Facilities in the Residences: Accommodation Services at the University of Essex

Facilities in the Residences

What is in the bedrooms and Kitchens?
Are there computer network facilities
Do I need a television license?
Is there provision for car parking?

what is in the bedrooms and the Kitchens?

All the single study rooms are centrally heated and fully furnished. They contain standard bedroom furniture, together with a desk and bookshelves. You are required to supply your own bedding and towels.

Each kitchen contains a cooker, refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven, kettle, iron, ironing board and storage units. You will need to bring your own cooking utensils, crockery, cutlery, saucepans and frying pans.

If you wish, before you even arrive at the University of Essex, you can purchase your essential items through everythingEssex. They provide a variety of ‘Essentials’ Packs, which contain all the items needed in your student accommodation.

eVerythingEssex offer a combination of bedding and kitchen and eating packs offering essential items such as:

For arrivals at the beginning of new academic year, the pack will be pre-delivered directly into your study-room so it is there ready when you arrive, leaving you to quickly settle into your new and exciting environment at the University of Essex.

For full details on pack contents visit everythingEssex.

At other times of the academic year, the bedding packs will be delivered to Central Stores for you to collect on arrival.

are there computer network facilities?

Connection to the university network and internet from your room is free, but you do have to provide your own computer. Details of how to register to use this service will be provided on arrival, it is not possible to do this in advance of arrival and you need to be registered before you can use the full range of University IT facilities.

Further information is available at from our internet and telecoms pages.

If you have further queries in relation to this service, please contact StudentCom or contact the Computing Service Help Desk (helpdesk@essex.ac.uk).

TV licensing, students and the law

When do I need a TV Licence?
You need a TV Licence to watch or record TV programmes, irrespective of what channel you're watching, what device you are using (TV, computer, laptop, mobile phone or any other), and how you receive them (terrestrial, satellite, cable, via the Internet or any other way). If you don't have a licence you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. A colour licence costs £145.50.

This means that if you are watching or recording live broadcasts via the BBC iPlayer you need a TV Licence. If you are only watching or downloading programmes that have already been broadcast using the iPlayer or other internet services, a licence is not required.

If you are living in student residences and you are watching TV in your room you will require your own separate licence. If the television is only being used in a communal area than one licence for the flat is sufficient.

Am I covered by my parents' TV licence?

Your parents' TV Licence will only cover you in your student accommodation in the following limited circumstances:

You only use TV receiving equipment which is powered by its own internal batteries
You haven't installed the TV receiving equipment, for examples you haven't connected the TV receiving equipment to an aerial or plugged it into the mains supply
Your permanent place of residence is your parents' house
Your parents have a valid TV licence for their house

What if I am moving out of my student accommodation?
If you are moving out of halls or other student accommodation, remember that your TV Licence does not move with you and you will need to notify TV Licensing of your new address. You can update your details by visiting http://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/moving-home-aud23/ and following the instructions. It only takes a minute or two. You'll be asked for your TV Licence number and new address.

At the same time you can choose to receive your TV Licence by email instead of receiving a paper licence in the post.

I don't need my TV Licence over the summer, can I get a refund?
If you are not staying at university over the summer and do not need your TV Licence again before it expires, you are entitled to a refund of any unused quarters (three full calendar months). So long as you purchased your TV Licence in October and don't need it for July, August and September, you could be eligible for a refund.

Most students would need to buy a TV Licence at the beginning of term in October in order to allow enough time at the end of the year to qualify for a refund. Assuming that a TV Licence is purchased in the month it is needed, it will expire 12 months from the first of that month.

To check if you are eligible for a refund, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo or call 0300 790 6090.

How will anyone know if I don't have a TV Licence?
TV Licensing's database lists addresses that don't have a TV Licence, including university accommodation and enquiry officers do visit unlicensed properties.

Students requiring further information should contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 6090. To find out about the many ways you can pay for your TV Licence, including Direct Debit, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo

is there provision for car parking?

Regrettably it is not possible to permit students (other than disabled students) to register a vehicle for parking on the Colchester campus.
There are no dedicated car parking spaces within the Southend campus.
Pay and display facilities are available in public car parks but please note that these are aimed at short term parking only and security is not guaranteed.