember to bring this Handbook and the Licence Agreement with you when you move in at the start of the year. Further copies can be downloaded from www.connaught-hall.org.uk.

Regulations In addition to this Residents’ Handbook, you need to be aware of the following documents relating to your accommodation at Connaught Hall: University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement www.london.ac.uk/halls Telephone Service Conditions www.connaught-hall.org.uk University of London Ordinance 26 – Student Discipline www.london.ac.uk/66 University of London Ordinance 27 – Student Complaints www.london.ac.uk/66

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Universities uk Code of Practice for the Management of Student Housing www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/acop Visit the residents’ website at www.connaught-hall.org.uk and the official Hall website at www.london.ac.uk/223 to download copies of this Residents’ Handbook, the University of London Intercollegiate Halls of Residence Licence Agreement, telephone service conditions, and other important documents.

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Hall staff & administration Warden

Prof. John Brodholt

Bursar

Andrew Clare

Vice-Warden

Dr. Adrian Clark

Deputy Bursar

Abraham Ghoneim

Senior Members Hawa Abubakar

Assistant Bursars David Campbell



Ashleigh Melvin

Saule Kauneckaite



Tessa Snelgar

Bernard Leahy



Laurence Wild

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General Office hours (Bursar’s staff) – 8.00 am to 6.00 pm Monday to Friday. The General Office is located on the ground floor behind reception. A member of the Warden’s team is available whenever the Bursar’s Office is closed.

Management staff The Bursar has overall management responsibility for the Hall’s buildings, furnishings, and finances; he and his staff are responsible for the provision of catering, maintenance, telephone, internet, housekeeping, and reception services at both Connaught Hall and College Hall (on Malet Street). They also look after the Hall’s commercial activities, including conferences and bed & breakfast bookings. The Bursar’s staff are all full-time staff and are usually available during office hours. Visit the General Office for help with any financial or accommodation matters (maintenance, cleaning, room allocations, fees, etc). Wardenial team The Warden and Vice-Warden are resident members of staff responsible for student welfare and pastoral care; discipline; re-admissions; Hall community and social life; and out-of-hours emergency cover. They are assisted by four Senior Members. The Wardenial team are here to offer support and guidance on issues such as academic difficulties, medical or emotional problems, social concerns, financial worries, and problems with the behaviour of other residents (e.g. noisy neighbours, disputes, harassment, etc). You are welcome to approach them any time; the member living on your floor is often a good first point of contact. The Warden and Vice-Warden are available most evenings and weekends; you can leave a note at reception if you would like an appointment, or if you don’t need to discuss things in person, simply email or write to them about the problem.

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The Warden is Professor of Mineral Physics at ucl; the Vice-Warden is a Registrar doctor in Emergency Medicine; they undertake their wardenial duties as additional part-time appointments to their main professional rôles. Senior Members are predominantly postgraduate students who are not employed by the University but undertake voluntary duties in return for accommodation in Hall.

Emergencies

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Contacting a member of staff A member of staff is available 24 hours a day. During office hours, the Bursar’s staff are available in the General Office. You may approach them for assistance with any urgent problems. At night and at weekends, a member of the Warden’s team is on call to help with any emergencies. You can contact the on-call Duty Officer any time by asking at reception.

First aid & medical emergencies Report all accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies to reception. A first aid box is kept at reception, and a qualified first aider can be summoned to help. Please do not try to find a first aider yourself as we operate a duty system for emergencies and walking around trying to find a first aider will cause delay. The nearest hospital with an emergency department is at uch, at the junction of Euston Road and Gower Street, about five minutes’ walk from Connaught Hall. Further guidance on pages 21-22.

Fire Fire safety guidance on pages 19-20. Full fire action instructions on outside rear cover. You must always evacuate the building promptly when you hear the fire alarm. Get to know two or three different escape routes.

Maintenance If you spot a potentially hazardous maintenance problem (such as leaking water, electrical fault, or smell of gas), report it to reception immediately and ensure that your message is relayed to the Bursar’s Office or on-call Duty Officer. Further advice on page 18. Emergency services The telephone number for all emergency services (police, ambulance, fire brigade) in the United Kingdom is 999.

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Reception services Desk Porters are available at reception 24 hours a day to operate the switchboard, receive payments, organise incoming mail, and welcome visitors. They will be pleased to answer any questions about the Hall or the local area. Reception is your first point of call for help with any emergencies that arise. You can call Reception on internal extension 8200. Postal address:

Name & Room Number Connaught Hall 41 Tavistock Square London WC1H 9EX

Telephone number: Fax number: Email address: Websites:

020 7756 8200 020 7383 4109 [email protected] www.connaught-hall.org.uk & www.london.ac.uk/223



Mail is sorted by surname into the pigeon-holes opposite reception. Parcels and registered mail are kept behind the desk and a note put into your pigeon-hole to collect the item from reception. Please check your pigeon-hole regularly. Fax and photocopy services are available at reception for a fee. Note that you will be charged for incoming faxes in your name whether they were authorised or not.

Keeping up to date Connaught Hall residents’ website Sign up to the mailing list at www.connaught-hall.org.uk to keep up to date with news, events and activities in Hall. You can also download photos, leaflets, forms and regulations. If you don’t sign up, you might miss important announcements. Notice boards & rules governing their use Notice boards are for important messages and approved notices only. Please check the notice boards at least once a week for notices that might affect you. University Ordinance 26 sets out the rules for using notice boards and the residents’ website: you must not circulate any poster, notice, sign, or other communication which is offensive, intimidating, indecent, or illegal or which makes – or might make – others fearful, anxious, or apprehensive.

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Residents’ Club Committee The Residents’ Club Committee is made up of five elected Hall residents: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sports Officer, and Entertainment Officer; the appointed Bar Manager, Warden (as Clerk to the Club), and Vice-Warden (as Senior Treasurer) are also members of the Committee. The Committee runs the bar and organises various social and sporting functions, funded by the subscriptions which all residents pay; this income is also used to provide newspapers and magazines. Joining the Committee is a great way to get involved in the life of the Hall, meet lots of people, and make the most of your time here. It’s also a really good addition to your cv. The Warden and Vice-Warden organise the elections in October, and then continue to oversee the Committee’s activities and financial management during the year; ask them for details if you are interested in standing for election. If you have any suggestions for the Committee, email them to [email protected].

Facilities Committee The Facilities Committee meets four times a year to discuss catering, health & safety, housekeeping, environment, maintenance, security, and reception services issues. The Committee is chaired by the Vice-Warden and meetings are attended by representatives from the Bursar’s staff, catering company, Senior Members, Residents’ Club Committee, and ordinary student residents. There are six places for student representatives; names will be selected randomly if more than six residents apply. Email [email protected] if you want to join.

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Residents’ id card You will be given a Hall id card when you have:

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paid your deposit in full returned your accommodation acceptance forms returned your medical details form provided three passport-size photographs of yourself

Your Hall id card is your proof of residence and of entitlement to Hall services and facilities. You must carry it at all times when in the Hall, and may be asked to produce it at any time by a member of staff. You must produce your Hall id card in order to collect meals in the Restaurant, request a packed supper, or borrow any of the sports, entertainment, and leisure equipment owned by the Residents’ Club Committee. If you lose your id card, you must pay £5.00 for a replacement.

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Hall facilities & amenities Email suggestion box - [email protected] Send your comments, complaints, and ideas about anything in Hall to the email suggestion box. Suggestions are reviewed by the Vice-Warden and forwarded to appropriate staff members or committees for consideration and action. Telephones The Porter can tell you your room extension and direct-dial numbers. You can use the telephone in your room to call internal extensions free of charge, but to make external calls or set up voicemail, you will need to register for a pay-as-you-go account. You can register and top up your account at the General Office, where telephone service regulations and instructions are also available. Report any problems to the General Office during working hours.

Telephone service instructions and terms & conditions can be downloaded from the residents’ website at www. connaught-hall. org.uk.

Internet Every room has a data socket for connection to the internet; see your Licence Agreement for details. Report any problems to Network Services on 020 7862 8092 (Mon 10.00 am – 12.00 pm, Weds 2.00 – 4.00 pm, Fri 10.00 am – 12.00 pm).

Schedule 2 of the Licence Agreement contains the rules for the use of University network services.

Computer room The computer room is located in the basement. The computers are for the use of Connaught Hall residents only. File downloading and use of disk drives, etc have been disabled. Rules of use are given in your Licence Agreement. Television All rooms are equipped with a tv aerial socket. You must have your own tv licence if you want to use a tv set in your room; you are not covered by the Hall licence or by any licences held at your permanent home address. The penalty is a fine of up to £1000. Visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk for more information. Library This is located on the ground floor and is intended for use mainly by students sharing twin rooms. Do not leave work out on the desks as it prevents others from working and may go missing. Please note the library is for quiet private study only.

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Laundrette Coin-operated washing machines, tumble driers and ironing facilities are available in the basement laundrette. Report any problems to the General Office, where you can also obtain refunds for any money lost in the machines. The bar A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available at very reasonable prices in the basement bar, run by the Residents’ Club Committee under the supervision of the Warden and Vice-Warden. Opening hours will be publicised by the Bar Manager. The bar has a pool table and table football. Please use the bar responsibly: it will be closed indefinitely if it becomes a focus for poor behaviour. Common rooms

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There are common rooms on the third and fourth floors; both contain a television, and there is a table tennis table on the fourth floor. They are for the enjoyment of all residents, so please treat them with respect. The televisions and table tennis belong to the Residents’ Club Committee, so any problems should be reported to them. Private parties are not allowed in the common rooms. If the common rooms are misused, left dirty, or become a focus for noise or other antisocial behaviour, they may be closed indefinitely. Please remember that smoking is not permitted in the common rooms.

Fitness room This is situated in the basement. A range of equipment, including a multi-gym and rowing machine, is available. The equipment is owned and maintained by the Residents’ Club Committee. Gym keys are available to book out from Reception. Please use the gym with care to ensure your own safety and that of others, and to enable future years to enjoy the use of the equipment. Garden

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The Hall’s private courtyard garden is available for peaceful enjoyment between 8.00 am and 11 pm. The door to the garden is alarmed overnight, and cctv is in operation. Keep the garden tidy and remember that other residents may be trying to sleep or study in the rooms overlooking the courtyard, so please try to be quiet. Music, ball games, and private parties are not permitted in the Hall garden. You must keep noise to a minimum. Barbecues require written permission and must be arranged in advance with the Bursar’s Office and approved by the Warden or Vice-Warden.

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Pantries & drinking water There is a pantry containing a sink, microwave and refrigerator on every floor. Please use these facilities sensibly, taking care not to set off a fire alert through a build up of smoke or steam, and help keep them clean. Please respect other residents’ property and only use food from the fridges if it actually belongs to you. The fridges are inspected regularly and any decaying items will be thrown away. Drinking water is available from all the pantries, the fountain in the dining hall, and from the machine at the rear of the reception lobby. There is no drinking water supply to study bedrooms.

Bike store & car parking It is forbidden to bring bicycles into the Hall or attach them to the railings outside. We have a locked bicycle store in the front basement area, to which you may hire a key for a small charge plus a refundable deposit of £10. Bicycles are left entirely at your own risk; the Hall will not accept liability for loss or damage. We advise you not to bring your car to London. There is very limited (unreserved) on-street parking in the area for holders of Camden residents’ permits. The Hall is within the central London Congestion Charging zone. Newspapers, games & video equipment A selection of newspapers is purchased by the Residents’ Club Committee and placed in the seating area at the back of the reception lobby. Some magazines are also subscribed to and are available for short-term loan from the reception desk. The Resident’s Club Committee also provides board games, table tennis equipment, a dvd player, and other recreational facilities. These can be borrowed from reception, leaving your Hall id card and / or a small cash deposit. Vending machines There are several vending machines on the ground floor and basement selling soft drinks and snacks at reasonable prices. There is a condom machine in the laundrette. The vending machines are operated by external companies but you may raise any problems, including refund requests, with staff in the General Office. Tennis courts You may use the tennis courts in Cartwright Gardens for a fee. The key is available from reception at Hughes Parry Hall upon presentation of your residents’ id card.

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* For details about parking permits and the London Congestion Charge, visit www.camden. gov.uk and www.cclondon. com

Arrival & departure, deposit & fees Your Licence Agreement contains full details of official period of occupancy and arrangements for meal rebates, termination of contract, etc.

Your period of occupancy is determined by your college term dates. You are expected to move in the day before your academic year begins and leave the day after it ends. It may be possible to arrange an earlier arrival or later departure, but this cannot be guaranteed. No credit is given for late arrival or early departure. Arrival You should arrive after 2.00 pm on your arrival date unless you have arranged otherwise. Report to reception upon arrival and you will be given a room key and front door card. You are deemed to be in residence from when you take your key. Accommodation fees

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Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of October, January, and April. Any additional invoices must be paid within one week of the issue date. If you are unable to pay an invoice by the due date, you must contact the Deputy Bursar to discuss the situation: the earlier you do this, the better. The Bursar’s Office is sympathetic to students with genuine difficulties; it is often possible to arrange payment by instalments; but if you fail to keep us informed of your situation or to make agreed payments, you will be rigorously pursued. Ultimately, our solicitors will pursue the debt through the courts. Deposit A deposit is taken on acceptance of a place in Hall. A charge may be subtracted from your deposit if you cause loss or damage to any part of the Hall or its property; the cost may be divided between all residents’ deposits for damage that cannot be attributed to particular resident(s). You can appeal against deposit deductions; details are given in your Licence Agreement. At the end of the year, you must leave a stamped addressed envelope for the return of your deposit. Food rebates

See paragraph 7.4 of your Licence Agreement for details.

Provided you give advance notice, you may claim a rebate for meals you miss during periods of religious observance or if you are away for five or more consecutive days during the Christmas or Easter vacations only. Termination of contract

See paragraph 5.1 of your Licence Agreement for details.

If you leave the Hall for any reason before the end of your contract, you will normally be liable to pay the fees until the official end of your academic year.

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Departure at the end of the year You must leave by 10.00 am on the day after the last day of your academic session. You must sign out at reception and return your door key and swipe card; if you do not sign out, you will continue to be charged for your room, and a charge will be levied if you do not return your key or card. Please put rubbish in bin bags and leave your room tidy. Unreported damages will be deducted from your deposit and a cleaning charge will be subtracted if your room is in an unsatisfactory state.

Don’t forget to leave a stamped addressed envelope at the General Office when you leave so we can return your deposit to you (see above).

Housekeeping arrangements Room cleaning Your room will be fully cleaned once a week. Signs are posted to indicate on which day your will be cleaned. Please ensure your room is accessible and tidy enough for cleaning to take place. Disciplinary action may be taken if you persistently fail to maintain your room in a reasonably hygienic condition. Waste collection Rubbish will be emptied from your bin daily, Monday to Friday. Do not leave your bin outside your door, as this may obstruct escape routes and pose a fire hazard. It is a condition of your contract of residence that the cleaner is allowed into your room each day. We understand that some days you may want to sleep in, and the cleaner will usually respect your wishes, but we expect that this will be no more than one or two days a week. Room checks Room checks will be undertaken to reclaim any crockery and cutlery taken from the dining hall and remove any fire hazards. You will be given notice to remove any other unauthorised items, or risk having them confiscated. Bed linen You will receive a bedding pack at the beginning of the year; the pack is yours to keep, and includes a pillow, pillowcase, sheet, duvet, and duvet cover. You are responsible for cleaning this linen or any other bedding that you may buy for yourself. The Hall does not provide towels. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding housekeeping services, speak to a member of the Bursar’s staff or email [email protected].

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Catering arrangements

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Meal times

Breakfast

Monday to Friday

7.45 am

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9.00 am



Brunch

Saturday & Sunday

11.00 am

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12.30 pm

Dinner

Monday to Friday Saturday & Sunday

5.45 pm 5.45 pm

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7.00 pm 6.45 pm

The dining hall is locked 15 minutes after the end of service; please help the catering staff by vacating the dining hall before this time. Occasional changes to the usual times and menus may occur, e.g. at the beginning or end of term, on bank holidays, and during vacation times. The dining hall is located in the basement. All meals are included in your fees. Packed suppers These contain a sandwich or packed salad and a packet of crisps with a carton of fruit juice and either a yoghurt or a piece of fruit; you can request a packed supper on weekdays if, for academic reasons only, you cannot get back to the Hall by 7.00 pm. You must leave your id card at reception before 10.00 am on the day the supper is required; we cannot accept late requests. You may collect your food from reception after 7.00 pm. Packed suppers are provided instead of a meal in the restaurant: a charge will be applied if you take both. Mug You will be given a mug at the beginning of the year; this is yours to keep and to look after; please take it with you to the dining hall as no cups are provided there.

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Dining hall rules You must show your Hall id card in order to take meals in the dining hall. If you do not have your card, you will not be served. Guests are not allowed in the dining hall without a meal ticket. Meals are to be consumed inside the dining hall only. Do not remove crockery or cutlery. Keep a reasonable standard of dress – no bare feet, dressing gowns, or pyjamas. No smoking allowed. Switch off mobile telephones and do not bring bags or books into the dining hall. Please show respect for the catering staff and raise any problems in a constructive manner with the duty chef, or email the suggestion box at [email protected].

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Noise Noise disturbance generally creates the most dissatisfaction with Hall life, but every student should be able to study or rest without unreasonable disturbance from others at any time. Remember that other students may want to study or sleep at different times than you, and try to respect their needs for quiet time. You are expected to make no noise audible from outside your room between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am. This rule is not negotiable. Excessively loud music and other noise are not allowed at any time of day. Residents — or their guests — who are unable to adhere to these guidelines will face disciplinary action and possible removal from the Hall. If your neighbour(s) are making too much noise, please try to talk to them yourself first. If this is ineffective, call reception and ask for the on-call Duty Officer. We can help you a lot more if we actually hear the noise for ourselves and speak directly to the person responsible at the time. It is much more difficult if you wait until the next day to tell us about it! If you are finding your neighbour(s) to be persistently noisy, you should talk to the Senior Member on your corridor, or write a note to the Warden or Vice-Warden.

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The student disciplinary procedure is set out in Schedule 3 of your Licence Agreement. Your contract of residence may be terminated if you do not adhere to these rules.

Daytime visitors Guests’ behaviour Your guests must adhere to the same standard of behaviour that is expected of you; you will be held personally responsible for the conduct of your guests at all times, and consequently you may face disciplinary action for – and be liable for the cost of – any damage or disturbance caused by your guests. Hall staff have the right to refuse admission to any non-resident, or to require them to leave the premises at any time.

Signing-in procedure You must meet all your guests in person at reception and sign them into the guest book. No visitors will be allowed beyond the reception area without being collected and signed in by a resident student. Please co-operate with the reception staff when they call you to come and sign your guests in, and ensure your guests understand and abide by these rules.

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Overnight guests & meal tickets Guests’ behaviour The same rules apply to your overnight guests as to daytime visitors (see above).

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Overnight guests’ signing-in procedure One night’s stay: To have a guest stay for one night, you can simply sign them into the overnight guest book. Two or three nights’ stay: To have a guest stay for two or three nights, you must complete an overnight guest form including your guest’s usual address. More than three nights’ stay: The Warden or Vice-Warden’s permission is required if you want to have a guest stay for more than three nights. You must complete an overnight guest form at least seven days in advance and leave it at reception for authorisation. If your overnight guests are not properly booked in and authorised, you will be charged the full commercial guest rate for the duration of their stay (£27.00/night). Camp beds We have a few camp beds available for hire by prior arrangement, complete with pillows and bed linen. You can request a camp bed at reception when you book in your overnight guest; we advise you to book camp beds early to avoid disappointment, and in any case no later than 10 am on the day the bed is required. Any requests after 10 am may be accepted at the discretion of the Desk Porter, depending on availability of domestic staff to make up the bed. Camp beds may be collected from reception after 4 pm (but before 11 pm) on the first day of the booking, and must be returned no later than 10 am after the last night of the hire.

Charges are as follows:

Deposit First night hire charge Subsequent nights Late return charge

£10.00 £3.00 £2.00 £5.00

(refundable) per night per night

Guest meal tickets Meal tickets are available to buy from reception at the following prices: Breakfast - £1.50; Brunch - £3.00; Dinner - £4.00. Guests may not enter the dining hall unless they have a valid meal ticket, even if they do not intend to eat there.

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Hall security Personal responsibility Be vigilant at all times. Report suspicious behaviour to Reception immediately. Always lock your door and close your window(s) when you leave your room. Never lend your swipe card or room key to anyone else (not even your best friend!). Always follow the procedure for signing in your guests, and make sure they sign out. These procedures are designed to help ensure your safety in Hall, so please co-operate with the Porters and do not ask them to waive the rules. Always use your swipe card to enter the Hall; otherwise, the Porter will expect to see proof of residence. The Porters will not normally open the door for you. Never admit anyone to the Hall unless you know them; do not let strangers follow you in. Ask the Porter to help challenge anyone who is following you. Failure to observe these rules will be viewed extremely seriously and could result in disciplinary action under the student disciplinary procedure.

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Further safety and security advice is available at www.connaught-hall.org.uk. Replacement swipe card or room key Replacement swipe cards and room keys cost £10.00, of which £5.00 will be refunded if you find the original. Damaged cards or keys will be replaced for a nonrefundable fee of £5.00. If you cannot pay immediately, you may leave your Hall ID as deposit and pay the fee within 24 hours. Valuables & lost property The Hall has no secure storage for valuables, and will not accept responsibility for loss or theft. You are advised not to leave valuables in Hall. Lost property will normally be retained at Reception for three months; higher value items will be retained for six months. Insurance The University provides a basic policy to insure your personal property within the Hall. You should take out additional insurance to cover your property outside the Hall and high value items not covered under the terms of the basic policy.

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Smoking

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No smoking Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places in England. In accordance with the law, smoking is not allowed anywhere at Connaught Hall, nor on the steps outside the front door. If people are found smoking in public areas, both the Hall and the individual responsible may be liable to pay a substantial fine; we will pass on the cost of any such fines to the residents concerned. If you smoke in your room and cover your smoke detector to avoid being caught, you will place yourself at risk of expulsion from the Hall: covering smoke detectors is a criminal offence and seriously jeopardises our fire safety arrangements. In the interests of fire safety, hookahs, shishas, and similar smoking devices may not be brought into the Hall for any reason; any such items found will be confiscated.

Drugs Drugs & health Drugs are injurious to health. If you need advice or information about any drug related problem, including concerns about your own use of drugs, you should contact one of the national help lines or support groups (such as the National Drugs Helpline — www.ndh.org.uk), or your own gp, where professional assistance will be non-judgmental and confidential. If you have difficulty finding support, talk to the Warden or Vice-Warden, or the Welfare Officer at ulu.

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Drugs & discipline As detailed in the Schedules to the Licence Agreement, unauthorised possession and use of controlled drugs is illegal and is a serious disciplinary offence. Residents using or possessing illegal drugs in Hall, or allowing others to use or possess them in Hall, are liable to be dismissed without notice and may have the matter referred to their college or to the police. Any guests involved will be required to leave immediately. The police are interested in the patterns of supply of drugs. If you possess information which could be helpful, you are encouraged to share it with the police, or speak to the Warden or Vice-Warden in strictest confidence. You are reminded that cannabis, although recently reclassified from a class b to a class c substance under the Misuse of Drugs Act, is still illegal in the United Kingdom.

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Right of staff to enter room The Warden, Bursar, and their representatives have the right to enter your room without your permission at any reasonable time and for any reasonable cause. You will be given prior notice wherever possible, but this specifically excludes circumstances where immediate access is required to uphold discipline, for urgent health or safety reasons, or in connection with criminal matters. The cleaner will come into your room daily to empty your bin, and once a week (as shown on the cleaning schedule) to clean your room. A member of staff will also access your room during any scheduled fire drill for which advance notice is given.

Proselytizing, discrimination & harassment The Statutes of University of London prohibit discrimination on the grounds of age, race, sex, creed, disability, political belief, social class, or sexual orientation. Personal harassment of any kind is wholly unacceptable behaviour and can be grounds for disciplinary action, which may include expulsion or dismissal. In accordance with this policy against harassment, proselytizing is not permitted within the University’s halls of residence. Members of any faith or sect are entitled to their own beliefs, but may not seek to influence or recruit others in any way within University accommodation.

* *

Any incidents of personal harassment, aggressive behaviour, or proselytizing should be reported (in confidence) to the Warden or Vice-Warden.

Tavistock Square & Gordon Square The gardens in Tavistock Square and Gordon Square are very well maintained by the London Borough of Camden and the University of London respectively. Ball games are prohibited and anyone found damaging any part of the gardens may be subject to police prosecution and fines. If Connaught residents are found to have caused damage, the Hall will co-operate fully to help the police identify them; any fines not tied down to particular residents will be divided between all residents’ deposits.

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Care of rooms & Hall property Posters Pin boards are provided in most study bedrooms. Put up posters with nonmarking “putty (e.g. BluTack). Any marks on the wall will incur a charge on your deposit for cleaning or repainting. Connaught Hall has a grade 2 listed façade: no notices or other unauthorised objects may be displayed on the front of the building. Furniture Furniture and fittings must not be removed from your study bedroom, nor brought into it from the common rooms. Furniture and other items must never be left in the corridor, where they may block fire escape routes. Windows The windows on the back of the building can be caught by gusts of wind and break as they slam shut; so please be very careful when the weather is windy. Damages and vandalism See section 6 of your Licence Agreement for details about deposit deductions and your right of appeal. Vandals will be rigorously pursued and subject to the student disciplinary procedure (Schedule 3 of your Licence Agreement).

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You must do all you can to look after the Hall and to maintain the furniture and fittings. Where genuinely accidental damage is reported to the Bursar’s Office, charges for repair or replacement will be reviewed on the merits of each case. However, if damage is caused by negligence, unreasonable behaviour, or vandalism, those responsible will be charged the full cost of repair or replacement, labour, and administration charges; if immediate payment is not forthcoming, a deposit deduction will be made. If individual responsibility cannot be established, the costs will be shared between all residents; you are therefore urged to report anyone whom you suspect of causing damage. Vandalism is a serious offence against all other residents, staff, and the University, and those causing wanton damage will be pursued rigorously, with the help of the police if necessary. Those responsible will be dealt with severely and may be required to leave the Hall. Maintenance requests Never assume that someone else must have reported a fault: if you see a problem, report it! Submit all maintenance requests to reception, you will be asked to complete a form which will be passed to the maintenance worker. If you are unhappy with the response, discuss it with the Bursar’s staff or email [email protected]. We will deal with non-urgent work as soon as possible during normal working hours; urgent problems out of hours will be relayed to the Duty Officer so a contractor can be summoned if necessary.

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Fire and general safety Personal responsibility You are asked to assist with all aspects of safety in the Hall by reporting any matters of concern to the Bursar’s staff or, in emergencies, to the Duty Officer. Be alert to fire hazards at all times. Always stub out cigarette ends carefully in an appropriate receptacle; never leave cigarettes or matches smouldering. Store aerosol cans away from direct heat or sunlight, and keep linen, towels, and other fabrics away from electrical appliances, including light fittings. Do not leave rubbish, luggage, furniture, or your waste bin in the corridor: such items can block fire escape routes, impede access to fire-fighting equipment, and even help spread a fire down the corridor. Do not bring your bicycle inside the Hall. Any objects left in the corridor will be removed without notice.

Failure to observe and assist in the Hall’s safety procedures is a breach of sections 5 and 9 of your Licence Agreement and may render you liable to expulsion from the Hall.

Fire procedure This is detailed on the back cover of this booklet, on the notice board in each room, and on signs in corridors and stairways. Please acquaint yourself with the procedure and be prepared to act accordingly. Ensure that you know the locations of your nearest fire exits, fire extinguishers, and alarm call points. Whenever you hear the fire alarm, you must evacuate the building immediately. Fire drills will be held during the year, and all rooms will be checked by a member of staff to ensure everyone has evacuated. You are expected to leave as quickly as possible by the nearest route; this is not necessarily down the main stairs and out through the main door, so please familiarise yourself now with alternative escape routes. If the response is too slow, further fire drills will follow within a few days. The fire system is tested every Wednesday at 1.00 pm; the sounders will go off twice for a short time. There is no need to evacuate at this time unless the sounders continue for more than 20 seconds. Fire safety system Every study bedroom and all communal areas are equipped with smoke detectors. These provide excellent safety cover, but also require a sensible approach in order to avoid false alarms. Excessive smoking in the room (for example, several people smoking with no open windows), aerosols, steam, talcum, etc., are all things which can set off a fire alert and cause the Hall to be evacuated unnecessarily. You should be aware that cannabis smoke seems to have a particular propensity to set off the fire alarm. Residents who trigger false fire alarms will be interviewed by the Warden or Vice-Warden and subject to the student disciplinary procedure.

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Tampering with fire safety equipment is a very serious offence. Anyone who deliberately causes a false alarm, irresponsibly discharges fire extinguishers, covers smoke detectors, interferes with fire exit signs, or who tampers with fire safety equipment in any way whatsoever, will be dealt with under the student disciplinary procedure and can expect to be removed from Hall without delay. The matter will also be referred to their college. Fire doors These are an essential part of fire safety precautions. Fire doors must never be wedged open; door closers must not be tampered with. You must not attach posters or other objects to either side of your door; for heat conducted from a fire on one side of the door may set such items alight on the other side, rapidly spreading the fire to the other side of the door. Prohibited items The use of portable heating and cooking equipment in your room is strictly forbidden; this includes (but is not limited to) toasters, rice cookers, microwaves, ovens, hot plates, steamers, fan heaters, oil-filled radiators, and convection heaters. Candles, incense sticks, oil lamps, fragrance burners, hookahs (hubble-bubbles or shisha pipes), and flammable liquids of any kind must not be brought into or used anywhere within the Hall; such items will be confiscated without warning. Irons (as provided) may only be used on the ironing boards in the laundrette. Requests to have a refrigerator will be considered on an individual basis, but will usually only be granted if the refrigerator is needed for medical reasons. Electrical equipment The domestic supply in the UK is 230 volts. You may use your own electrical equipment provided it is manufactured for use within the UK; all low-voltage appliances (except those that are “prohibited items” as detailed above) may be used if properly wired according to the manufacturers’ instructions. If in doubt please ask for advice. All electrical equipment must be kept in a safe condition and the plug fitted with a suitably rated fuse. Overloaded multi adaptors will be removed.

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Access to the roof & throwing objects from windows It is strictly forbidden – and extremely dangerous – for residents or their guests to gain access to, or attempt to gain access to, the roof of the main building, the roof of the dining hall, or any ledges or parapets on the Hall exterior. You must not throw or drop anything out of any window, nor cause anything to fall from any window. Breach of these rules will constitute serious misconduct as defined in the Licence Agreement. Sanctions may include expulsion or a fine of up to £250.

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Health & medical emergencies Medical details form You must provide the Bursar’s Office with the name, address, and telephone number of your general practitioner (gp) using the appropriate form within 21 days of your arrival in Hall. Failure to do so will result in your Hall id card being withheld and ultimately may lead to withdrawal of your accommodation. Registration with a doctor We very strongly advise you to register with a local doctor within central London who will visit you at Connaught Hall in an emergency. Our experience is that students who do not register with a local doctor during their stay in London often encounter problems and delays in obtaining treatment. Students from ucl, lse, and Imperial College usually register with their college’s own health centre. Other colleges’ health centres are usually too far away from Connaught Hall; students attending these colleges therefore normally register with the Central Institutions Health Service (cihs). Kings College students can choose between their own health centre or the cihs. University College London

University Health Centre 3 Gower Place London WC1E 6BN Tel: 020 7387 6306

London School of Economics

LSE Health Service St Phillip’s Health Centre London WC2A 2AE Tel: 020 7955 7016

Imperial College London

Imperial College Health Service 14 Princes Gardens London SW7 1NA Tel: 020 7584 6301

King’s College London

King’s College nhs Health Centre 3rd Floor Macadam Building, The Strand London WC2R 2LS Tel: 020 7584 6301

All other colleges (and Kings’ College)

Central Institutions Health Service 20 Gower Street London WC1E 6DP Tel: 020 7636 7628

* * A good, reliable source of health information on the internet is NHS Direct at w w w. n h s d i rect.nhs.uk. The site includes listings of local health services such as GPs, dentists, sexual health clinics, and hospitals.

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First aid, illness, and accidents All first aid and medical emergencies should be reported to reception, from where the Bursar’s Office or on-call Duty Officer can be alerted. Staff will help arrange for first aid to be given, and assist with calling a doctor or transfer to hospital.

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If you call an ambulance or doctor out for yourself, please notify reception so that appropriate assistance can be given at the time and during any follow up. You must tell the Warden or Vice-Warden if you are admitted to hospital as an emergency for more than 24 hours. The nearest hospital with a 24-hour accident & emergency department is University College Hospital (uch), about five minutes’ walk from Connaught Hall: 235 Euston Road, London nw1 2bu (at the junction of Euston Road & Gower Street) Telephone: 0845 155 5000. In an emergency, call 999 for an ambulance. Infectious diseases If you are diagnosed with a serious infectious disease that may pose a risk to other residents (e.g. meningitis, polio, tb, diphtheria, viral haemorrhagic fever, etc), you must notify the Warden or Vice-Warden immediately so that steps can be taken to safeguard the health of others. Your identity will not be revealed to other residents. Meningitis This is a serious, potentially fatal, infectious disease which affects the outer lining of the brain. It is more common in first-year undergraduate students than in other adult populations; it is mostly spread by from the nose and mouth, including from sneezing and kissing. Early recognition and treatment can save lives, so be aware of the symptoms, look out for yourself and your friends, and get professional medical help immediately if you suspect meningitis. Key symptoms are: severe headache, fever, stiff neck, vomiting, drowsiness, a dislike of bright light and a dark red or purple rash. Not everyone gets all the symptoms; they can occur in any order. For more information visit www.meningitis-trust.org or www.meningitis.org. Mental health Every year Connaught Hall has a small number of residents with phobias, eating disorder, self-harm, depression, schizophrenia, or other similar problems. The Warden and Vice-Warden have plenty of experience of discussing these issues, so residents should not feel embarrassed about them; we are always happy to provide non-judgmental, confidential support to residents with mental health problems. It is important to recognise, however, that we are not formally trained in the management of psychiatric illness; it is therefore essential that residents seek appropriate medical or psychological help; we are happy to guide residents to appropriate professional help where necessary.

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Getting help & making suggestions Emergencies (E.g. injury, illness, leak, electrical fault, intruders, lost keys, serious noise disturbance.) There is always a member of staff available in Hall. If there is a genuine emergency of any kind, day or night, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask the Receptionist first, then he or she will contact the best person to help you. Personal & social problems Approach any of the Senior Members for advice or send a note to the Warden or Vice-Warden (email [email protected]). They can help with academic difficulties, medical or emotional problems, social concerns, and problems with neighbours or other Hall residents (including noise and harassment issues). Accommodation fees Fees must be paid within the first two weeks of October, January, and April. If you have problems with payment, speak to the Deputy Bursar as soon as possible. We will always try to help you as much as we can. Key and Swipe Card If you lose your key or swipe card, you can obtain a replacement from reception or the General Office. A fee is payable for replacements. Maintenance and health & safety Report details of broken, worn-out, or faulty Hall furniture or equipment in the maintenance book at Reception. Replacement light bulbs for your desk lamp are also available from Reception. Discuss general health & safety concerns with a member of the Facilities Committee, start a discussion on the residents’ website at www.connaught-hall.org.uk, or email [email protected]. Catering Feel free to speak directly with the chef about any problems. Talk to a member of the Facilities Committee, email [email protected], or start a discussion at www.connaught-hall.org.uk about broader concerns or policy issues. Leisure & entertainment facilities Speak to a member of the elected Residents’ Club Committee, start a discussion on the resident’s website & email list at www.connaught-hall.org.uk, or email the suggestion box at [email protected]. Internet Report any problems with your internet connection to Network Services on 020 7862 8092 (open Mon 1000 – 1200, Wed 1400 – 1600, Fri 1000 – 1200). Telephones Report faults with your room telephone connection to the General Office.

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External sources of help nhs Direct (health advice)...................... 08 45 46 47........................www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Holborn Police Station........................... 020 7404 1212...........www.met.police.uk/camden Samaritans (counselling)....................... 08457 90 90 90............... www.samaritans.org.uk London Nightline (counselling)........... 020 7631 0101................... www.nightline.org.uk Mind (mental health charity)................ 0845 766 0163..........................www.mind.org.uk National Drugs Helpline....................... 08 00 77 66 00............................www.ndh.org.uk Alcohol Concern...................................... 0800 917 82 82..........www.alcoholconcern.org.uk fpa (contraception & sexual health)..... 020 7837 4044............................. www.fpa.org.uk

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Lesbian & Gay Switchboard.................. 020 7837 7324............................ www.llgs.org.uk Many more links to external sources of help – and more details about support structures within Connaught Hall – are available at www.connaught-hall.org.uk. Your general practitioner and stu dents’ union can also help with a wide range of health, personal, social, and emotional problems.

Personal notes

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Connaught Hall Wardenial Staff

Warden — Vice-Warden — Senior Members

The Warden’s team is responsible for:  Residents’ welfare   Hall social life   Internal discipline  If you’re

worried, upset, angry, or concerned...

about anything that’s happening in your life (either in Hall or elsewhere)

...come and talk to one of us.

We are here to offer support, help, and guidance if you need it. All the Wardenial staff are experienced academics, teachers, or postgraduate students within the University of London. Approach a Senior Member any time, or leave a note at reception for the Warden or Vice-Warden. Our photographs are displayed in the reception lobby to help you recognise us. A member of Wardenial staff is on call every night and all weekend to help in case of emergency. We will deal with any problems sensitively and confidentially; we will not discriminate against anyone because of their age, race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

We can help with many problems, including: health concerns loneliness homesickness noisy neighbours academic difficulties harassment disputes

 Fire action Any person discovering a fire:

  

Raise the alarm: Break the glass to operate the nearest fire alarm call point. Call the fire brigade: Dial 8200 and ask reception to call the FIRE BRIGADE. Attack the fire: Only if you can do so without risk to yourself.

On hearing the fire alarm:

 

Evacuate the building immediately: Use the shortest escape route - follow the green signs. Close (but do not lock) doors and windows behind you. Meet at the assembly point: Tavistock Square - on the pavement opposite the Hall.

Do not:



Do not take personal risks. Do not stop to pick up belongings. Do not use the lift. Do not re-enter the building until authorised to do so.