Here are some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you make the right decision on where you want to make your home. From the moment you arrive, our team will be on hand to deal with any queries you might have. We’ll make sure you’ve got your building manager’s number, so you can get through to him straight away if you have any issues.
You can book a Unilife studio at our city centre locations if you are a student aged 18 and over and in full time education, whether studying a Pre-sessional, Undergraduate or Postgraduate course, for the length of your studies.
Each property has a range of studio types, guaranteed to suit most students requirements. Choose the perfect location, either in Southampton, Winchester or Guildford and make the most of your University years.
If you are interested in viewing a studio then you can easily arrange a viewing in person or online. We aim to make it as simple and hassle free to book with us and our team will be delighted to accommodate your most suitable times.
Simply call us on 0845 51 95 100 (Local rate), e-mail [email protected], or contact us through WhatsApp or Wechat on the top of this page. We are here to help!
Plans can change and we understand it is important to allow sufficient time to view your future home. We will be only too happy to cancel or re-arrange your viewing at either Winchester, Southampton or Guildford. Contact us on our dedicated number 0845 51 95 100 (Local rate).
Of course, booking the perfect studio is a simple process and can be done online in just a few minutes. We recommend that you have a look at our virtual 360° tours. It is a very useful tool to immerse yourself in the building and see the different locations and studio types from your desktop, tablet or smartphone here.
For the ultimate virtual viewing experience why not use Google Cardboard to explore everything we have to offer.
If you prefer to take a personal guided tour we can also arrange live Skype or Facetime viewings, simply contact us and let us know when is most convenient for you. If you arrive and change your mind, we will do our best to accommodate you but subject to availability and additional administration charges.
Unfortunately in the Unilife buildings we do not allow pets, the exception being assistance dogs. Please let our team know at the time of booking.
Our typical contracts is 51 weeks but we offer 45 weeks too. If you are looking for a bespoke contract, please message us directly and we will be happy to discuss more flexible arrangements if required.
Once you’ve made the easy decision to live in one of our studios, to confirm your booking, you will be required to sign your contract and make a £300 deposit payment. This deposit payment is protected with MyDeposits and you will be emailed your certificate within 30 days. Once the contract is complete, we also ask you to pay a 30 day payment within 6 days of completion.
Three payment options
- Upfront in one go, 30 days before your contract start date (44 - 51 week contracts only)
- Termly payments - Payment dates are 40% in September, 40% in January, and 20% in April. This usually coincides with the Student Finance UK payments, so it makes budgeting easier. - UK GUARANTOR REQUIRED
- Monthly payments - 11 invoices at the start of each month - UK GUARANTOR REQUIRED
Your UK guarantor must live in the UK and be willing to cover your rent if you miss a payment. They will be expected to provide their ID, National insurance number, UK Council Tax letter and sign the contract.
Can I still pay Termly or Monthly without a UK Guarantor?
If you do not have a UK Guarantor and still wish to pay termly or monthly, we now have an exclusive 'No Guarantor Required' option available. This is available when selecting 'Book Now' and is a slightly higher per week rate.
Payment:
All payments are taken in your student portal. It is the safest and most secure options to pay. Students will have full visibility on the payment. The options available are:
- UK Bank Transfer
- UK Direct Debit
- UK Card (if UK Bank is not available)
- International Card Payment
- International Bank Transfer with Tranfersmate
Alternatively, should you prefer to make a direct bank transfer, use the bank details below (also use your room number and full name as a reference). Please be aware that we are unable to provide a payment receipt on completion. It also takes up to 5 working days to show up in our bank.
Bank: HSBC – Unilife Ltd
Account: 60377104 Sort Code: 40-11-60IBAN: GB90HBUK40116060377104
BIC/SWIFT: HBUKGB4194RBank Address: 60 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4
The Tenancy Deposit Protection (TDPS) is a piece of legislation introduced by the UK Government in April 2006 for landlords in England and Wales. The purpose of the scheme is to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords, who have been accused in the past of taking amounts from deposits unfairly.
The legislation ultimately protects you and allows us to follow a very streamlined process for disputes after check out.
To find out more about this service visit https://www.mydeposits.co.uk/tenants/ and to find out more on how to rent you can read the How to Rent Guide 2023.
At the end of your tenancy, assuming the studio and its belongings are in the same condition as when you moved in and you’ve paid all your rent, your deposit will be refunded within 10 working days.
To speed up the process let us know if you plan to leave your accommodation early and ensure we have the correct bank details.
So you’ve chosen your building and gone through the options of Studios available – This is clearly the next question.
Our ‘All Bills included’ guarantee means that your rent covers your studio and shared facilities (see building descriptions for full details), all your utility bills (water, heating and electricity), contents insurance (through Endsleigh insurance), unlimited Super-fast wired and wireless internet access and attendance to the social events.
You will also have your own TV in the studio. If you plan to watch live TV or recorded BBC content let us know - we will also include the TV licence.
Students have access to a state of the art gym (FREE and 24 hours access), games/TV lounge (with Netflix account and Sky Sports) and study rooms in laundry facilities in every building with £100 complimentary laundry credits.
The process couldn't be simpler
Once you have confirmed your booking and paid the instalments due, make sure we have the relevant paperwork (including copy of photo ID – we are sorry if it seems a lot).
Complete your online induction, where you will be able to learn more about the building and let us know when you plan to arrive. The Unilife Team will be on hand to help when you move in, it doesn’t extend to unpacking although we could bring you a cup of tea!
Yes, our Unilife studios are furnished to a very high standard and all in great taste. Each studio has plenty of storage, a lovely comfy mattress and double bed, a large well designed bathroom and kitchen area. Everything you will need to make it your home, the ultimate in student living.
If you would like to purchase any additional items we have partnered with UniKitOut to offer our students a range of packs or additional items you may need. To view the full selection of packs or individual items visit www.unikitout.com/collections/unilife. Ordering is simple, just add to your basket, enter in discount code UNILIFE10 – you will receive 10% off any item, pay and they will arrange delivery to your new studio in time for your arrival.
Yes we have an independent company who takes care of this. They will provide you with an inventory when you move in and when you move out.
As a full time student you do not need to pay council tax. You will be provided with a council tax exemption form by your University during your enrolment. However, if you are occupying a couples sharing studio and one of you is not a student you will be required to pay council tax fees. Please just speak to a member of the Unilife Team if you are unsure.
Unlimited and Super-fast wired and wireless internet, we don’t think you should ever have a problem accessing the internet whilst in any of our buildings.
You can also enjoy our free-Wifi perks around our buildings! Ask our team for more details. For the techies, we have our own dedicated fibre 1G leased line completely uncontended. When we say superfast, we mean it!
We have included a 32″ Smart TV in your room. If you plan to watch live TV or recorded BBC content we will include your TV licence on our “All Bills included” promise – And it gets better! Your TV licence covers any device you watch TV on, wherever you are.
You can arrange a regular cleaning service through your House Manager and specify upgrades such as linen change. There is an additional cost for this service.
Alternatively, if you can't bring your own linen, we have partnered with UniKitOut to offer our students a range of packs to fully equip your kitchen, bathroom and any bedding you may need.
To view the full selection of packs or individual items visit www.unikitout.com/collections/unilife . Ordering is simple, just add to your basket, enter in discount code UNILIFE10 – you will receive 10% off any item, pay and they will arrange delivery to your new studio in time for your arrival.
The entire property is smoke free. There are no smoking areas in the building.
You are responsible for cleaning your studio together with communal areas of your shared studio. However, for existing Unilife students that decide to renew their accommodation with us for next year, you will benefit from a free weekly studio 20 minutes clean throughout your next tenancy with us!
For new Unilife students that would also prefer to have a cleaner come to their studio on a regular basis, we can also arrange this for you with our dedicated cleaning services team, as you would expect subject to availability and additional charges. Contact your House Manager for more details.
Most of the maintenance we carry out is scheduled and proactive in nature. Should anything break down, we guarantee a speedy response and aim to fix most of issues within 4 working hours. If you experience any problems, no matter how small (a broken fridge bulb for example) then report it immediately to our Housing Manager on 07702903315 or raise a ticket on our Unilife Portal.
If you are unsure about the urgency of a repair, contact your House Manager for advice.
Every one of our buildings has 24 hour CCTV cameras and each studio has a Videophone entry system, your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Here’s what some of our students thought about being safe and secure with Unilife https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE1VQX1wq8g
Yes each building has laundry facilities. All we ask is, once your washing is finished that you consider your fellow residents and remove your items straight away.
We know that this happens, all you will need to do is make a quick call to our Housing Manager on 07702903315 and we can get you back into your studio as quickly as possible. We will ask you to pay £12 for a new key card.
If you lock yourself out of your studio or building outside working hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) there is a charge of £30 for your first lock out and £60 for any subsequent lock outs.
It is important that you keep your room key card with you at all times. If you are the forgetful type, speak to your House Manager - we may be able to offer alternatives like wristbands that may be more suitable.
Many of our students are from International countries and have never lived in the UK before, so firstly you won’t be alone.
We understand that starting University is nerve wracking enough and even harder being so far from home. Here at Unilife we want you to feel at home and want your time here to be a great experience and one you remember always.
To help make you settle in and get to know some friends our Events Team will be arranging a number of events throughout the year from a arrival meetings and the awesome Welcome party, film nights, visits to interesting places and Summer Barbecues. Check out our social media and follow us and like us on Facebook.
You can keep up to date on all the events and activities you can get involved in https://www.facebook.com/unilifestudent
Student welfare is very important and illness of any kind can be worrying at times. Your House Manager is trained in Mental Health First Aid and can also assist you to find medical attention if required.
The following NHS treatment is free for everyone: emergency treatment (but not follow-up treatment), family planning services, diagnosis and treatment of certain communicable diseases, compulsory psychiatric treatment.
To qualify for any other NHS treatment, you must meet certain conditions. If your course of study is for six months or more and you are studying in the UK you will qualify for NHS treatment from the beginning of your stay on the same basis as anyone who is ordinarily resident in the UK. You will not have to pay for hospital treatment, but you may have to pay for some dental treatment and a standard charge for medicines prescribed by a doctor. Health care laws vary depending on which country you are from. Please make sure you have checked what you are entitled for who’s entitled?
Make sure you register with a doctor as soon as possible and don’t leave it until you are already ill. The Heatlh centre attached to your University may be the most convenient and Doctors working there will be experienced in the health needs of students. Alternatively, you can find your local GP Surgery, and register.
If you need to talk to someone, Samaritans are open daily and no matter what you are going through, you can call them for free from any phone - Dial 116123
If you just need some urgent medical advice, dial 111 for the NHS helpline.
For urgent medical help call 999
Before you move in we will have instructed the independent Inventory Company to conduct a check-list of your studio. You will receive a copy of this within your Welcome Pack. Please make sure you check it and let your House Manager know of any discrepancies within 14 days of receiving the inventory.
You’ll be pleased to hear that we include FREE contents insurance for all Unilife students as part of your tenancy agreement, through our partners Endsleigh. We believe that we have you covered, however if your have a particular item you'd like to insure or want to enhance your policy, you can do that a preferential rates.
The process couldn't be simpler
Once you have confirmed your booking and paid the instalments due, make sure we have the relevant paperwork (including copy of photo ID – we are sorry if it seems a lot).
Complete your online induction, where you will be able to learn more about the building and let us know when you plan to arrive. The Unilife Team will be on hand to help when you move in, it doesn’t extend to unpacking although we could bring you a cup of tea!
Yes, our Unilife studios are furnished to a very high standard and all in great taste. Each studio has plenty of storage, a lovely comfy mattress and double bed, a large well designed bathroom and kitchen area. Everything you will need to make it your home, the ultimate in student living.
If you would like to purchase any additional items we have partnered with UniKitOut to offer our students a range of packs or additional items you may need. To view the full selection of packs or individual items visit www.unikitout.com/collections/unilife. Ordering is simple, just add to your basket, enter in discount code UNILIFE10 – you will receive 10% off any item, pay and they will arrange delivery to your new studio in time for your arrival.
Yes we have an independent company who takes care of this. They will provide you with an inventory when you move in and when you move out.
You can arrange a regular cleaning service through your House Manager and specify upgrades such as linen change. There is an additional cost for this service.
Alternatively, if you can't bring your own linen, we have partnered with UniKitOut to offer our students a range of packs to fully equip your kitchen, bathroom and any bedding you may need.
To view the full selection of packs or individual items visit www.unikitout.com/collections/unilife . Ordering is simple, just add to your basket, enter in discount code UNILIFE10 – you will receive 10% off any item, pay and they will arrange delivery to your new studio in time for your arrival.
Before you move in we will have instructed the independent Inventory Company to conduct a check-list of your studio. You will receive a copy of this within your Welcome Pack. Please make sure you check it and let your House Manager know of any discrepancies within 14 days of receiving the inventory.
Just wanted to say how impressed I was when I dropped Vaughn off. We were met and given a comprehensive tour of the studio and the site and explained how things worked. The studio was gleaming and I feel so reassured that he has made the right choice for this upcoming year. One doesn’t always receive a service akin to ‘what it says on the tin’ but from first contact with you, to moving in, Unilife certainly does deliver a first class package.
Overall very impressed with quality of accommodation and level of service. Billing is simple as it includes all the services; electricity, rates, gas, water, council tax and so on. The students have all they need in their own space, so have somewhere to study without being disturbed. Social events if they want to be involved. Comes at a price above the basic halls or renting, but nicely packaged and happy with our choice.
After three amazing years at Unilife – Middle Street, my daughter is considering a further year with Unilife to extend her degree to a Masters; this is the ideal time for me to express my immense gratitude to the Unilife Team for the last 3 years. Unilife was the perfect choice from the start and has continued to provide excellent, luxurious ‘home from home’ accommodation for University Students.
Three years ago, I made contact and found the entire team at Unilife to be genuinely honest, open and professional at all times regarding their product, service provided and costs involved and I chose Unilife without any doubts. The integrity of the Senior Management and all staff I met was apparent and I haven’t looked back. A happy, safe and secure student is a student that will learn and strive to achieve their full potential at University.
Unilife students are totally secure and so comfortable, with modern and luxurious apartments that allow them their privacy along with a close community ethos promoted by the on-site team. The multi-purpose common room; onsite gym and washing machines/dryers mean students have all they need and more within the building. I have seen my daughter flourish whilst living at Unilife for three consecutive years and for her to be considering another year is testament to how good it has been.
The location of Unilife is so close to the University faculty buildings; to shops; to the Library; and to the Clubs – which also enhances the safety aspect with short distances for students to walk to, and return home to at night - just a five minute walk with the friends for life she has met also living at Unilife.
The entire team of staff, with specific mention to the House Manager – Frank, take time to get to know each student well offering them understanding and empathy, ensuring their well-being is monitored from a distance during their University years and in addition, ensuring the students feel a sense of belonging who have pride in their home and treat it with respect whilst entering adulthood.
Unilife provides the perfect ‘home from home’ unique student experience in safe and secure accommodation buildings and peace of mind for parents.
Still have questions?
Our friendly team are available to answer your questions via whichever method suits you best.
Contact our team