It is important that you read the guide to living in halls and your accommodation contract before you accept your offer of accommodation.
When you accept your place in halls, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of residence. Your accommodation contract or tenancy agreement is a legal contract between you and the university. If you are in breach of the agreement you will be subject to the university's disciplinary procedures and, in the case of a serious breach, you could be asked to leave halls.
You should keep a copy of your accommodation contract for the time you live in halls.
When does the accommodation contract become binding?
If you apply online, the agreement between you and the university becomes binding when you have:
- ticked the box on the university’s accommodation application website confirming that you have read and agree to the terms and conditions; and
- clicked the Accept button on accommodation application website confirming that you accept the university’s offer of accommodation; and
- paid the first instalment of rent as stated in the offer.
If you have signed a paper contract, the agreement between you and the university becomes binding when you have signed it and it has been counter-signed and dated by the university.
Right to cancel
If you change your mind, you have the right to cancel the contract by notifying the university in writing within seven working days of the contract becoming binding.
Terminating your contract
The accommodation contract for halls of residence commits you to staying in halls for the duration of the contract: 50 or 39 weeks at Great Wilkins (Falmer), 40 weeks at Welkin Halls (Eastbourne), and 39 weeks for all other halls.
The agreement expires on the stated end date. You do not need to give separate notice, and you have no right to remain in the room after that date.
In certain circumstances, however, it may be possible to break this agreement provided that this has been agreed with the university and subject to conditions set out in your accommodation contract.
If you decide to leave halls, you will still be liable for rent until another student takes up your room. If you do leave halls you will be charged a £50 cancellation fee.
