UK accommodation: frequently asked questions

Accommodation booking

• For Spring 2021, 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.

• Can I book accommodation through Kaplan for courses starting in Summer 2021?

  Yes, you can now book your accommodation if your programme starts in May, June, July or August 2021. You can browse our accommodation guides to find out more.

  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.

• Is there a deadline to book accommodation?

  No. If you start your pathway course between January and August 2021, you will be guaranteed a room when you are ready to come to the UK (in line with the relevant contract start dates). We will do everything we can to find you a fantastic place to stay during your pathway course.

  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.

• Can I book accommodation without a CAS?

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

  Spring 2021

  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.

  NEW: If you’ll be studying at the University of York International Pathway College or the Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate, you can now choose to start your accommodation contract on 27 February 2021 or 17 April 2021, as well as 6 January 2021.

  For students on the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme who started their programme digitally in October 2020, and want to join us in person in the UK, the available accommodation contract began on 9 January 2021. If you fall into this category, and have missed the January accommodation start date, don’t worry! You still can book accommodation; just get in touch and our dedicated accommodation team will help you find an accommodation option that’s right for you. Please contact us at [email protected]

  Summer 2021

  If you book your accommodation without a CAS, you can book one of these accommodation start date options for most courses: 6 June 2021 or 17 July 2021.

  If you’ll be studying at the University of York International Pathway College, your start date will be 19 June 2021.

  Please note that the University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate and the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme do not have start dates in Summer 2021, which means there is no available accommodation contract.

• When can I move into my accommodation?

  Spring 2021

  You can choose from 3 arrival dates during our Spring intake for most courses. 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
  • 17 April 2021 (NEW!)

  If you are starting your course in January or March, you can book the 6 January, 27 February or 17 April 2021 to start your accommodation. This means you can start your programme remotely if you wish, then move into your UK accommodation later. If you are starting in April, you will need to move into your accommodation on the date shown above.

  April contracts are now available for students starting their programme in Spring 2021, and are also available for students taking courses that began in Autumn 2020.

  Please note: if you’ll be studying at the University of York International Pathway College or on the University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate, you can now choose to start your accommodation contract on 27 February 2021 or 17 April 2021 for the Spring 2021 intake.

  For students on the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme who started their programme digitally in October 2020, and want to join us in person in the UK, the available accommodation contract began on 9 January 2021. If you fall into this category, and have missed the January accommodation start date, don’t worry! You still can book accommodation; just get in touch and our dedicated accommodation team will help you find an accommodation option that’s right for you. Please contact us at [email protected]

  Summer 2021

  You can choose from 2 arrival dates during our Summer 2021 intake for most courses. All arrival dates correspond with our accommodation contract start dates and allow you to start your study programme on time:

  • 5 June 2021
  • 17 July 2021

  The June and July accommodation contracts are available for students starting their programmes in Summer 2021 only, and are therefore not available for students taking courses that began in Autumn 2020 or Spring 2021.

  Please note: if you’ll be studying at the University of York International Pathway College then 19 June 2021 is the only date available to start an accommodation contract for the Summer 2021 intake.

  The University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate and the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme do not have start dates in Summer 2021, which means there is no available accommodation contract.

• 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.

• 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]

Arrival dates and information

• Are arrival dates for Spring 2021 flexible?

  Yes, we can offer additional flexibility when it comes to arrival dates if you are due to start your course in January, March or April. 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 for most courses.

  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
  • NEW! 17 April start date means that you could arrive between 3 April and 17 April

   

  

   

  Please note: if you are starting your studies in Spring 2021 on the University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate, or the University of York International Pathway College, you can now choose to start your accommodation contract on 27 February 2021 or 17 April 2021, with the option of arriving 2 weeks earlier without incurring any extra costs (subject to availability).

  For students on the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme who started their programme digitally in October 2020, and want to join us in person in the UK, the available accommodation contract began on 9 January 2021. If you fall into this category, and have missed the January accommodation start date, don’t worry! You still can book accommodation; just get in touch and our dedicated accommodation team will help you find an accommodation option that’s right for you. Please contact us at [email protected]

• Will the length of my contract be affected by these flexible arrival dates in Spring 2021?

  No, if your accommodation contract starts on 6 January 2021 but you choose to arrive on 27 February 2021 or 17 April 2021, and begin in-person learning in March, the cost will be a February or April 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]

• Are arrival dates for Summer 2021 flexible?

  Yes, we are offering flexible arrival dates for accommodation contracts that begin on 5 June 2021 for most courses. You will be able to arrive up to 2 weeks early (subject to availability) at no extra cost. This will give you time to self-isolate if required.

  See example scenario:

  • 5 June start date means that you could arrive between 22 May and 5 June

   

  

   

  Please note: if you are starting your studies in Summer 2021 at the University of York International Pathway College, the only accommodation start date available will be 19 June 2021, with the option of arriving 2 weeks earlier without incurring any extra costs (subject to availability).

  Students studying the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme or on the University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate don’t have accommodation options or courses starting in Summer 2021.

• 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 in January, February, April or June 2021 (subject to availability) for most courses, and now including the University of York International Pathway College.

  If you’ll be studying at the University of Nottingham Engineering and Physical Sciences Foundation Certificate, the option for a 2-week flexible arrival is available in January, February and April 2021.

  For students on the University of Bristol International Foundation Programme who started their programme digitally in October 2020, and want to join us in person in the UK, please contact us at [email protected] and our dedicated accommodation team will discuss the options with you.

Support

• Can I book an airport transfer with Kaplan?

  Yes, we will offer our usual free coach transfer service on the main arrival weekends to take you directly to your accommodation booked through Kaplan. The available dates are:

  • 9 and 10 January 2021
  • 27 and 28 February 2021
  • 17 and 18 April 2021
  • 5 and 6 June 2021

  We’ll continue to run socially distanced transfers that can take students securely to their destination as safely as possible.

  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 frequently be disinfected and thoroughly cleaned.

  We also can arrange a private transfer (subject to a fee) on your preferred date outside of the dates specified above.

  If you arrive in the UK during the national lockdown, you should plan to head directly to your accommodation, in keeping with local rules.

• 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, February or April 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.

• Am I entitled to a rent rebate if travel restrictions mean I haven’t been able to make full use of my room?

  If you left your Kaplan Living room prior to 31st December, and were unable to return to your room prior to the 5th January, you are entitled to a rent rebate if you submit your request by 31st January. Just get in touch get in touch, and we can arrange this for you.

  If you’re in a third-party residence which you booked through Kaplan, we are currently speaking to all of our partnered accommodation providers to discuss rent rebates. We will be in touch with affected students when we have further information. You still can reach us at: [email protected]

Residence safety measures

• What happens if we enter in a lockdown period at our residences?

  We will continue to follow UK government health and safety guidelines at all times, so you
  can rest assured that our residences and accommodation partners are taking the necessary precautions to protect your wellbeing.

  We’re committed to keeping students supported and safe throughout any lockdown, with extra measures in place to make any period of additional restrictions as comfortable as possible. This means that we will: keep helping students access food and drink; continue keeping safety measures in place across the residences as hand sanitiser stations; carry out frequent and thorough cleaning, including extra cleaning procedures for high-traffic points; enforce one-way systems; and make use of floor markings and signage to facilitate social distancing. Students will be able to join online social activities and keep in contact 24/7 with the residence team for any help that may need.

  You can follow the latest UK Government actions about Covid-19 on this website.

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

  In line with the UK government’s guidelines, from 18 January 2021, you will need to present a negative coronavirus test result to enter the UK from abroad. The test must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure. You will also need to self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival.

  You can see the most up-to-date travel advice on the gov.uk website.

• 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?

  In line with the UK government’s guidelines, from 18 January 2021, you will need to self-isolate in your accommodation for 10 days after your arrival. 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.