UK accommodation: frequently asked questions

Autumn 2020 — Accommodation booking and support

• Can I start my course online, then book accommodation through Kaplan when I am ready to come to the UK to continue my studies?

  Yes, we’ll be here to assist you when you are ready to transition to studying in the UK via blended learning, and you’ll be able to stay in your Kaplan-booked accommodation once you arrive.

  We advise you to only book your accommodation once your CAS has been issued and you know that you are definitely coming to the UK (travel restrictions permitting).

  If you are ready to book your accommodation, you can do so on your chosen college’s accommodation page on our website.

• When can I move into my accommodation?

  You can choose from 3 arrival dates during our Autumn intake. All dates correspond with our programme start dates:

  • 12 September 2020
  • 24 October 2020
  • 6 January 2021

  If your course started in September, you can book any of the above arrival dates. This means that you can start your programme remotely if you wish, then move into your UK accommodation later in the academic year, for example in October or January.

  The University of Bristol International Foundation Programme has a later start date, which means the dates mentioned above do not apply. Please see the answer to “I’m a student starting the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme in October. Can I come early to self-isolate if I need to?” for further information.

• When should I book my accommodation? Is there a deadline if I start my course in Autumn 2020?

  No, there is no deadline and we will be here to support you with your booking at any time. However, we do advise that you only book your accommodation when your CAS has been issued and you are allowed to travel to the UK.

• What accommodation options are available?

  There is a wide range of high-quality accommodation options for you to choose from. You can browse our accommodation guides, which can be found on your chosen college’s accommodation page on our website.

  While every effort will be made to allocate your first choice, we cannot guarantee this. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and all options are subject to availability. Therefore you may be offered another accommodation type or location, or we may refer you to one of our modern and stylish third-party providers. Either way, we’ll be here to support you through the booking process.

• Can I book accommodation without a CAS?

  If you’d like to book your accommodation before your CAS has been issued you can do this, however please note that you will not be able to cancel your accommodation agreement once you have signed it.

  If you book your accommodation without a CAS, then you are able to book one of these 3 arrival date options: 12 September 2020, 24 October 2020 or 6 January 2021.

  These dates don’t apply to the Bristol International Foundation Programme, as this has a later start date. Please see the answer to “I’m a student starting the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme in October. Can I come early to self-isolate if I need to?” for further information.

  If you’ll be studying at the University of York International Pathway College, your first arrival date will be 26 September 2020. The October and January arrival dates remain the same.

• What if I defer my study programme? Can I defer my accommodation booking too?

  Yes — if you choose to defer your study programme, you will also be able to defer your accommodation booking.

• Who should I contact if I have any questions regarding my Kaplan accommodation booking?

  Please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated accommodation team: [email protected].

Spring 2021 — Accommodation booking and support

• Can I start my course online, then book accommodation through Kaplan when I am ready to come to the UK to continue my studies?

  Yes, we’ll be here to assist you when you are ready to transition to studying in the UK via blended learning, and you’ll be able to stay in your Kaplan-booked accommodation once you arrive.

  We advise you to only book your accommodation once your CAS has been issued and you know that you are definitely coming to the UK (travel restrictions permitting).

  If you are ready to book your accommodation, you can do so on your chosen college’s accommodation page on our website.

• When can I move into my accommodation?

  You can choose from 2 arrival dates during our Spring intake. All dates correspond with our accommodation contract start dates and allow you to start your study programme on time:

  • 6 January 2021
  • 27 February 2021

  If you are starting your course in January, you can book either of the above arrival dates. This means that you can start your programme remotely if you wish, then move into your UK accommodation later in the academic year, for example in February. Please note, this option is not available for University of York International Pathway College programmes, nor the University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation. These dates do not apply to the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme because the start date for this course is in October 2020.

  February 2021 contracts are available for students starting their programmes in Spring 2021 only, and are therefore not available for students taking courses that begin in Autumn 2020.

• When should I book my accommodation? Is there a deadline if I’m starting my course in Spring 2021?

  Yes, if you start your course in January, March or April 2021, you’ll be guaranteed accommodation if you accept your offer to study and submit the online Accommodation Form by 1 December 2020. But don’t worry — if you miss the guarantee deadline, you can still fill in the Accommodation Form, and we’ll do everything we can to help you find you a great place to live during your studies.

  But there is no need to rush. We do still advise that you only book your accommodation when your CAS has been issued and you are allowed to travel to the UK.

• What accommodation options are available?

  There is a wide range of high-quality accommodation options for you to choose from. You can browse our accommodation guides to find out more.

  While every effort will be made to allocate your first choice, we cannot guarantee this. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis and all options are subject to availability. Therefore you may be offered another accommodation type or location, or we may refer you to one of our modern and stylish third-party providers. Either way, we’ll be here to support you through the booking process.

• Can I book accommodation without a CAS?

  If you’d like to book your accommodation before your CAS has been issued you can do this, however please note that you will not be able to cancel your accommodation agreement once you have signed it.

  If you book your accommodation without a CAS, then you are able to book one of these accommodation start date options: 6 January 2021, 27 February 2021 or 17 April 2021.

  If you’ll be studying at the University of York International Pathway College or Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation, your accommodation start date will be 6 January 2021. The University of Bristol International Foundation Programme does not have a start date in January 2021.

• What if I defer my study programme? Can I defer my accommodation booking too?

  Yes — if you choose to defer your study programme, you will also be able to defer your accommodation booking.

• Who should I contact if I have any questions regarding my Kaplan accommodation booking?

  Please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated accommodation team: [email protected]

Autumn 2020 — Arrival dates and information

• Are arrival dates for Autumn 2020 flexible?

  Yes, we can offer additional flexibility when it comes to arrival dates, at no extra cost. You can arrive up to 2 weeks earlier than your scheduled arrival date (subject to availability), which will allow you to self-isolate if required.

  If you are due to start in September or October, then you can also arrive up to 2 weeks after your accommodation contract begins, and you will only need to pay from the date you arrive. If you arrive later than 2 weeks after your accommodation start date, you will still need to pay from the 2-week point onwards.

  If you are due to start in January, you will have the option of arriving 2 weeks before your scheduled arrival date (subject to availability) at no extra cost, but you will not have the additional 2 weeks flexibility after your official start date, so you will need to arrive on time.

  See example scenarios:

  • 12 September start date means you could arrive between 29 August and 26 September
  • 24 October start date means that you could arrive between 10 October and 7 November
  • 6 January start date means that you could arrive between 23 December and 6 January

   

  

  Please note: students at the University of York International Pathway College can arrive at their accommodation from 24 October in time for their course start date on 9 November — this means that the 2-week flexible arrival option has already been built into the accommodation contract at no extra cost.

• Will the length of my contract be affected by these flexible arrival dates?

  Yes. Students starting their courses in Autumn 2020 will have the usual option of matching their accommodation contract with the start of their programme. With flexible arrival dates, the date you choose to start may affect your contract length. For example, based on a standard 2-term contract:

  • If your programme starts in September but you choose to arrive on 24 October 2020 or 6 January 2021, the contract options will be shorter than if you’ve started in September, and therefore the cost will be lower.
  • If your programme starts in September or October but you choose to arrive only in January 2021, then your accommodation contract will end in August 2021. This is a significantly shorter contract compared to a September or October start.

  You can review the prices for the Autumn 2020 intake on the ‘dates and prices’ page of each of our accommodation guides, and also on the Accommodation Form for each college.

  Don’t forget, our dedicated accommodation team is here to guide you through your options if you need help or support. Please contact us at [email protected]

• Do these flexible arrival dates apply to all accommodation options?

  The flexible arrival dates apply to all of our colleges and courses (with the exception of the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme, which has a 2-week discount built in to account for its later start date). University of York International Pathway College students starting their accommodation contract on the 24 October also have this flexibility built in at no extra cost.

  We will need to check availability at our accommodation to confirm whether or not you will be able to arrive before your contract start date. You can submit your request to arrive early to our accommodation team at [email protected], who will contact you with further information.

• If I need to self-isolate, will I need to pay for my accommodation during that time?

  If you need to self-isolate, we will support you as much as we can. That’s why you can arrive up to 2 weeks before your accommodation contract starts at no extra cost if you need to self-isolate (subject to availability).

  For September and October arrivals, you can also arrive up to 2 weeks after your accommodation start date, and you would only need to pay from the date you arrive. Please note, this is limited to up to 2 weeks. This later arrival option does not apply to the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme, nor the University of York International Pathway College.

• I'm a student starting to the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme in October. Can I come early to self-isolate if I need to?

  The University of Bristol has delayed its start date to 5 October, which means International Foundation Programme students can arrive between 19 September and 3 October at no extra cost, to allow them to self-isolate if required.

• Can I book an airport transfer?

  Yes, we will offer our usual free coach transfer service on the main arrival weekends:

  • 24 and 25 October 2020
  • 9 and 10 January 2021

  Drivers will be adhering to government health and safety guidelines, including limiting the number of people on each coach and asking passengers to wear masks. Vehicles will also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly.

  We also can arrange a private transfer (subject to a fee) on your preferred date, starting from 29 August.

Spring 2021 — Arrival dates and information

• Are arrival for Spring 2021 dates flexible?

  Yes, we can offer additional flexibility when it comes to arrival dates if you are due to start in January or March, at no extra cost. You can arrive up to 2 weeks earlier than your scheduled arrival date (subject to availability), which will allow you to self-isolate if required.

  See example scenarios:

  • 6 January start date means that you could arrive between 23 December and 6 January
  • 27 February start date means that you could arrive between 13 February and 27 February

  

  Please note: the February accommodation start date is not available for University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation students, nor for University of York International Pathway College students.

• Will the length of my contract be affected by these flexible arrival dates?

  No, if your accommodation contract starts on 6 January 2021 but you choose to arrive on 27 February 2021, and begin in-person learning in March, the cost will be a February contract option ending typically on 4 September 2021.

  You can review the prices for the Spring 2021 intake on the ‘dates and prices’ page of each of our accommodation guides.

  Don’t forget, our dedicated accommodation team is here to guide you through your options if you need help or support. Please contact us at [email protected]

• If I need to self-isolate, will I need to pay for my accommodation during that time?

  If you need to self-isolate, we will support you as much as we can. That’s why you can arrive up to 2 weeks before your accommodation contract starts at no extra cost if necessary in January 2021 and February 2021 (subject to availability).

• Can I book an airport transfer?

  Yes, we will offer our usual free coach transfer service on the main arrival weekend, 9 and 10 January 2021.

  Drivers will be adhering to government health and safety guidelines, including limiting the number of people on each coach and asking passengers to wear masks. Vehicles will also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly.

  We also can arrange a private transfer (subject to a fee) on your preferred date.

• What is Kaplan Living Special Support?

  From Spring 2021 you can take advantage of Kaplan Living Special Support, a package of additional support services available to students staying at Kaplan Living residences in Bournemouth, Brighton, Glasgow, Liverpool and Nottingham. If you’re under the age of 18 when arriving in the UK, this service is mandatory for your wellbeing.

  For an additional £300, you’ll benefit from access to Wellbeing Coordinators. These coordinators, who are based permanently at the residence, will be there to:

  • arrange pre-arrival briefings with your parents to introduce themselves and answer questions
  • provide a friendly welcome to help you settle into your new home, offering support and guidance
  • support you if you need to self-isolate, with a daily check-in if required
  • be on call throughout the night, and available to handle any emergencies, such as medical visits
  • assist with making medical appointments
  • help you engage with the college and residence community
  • arrange video calls with your parents
  • organise informal catch-ups
  • liaise with your College Services team and your UK guardian (where applicable) to ensure that you’re receiving ongoing care and support throughout your pathway course, and assist with any issues you might be facing.

  Students who start their courses in Autumn 2020 then decide to move to the UK in January 2021, and are 18 years old by the date they arrive in the UK, will have this service provided without cost.

  This is a premium service that aims to give you the reassurance that you will be in safe hands when you move to the UK to study. We’re here to help you as much as we can so that you can live with confidence.

Residence safety measures

• Will I need to be tested for COVID-19 before I can move into my accommodation?

  No, at present we are not asking students to be tested for COVID-19 before moving into their accommodation.

• What health and safety measures in place at all residences?

  Keeping all students and staff up to date and aware of health and safety measures is our top priority. We are following UK Government guidelines at all times, so you can rest assured that our residences and partners are taking the necessary precautions to protect your wellbeing. These include:

  • Hand sanitiser stations
  • Frequent and thorough cleaning
  • Extra cleaning procedures for high-traffic points
  • One-way systems
  • Floor markings and signage for social distancing
• Will I be provided with a face mask?

  Yes. All students will receive a handy “student starter pack” containing a face mask, hand sanitiser and other useful items.

• Will I need to self-isolate when I arrive at my accommodation?

  You will need to self-isolate in your accommodation for 2 weeks after your arrival unless the country or territory you travelled from is exempt according to the UK government’s travel restrictions.

  The countries exempt from the self-isolation requirement differ depending on whether you will be travelling to England or Scotland. You can find all the information you need at the links below:

  Students arriving in England

  Students arriving in Scotland

• What support will be offered to students who need to self-isolate when they arrive?

  We’re committed to keeping students supported and safe, with special extra measures in place to make any quarantine period as pleasant as possible.

  While we won’t be able to prepare meals for students, our residences are working on ways in which they can assist with meals if a quarantine period is required.

  This could include helping students register for online food shopping, assisting with deliveries, and sharing details of local takeaway food providers, such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat.

  A kitchen rota will be in place so that you can use the shared kitchen. No other students will be allowed in the kitchen while someone is already in there.

  Residence staff will also assist you in any other way that they can.

• What will self-isolating at my residence be like? Can I still use my room?

  Yes, if you have to self-isolate, you’ll still have full use of your bedroom and private bathroom, or studio flat.

  A kitchen rota will be in place so that you can use the shared kitchen. No other students will be allowed in the kitchen while someone is already in there.

  You will also still be to join in with the online social activities during Welcome Week, so you won’t need to miss out on getting to know your teachers and classmates.

  If you’re still self-isolating in your accommodation when your classes begin, we’ll help you join your course through digital learning until you can go to college for face-to-face lessons, keeping you on your path to university.

• Will students who need to self-isolate be allowed to use shared kitchens?

  Yes. If you live in a room with access to a shared kitchen you can still use these facilities to prepare your meals — you’ll need to adhere to the kitchen rota, wear a face covering and thoroughly disinfect the surfaces after use.

  Due to the safety measures and social distancing in place, no other students will be allowed in the kitchen while someone is already in there.

  To minimise the risks, you should take your meals to your room to eat during your quarantine period.

• What health and safety measures will be in place for homestay accommodation?

  Our friendly London host families will still be welcoming students into their homes, while adhering to strict health and safety measures.

  Cleanliness and social distancing guidelines

  Both you and your host will need to comply with latest government guidelines, in particular around social distancing and what you can and can’t do while the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is ongoing.

  Hosts will maintain a high level of cleanliness at all times, and students will be supplied with cleaning products so they can keep their own living areas clean. You will need to bring your own face covering, gloves and hand sanitiser. If you don’t have these already, you will be able to buy them when you arrive in the UK.

  Self-isolating

  If you need to self-isolate on your arrival, your host will support you through this. We strongly advise that students arriving from countries that are required to observe a quarantine period when they arrive in the UK to book the half-board option for at least the first 2 weeks of their stay, as your ability to buy food may be limited while self-isolating.

  What if either I or my host become ill?

  All host families will have a contingency plan in place should either you or another member of the household display symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for the disease. This will be explained to you in detail when you arrive.

  If you fall ill with symptoms of COVID-19 during your stay, you will be required to quarantine in your bedroom. You host family will take care of you during this time, and will arrange medical assistance should you need it. If you don’t have your own bathroom, you will need to clean the surfaces after you use the communal bathroom to ensure everyone’s safety.

  Can I relocate to another homestay?

  In line with government advice, you will not be able to relocate to another homestay if you or another member of the household you are living in have COVID-19 symptoms or have tested positive —instead, you will need to self-isolate in your current homestay.