Future Students

Individual Room in shared flat £85.00 per week (correct at time of going to print)

The let period is 42 weeks to run in conjunction with the Borders College academic year.

*The College may also offer limited twin and or bunk house style accommodation where required to meet accommodation demand. In such instances a reduced weekly rental may apply.
 

A Residence Contract is a legally binding contract for the duration of the academic year and it has the start and finish dates clearly stated on it. A Guarantor Agreement will also be required as part of your residence contract.

When you sign these, you are accepting that you are liable for the rent for the duration of the contract and that you will abide by the terms and conditions and the rules and regulations within the contract.

If you requested accommodation information on your initial application to Borders College and you have returned your Acceptance of Place confirmation form to the Admissions Office then an Accommodation Application Form will be enclosed. Complete this form fully and return it to the Student Advice Centre by 15th July 2012 to be considered for student accommodation.

If you have a Conditional Offer of Place you should still complete an application form and return it by the 15th July, however we will not allocate you a room until we have received confirmation that your condition has been fully met.

Confirmation of receipt of your Accommodation Application will be emailed to you. If you do not receive an email confirmation of receipt of your application within 7 days of sending it then please contact us on studentwelfare@borderscollege.ac.uk or telephone 01896 662516 to let us know.
 

We will aim to process your application for accommodation within 10 working days of receipt of your application, providing you have an Unconditional Offer of Place. Your Offer of Accommodation and Residence Contract will be sent to you along with a Guarantor Agreement and reservation fee request.

If you have a Conditional Offer of Place you should still complete an application form and return it by the 15th July, however we will not allocate you a room until we have received confirmation that your condition has been fully met.
 

You should read carefully the Offer of Accommodation and Residence Contract along with the Terms and Conditions. Complete, sign and return a copy of the Residence Contract and the Guarantor Agreement along with £250 reservation fee within 7 days to secure your accommodation.

Please contact us in writing, either by letter or email, to advise us as soon as you can and at least 7 days before the start date of the Residence Contract.

If you cancel within 7 days prior the start date of your contract you will get a refund of your reservation fee.  If you withdraw in the 7 days prior to the start date of your contract and before the end date of your Residence Contract, the reservation fee, less a £50 administration charge, and any outstanding charges for rent, cleaning and/or damage to the property, may be refunded.

No. When you accept an offer of accommodation you are accepting it for the duration of the Residence Contract which coincides with the College’s end of academic year date. Therefore you are liable to pay rent for the duration of the contract. There is not an automatic right for you to be let out of the Residency Contract.

You are required to provide your own:

• Duvet
• Pillows
• Bed linen
• Towels
• Cutlery
• Crockery
• Cooking utensils

If you are bringing a TV with you it is important to note that it is the individual’s responsibility to ensure they have a TV License and a suitable internal aerial connection may be required.

Due to health and safety precautions, kitchen appliances cannot be kept in your room.  Our student accommodation has fully equipped kitchens providing adequate facilities for food storage and cooking.

Galashiels and the surrounding area has a limited supply of private flats and houses for rent. Always remember to look for a flat run by an accredited agency as they have committed to a higher standard of management.

It usually takes several weeks to find accommodation so leave plenty of time. The College can give you contact details of some of the local landlords but it is important to note that the College does not inspect any of the properties advertised and does not make recommendations or enter into any agreement on behalf of a student. However, there is always someone from the Student Services team available to advise you. We would strongly advise against sending any money to secure a flat before seeing it in person.

Finding a private rented flat:

• Take your time and don’t just take the first flat you see
• Always view a property before you move in and try not to go alone
• Check with the owner what furniture and equipment will be included and all relevant licenses are in place
• If the owner says they will repair or replace any items before you move in, make sure you get this in writing
• Do not sign a lease if you are not 100% happy with it – it is a legally binding document
• Remember that an agency cannot charge you for viewing or enquiring about a property or for preparing a lease

Some property search websites to consider:

• www.bspc.co.uk
• www.reiverproperty.co.uk
• www.studentpad.co.uk
  
  

A team of student advisors are on hand to help support our students, particularly when living away from home for the first time. They can also give you information and advice on budgeting and managing your finances including advice on external sources of additional funding which may be available to help with your costs.

For further information, please contact:

Student Advice Centre
Borders College
Scottish Borders Campus
Netherdale
Galashiels
TD1 3HE

Tel: 01896 662516 Email: studentwelfare@borderscollege.ac.uk