Information for parents in iQ student accommodation

When allocating rooms in a shared flat we endeavour to allocate students with others of a similar age. Generally we do not mix 1st years with older students. We do have a small number of female only flats in each scheme but will give preference to students who require female only flats on religious grounds. Students can express any preferences on the booking form and we will endeavour to meet people’s requirements but cannot guarantee to do so.

We discourage room moves in the first few weeks as it takes time settle in. If after a reasonable period of time a student is still not happy and wants to move rooms we will try and accommodate their request, subject to availability. There is an admin fee for room moves.

All room allocations take place Online whereby you can see the profiles of the students sharing the room. If you have any queries, please contact your local iQ.

The Tenancy Agreement is an important legal document which, once signed, places obligations on iQ, as landlord, on the guarantor and on the student as the tenant. iQ issues Assured Shorthold Tenancies and you can view our Tenancy Agreement on the Serious iQ page. Students should read the document carefully and iQ is, of course, happy to answer any questions you or they might have about the document. As with all Tenancy Agreements, the terms are binding and only in exceptional circumstances will iQ permit Tenancy Agreements to be cancelled.

We recommend that students visit the accommodation before signing the Tenancy Agreement, all of our sites have show suites and open days. Contact the site for more details.

All iQ schemes have a number of rooms suitable for students with disabilities, including rooms that are fully wheelchair accessible. If you would like more information about our facilities for students with disabilities, please contact the relevant site team.

iQ schemes are well equipped with all the basics a student will need but they will need to bring their own bedding, crockery and utensils and a PC or laptop.

Whilst students will need to bring a full set of bedding – sheets/pillows/duvet/towels, we recommend that students who will be in a shared flat do not bring too much kitchen equipment otherwise they will end up with 5 or 6 sets of everything. These items can be purchased locally.

Kettles, toasters, mini fridges etc are not allowed in bedrooms. There is ample space in the shared kitchen and these items in bedrooms pose a fire risk and will activate the heat detectors.

A full ’what do I need’ checklist is available in Serious iQ.

Shared flats
Within one of a our shared flats students have their own private ensuite bedroom and share a kitchen/lounge area with their flat mates. This type of accommodation is great for 1st years as it encourages friendship groups and social interaction. It is also popular with groups of friends who want to book a whole flat.

All bedrooms have an ensuite shower room, ample storage and a dedicated study area with good lighting, plenty of space for books and numerous sockets for all their IT and gadgets.

The shared kitchens have plenty of cupboard and drawer space and are fully equipped with an oven, hob, microwave, fridge and freezer. In addition there is a dedicated eating area, and a lounge area with comfy sofas.

Studios
Studios are ideal for students who prefer a self-contained apartment environment, but want to enjoy the social aspects of living in a larger building. Studios are often popular with 2nd year, 3rd year and postgraduate students who want a bit more privacy.

We know that university is an expensive business and recognise the need to provide good value for money. At iQ we provide an all inclusive rent guarantee - our published rents include all utility costs, contents insurance and a broadband service so there are no hidden costs. In case you're not aware, all of our schemes are exempt from Council Tax.

iQ are student accommodation specialists and we focus on 3 key principles:

• Providing modern well designed, well located buildings that are properly maintained and provide a safe and welcoming environment for students.
• Providing excellent customer service through our on site management teams who provide support, advice and assistance to ensure students settle in and get the most out of their time with us.
• Providing good value for money through the iQ all inclusive rent guarantee.

iQ takes security and safety seriously. All our schemes have electronic access control to the main doors and extensive CCTV inside and outside the building.

Sophisticated fire alarm systems including heat and smoke detectors are standard, and we carry out regular fire alarm testing and evacuation drills. Each of our schemes have an on site accommodation team, and an out of hours emergency service. Our larger schemes also have overnight security.

Universities undertake the main role in respect of pastoral care, however all of our staff are trained to provide an initial level of unobtrusive care and support.

All of our accommodation teams have good relationships with university pastoral care and welfare support services and will refer students who need additional levels of support and assistance.

We strive to ensure that our buildings are well maintained at all times and that we respond quickly to any problems, so that repairs, no matter how small, do not impact on the students use and enjoyment of their room, or the building in general.

We employ a maintenance technician at each site who thoroughly understands the building and can respond quickly to problems. More complex work is undertaken by established and carefully selected contractors.