Nido Castle Hill

Who can live at nido?

We accommodates all students that are 16 years of age or over, from any university and any country in the world. Please note that you should be:

a student who is taking a full-time course at University
a student on an organised study-abroad programme
a student enrolled full-time in a language school
or a student conducting a work placement course as part of a degree-granting programme
you must be 18 or over at the time of check-in.
*You are able to book from the age of 16 at time of check-in however you will need to supply us with an indemnity form and comply with our under 18 year old policy.

What is the contract length?

We offer 43 and 51-week contracts. Please enquire for short term stays.

What documents do I need to check in?

You will need to show proof of studies from your university by way of your acceptance letter. We would also need you to send us a digital passport photo for your key card ID and a photocopy of your passport (and Visa if required) for identification. We need to receive all these documents prior to check-in and you can send them to us electronically as well. Please note that we will also need your signed contract with us prior to check-in.

What do I need to pay before I arrive?

You only need to pay a 300 refundable deposit to secure the room with us. The remaining fees for your stay are then divided into two instalments, the first of which is payable prior to arrival.

Will I have internet in my room?

Of course! Nido offers 100MB WIFI throughout the residence. Our new broadband even allows you to upgrade up to 200MB/s. You can bring an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet in your room as well.

What are the guest policies?

We offer residents unlimited day and night guests. For your own safety and security, we have a few guest policies in place. You can have unlimited guests visiting during the day between 8am and midnight. For overnight stays, one guest can stay for a maximum of 8 consecutive nights throughout the month. All guests must be 18 years of age or over. You will have to sign in your guests and they must bring a photo ID to gain entry in the building.

Will my room be cleaned?

If you wish you can clean your room yourself. But if youre not a fan of cleaning, we can offer you a range of room cleaning packages starting from 20 by a member of our housekeeping staff. You can choose from Standard, Premium and Check Out cleans. Please check with a member of staff at reception when you check-in.

If youre in an Ensuite Apartment, we provide weekly kitchen cleans free of charge however additional cleaning is available as per the above pricing and packages.

What is not included?

Almost everything is included in the rate, there are just a few bits and bobs in addition. You can use the fitness centre for free, 24-hours-a-day. All you need to do is to sign a disclaimer to learn how to safely use the equipment. Fitness classes are frequently organised but you will need to pay the instructor a small fee for the class. We have set of vending machines with loads of snacks and drinks but these are at your own cost. You can pay for your laundry on a pay-per-use basis and you can book room cleans at reception for a set fee. We also have a dry cleaning service onsite who offer laundry and dry cleaning services at great student prices.

Will I have a tv in my room?

TVs are not provided in the rooms however you are welcome to bring in your own. Youll be able to connect the TV to a centralised cable system however you will need to purchase a TV license during your stay.?

Will I have a phone in my room?

If you wish, you can set up a phone in-room to make and receive external calls for 10 per month plus the cost of VOIP calls. You can set up a phone in your room through our internet service provider. All you need to do is purchase a VOIP phone through them and pay for your calls. Or you can simply choose to use an internet-based service like Skype and set up an account with them.

Do you have laundry facilities and how much does it cost?

We have a laundry room onsite with several washers, dryers and ironing boards which you can use 24/7. You can find the laundry room just off the main communal space on the ground floor.

Fees are: 2.80 per wash and 1.80 per use of the dryer.?

Can I change my room after I move in if I don't like it?

Yes you can, but we can only offer this if there is still space available and you have a valid reason. Please bear in mind that different rooms are offered at different prices and it may be that you have to pay a different rate to occupy a different room. The rates are based on a number of things, e.g. size of the room, location in the building and availability.

Locked out of my room?

You will receive 2 keys (room and post-box) and 1 access FOB as a resident. You will need to pay 30 for a new room key to cover the costs, 15 for a new post-box key and 10 for a new access FOB.

Are there monthly events or activities planned for residents?

We organise a full monthly calendar of social parties, career events and learning workshops for all residents.

Is there extra storage space onsite?

Yes, we have storage cells on site. The cost for this is 30 a month.

Can I share a room with my friend who is also a full time student?

Yes, two full time students who are friends can share a studio on a dual occupancy basis by paying 15% extra per week and splitting the rent.

COVID-19 FAQS

I SUSPECT THAT I MAY HAVE CORONAVIRUS, OR ONE OF MY NEIGHBOURS HAVE COME TO ME SAYING THAT THEY THINK THEY MAY BE INFECTED. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Stay at home if you have either:

a high temperature you feel hot to touch on your chest or back

a new, continuous cough this means youve started coughing repeatedly

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them youre staying at home.

Testing for coronavirus is not needed if youre staying at home.

Please let a member of the Nido residence know immediately (preferably via phone) if you have symptoms of coronavirus and need to self-isolate. We can provide you with the advice and the support you will require during this time.

How long to stay at home?

If you have symptoms, stay at home for 7 days

If you live with other people, they should stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person got symptoms

If you have to stay at home together, try to keep away from each other as much as possible.

Read the NHS advice about staying at home.

Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:

you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home

your condition gets worse

your symptoms do not get better after 7 days

Use the 111 coronavirus service

Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

WHAT IS THE STAY AT HOME ADVICE?

Staying at home means you should: 

Not go to work, university or public areas 

Not use public transport or taxis 

Not have visitors, such as friends and family, in your home 

Not go out to buy food or collect medicine order them by phone or online, or ask someone else to drop them off at your home 

You can use your garden, if you have one. You can also leave the house to exercise once a day but stay at least 2 metres away from other people. 

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE AN UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITION?

The most recent guidance on the NHS website says that the NHS will contact you from Sunday 29 March 2020 if you are at a particularly high risk of getting seriously ill with coronavirus. Youll be given specific advice about what to do.

Do not contact your GP or healthcare team at this stage wait to be contacted.

WHO IS AT RISK?

You may be at a particularly high risk of getting seriously ill with coronavirus if you:

Have had an organ transplant 

Are having certain types of cancer treatment 

Have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukemia 

Have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma 

Have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections 

Are taking medicine that weakens your immune system 

Are pregnant and have a serious heart condition 

If youre at high risk, there are extra things you should do to avoid catching coronavirus.  These include: 

Not leaving your home you should not go out to do shopping or visit friends or family 

Avoiding close contact with other people in your home as much as possible 

We are aware that a small number of our students have serious underlying health issues which could make them particularly vulnerable if they acquire coronavirus.  Please do let us know if you are concerned, and we can assess the support which can be provided to you.

Students may want to consult a doctor, however, because NHS services may be under pressure people are being encouraged to call NHS 111 in the first instance. The online coronavirus service, 111.nhs.uk/covid-19, can tell you if you need medical help and advise you what to do.

Use the online NHS 111 service if:

You think you might have coronavirus

Youve been in close contact with someone with coronavirus

WHAT CAN I DO IF I'M FEELING ANXIOUS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS?

It is perfectly understandable that you might be anxious or worried about coronavirus and the impact it could have on your life, particularly because this might include being asked to stay at home or to avoid other people.

Mind has created a guide here focusing on staying mentally healthy in light of the current situation and we would encourage any students who feel concerned to read the information carefully.

The NHS has also issued the following advice to assist you in looking after your mental health by staying mentally and physically active during this time, such as: 

Look for ideas of exercises you can do at home   

Spend time doing things you enjoy this might include reading, cooking, other indoor hobbies or listening to the radio or watching TV programmes 

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and drugs 

Keep your windows open to let in fresh air, get some natural sunlight if you can, or get outside into the garden (where possible) 

You can also go for a walk or exercise outdoors once a day if you stay more than 2 metres from others. 

WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF CORONAVIRUS SPREADING IN THE RESIDENCE?

The UK Government is expecting and planning for the significant spread of the virus in the population, and that means it is likely there will be cases.

When we have a case or cases at one of our properties, we will act quickly and decisively to ensure those affected receive the appropriate support, guidance, and treatment and are able to self-isolate. We will also ensure all residents are given the appropriate information and advice to manage the risks. If we or Public Health England believe you have been in contact with a known case, you will be informed, and offered the appropriate support.

HOW IS NIDO STUDENT RESPONDING TO COVID-19?

The health safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority.

An operational and strategic response group convenes daily, headed by our CEO Brian Welsh.  We are monitoring the situation closely and proactively following healthcare and government advice from the World Health Organization, PublicHealthEngland, the NHS, and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to help ensure we are effectively managing the implications of coronavirus and responding as necessary.

Within our residences:

We are doing our best to keep a stock of hand sanitiser for you to use in each of our buildings. As you know there is a national shortage of this currently, but we are working hard to procure this for you and our teams where it may be running out

The best way to keep hands clean is by using soap and water, which we have available for you to use. We would encourage you to wash your hands frequently

Cleaning of all common areas is taking place daily, including weekends, at an increased frequency, with a focus on entry and exit buttons, lift buttons, door handles and high football areas

Posters with up to date advice and guidance are on display

Email communication with up to date advice and guidance sent regularly and posted on residence Facebook Groups

Where we have gyms in our residences, they will be closed until further notice due to the increased risk of spread from using the equipment

The common areas in our residences will be closed until further notice 

A new visitor questionnaire and sign-in will be required to ensure our guests do not have any symptoms which may put our community at risk

We are advising our students to avoid social gatherings

We have cancelled the Nido events programme (all the events are now online via Instagram Live)

We are only running virtual tours of the residences

We are reducing contact with residents and only dealing with essential maintenance items to minimise the risk of spread

Our receptions are closed, but a member of the residence team is available on site

We are following social distancing measures, and advising our residents and teams to keep 2m apart  

We recommend residents avoid ordering items to be delivered to reception, and are available to receive parcels directly from delivery drivers 

Only two people at a time should use the Laundry room, and residents should use Laundry View in the first instance to book machines and check the status of their laundry

We strongly recommend that all of our students follow the most recent guidance from the NHS, the World Health Organization and PublicHealthEngland

SHOULD I STAY AT NIDO OR TRAVEL HOME?

On the 26th March, the UK government advised that students remaining at university should now not attempt to travel home while current travel restrictions are in place. We ask that you continue to follow all government advice, the latest of which can be found here: gov.uk/coronavirus  

CAN I STILL STAY AT NIDO?

Of course.  As you will have seen, our residence remains open and operating safely according to the latest NHS, Public Health England and government advice.  Nido continues to be your home, and our dedicated residence team are available to help support you and all our residents who continue to live with us.

WHAT IF I HAVE LEFT MY NIDO RESIDENCE?

Whilst Nido continues to be your home, we understand that due to the circumstances surrounding Covid-19 you may have decided to move out.

We will contact you directly with further information on how we are able to assist you.  Please check your email and follow the instructions outlined.  If you do not hear from us, please email the residence team.

WILL THE COMMUNAL SPACES BE OPEN?

The communal spaces are no longer accessible to students as a safety precaution following the governments stay at home advice and social distancing guidance.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY BELONGINGS AT NIDO?

We understand many of you have already travelled home and are now worried about the belongings youve left behind. We wanted to give you an update on the additional coverage and new benefits we have added to your contents insurance together with our partners Endsleigh Insurance to give you peace of mind about your belongings. 

We know many of you had to leave your rooms quickly & suddenly and may not have taken all your possessions with you. Endsleigh have therefore waived the un-occupancy exclusion clause of 60 days and want to reassure you that student possessions will be covered under your policy for an unlimited period of time during the policy period.  

Further to that, if you move-out early or cancel your tenancy with us, and cannot yet arrange for collection of your things, Nido will arrange to store your belongings. Cover for your belongings will still apply in storage. Thisincludes all valuables up to the limits and perils on your policy certificate. Although it is advised at the current time (March 2020) to stay put, if you can safely travel home in the coming weeks & months students will be covered by an additional benefit on their policy, namely in transit against theft for up to 500 per bag of possessions. This protection is in place anytime a student has to do this during the policy period. Cover only applies within the UK.  

CAN I STILL USE THE LAUNDRY ROOM?

The Laundry room is still available for use, however, to protect your health and safety and ensure we adhere to the latest government social distancing measures, we advise the following: 

Use Laundry View to book machines and check the status of your washing/ drying before going to the Laundry room 

Only go to the Laundry room if you can see there are machines available and/ or your laundry is done 

Only 2 people should be in the Laundry room at any one time, and where possible they should maintain a suitable distance from each other 

CAN I STILL RECEIVE PARCELS?

You may still receive parcels, however, please note reception will be closed and we will not be collecting parcels on your behalf.  Please ensure you are available to receive parcels directly from delivery drivers. Following government guidance, we also advise you to do online food shopping, to ensure you can stay at home and keep safe.   

WILL EVENTS GO AHEAD AS PLANNED?

As a precaution, and in accordance with the government guidance we have cancelled our planned events for the time being. You will be notified when they recommence. However, we have developed a Virtual Events calendar which can be found on our Facebook Page we hope to see you there!

AM I ALLOWED VISITORS?

In accordance with government guidance, we advise against having visitors to the residence.

WHAT SHOULD I TELL MY FAMILY ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS SITUATION AT NIDO?

Please ask them to read the information on these pages so they are familiar with the steps Nido Student is taking to limit the risk of coronavirus infection at our residences. Please keep in touch with them regularly to let them know you are OK.

WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE TO STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS DURING THIS TIME?

We encourage you to draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time. Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone or online. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine. This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling. Remember it is OK to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too.  

I AM A WORRIED PARENT OF A STUDENT AT NIDO STUDENT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

We understand that this is a worrying time, and you may be feeling anxious about the safety of your child.  Rest assured that the health, safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority.  We are continuing to update our protocol as the situation evolves and have put robust measures in place to minimise the risk of contracting coronavirus in our residences.   

The mental wellbeing of our students is just as important to us as their physical wellbeing.  We recognise that during this uncertain and challenging time, our students may be feeling anxious and stressed.  We are signposting them to professional resources on wellbeing, in addition to sharing our own content and ideas on how they can stay positive, active and connected.   

Please stay in close touch with your child. Encourage them to familiarise themselves with the information and advice available on these pages. Also ask them to check their email accounts regularly for any updates. 

We will continue to ensure they have the information and support they need, and would appreciate your support in also encouraging them to follow the latest advice and guidance from the NHS and the UK government.  

I'M AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT - CAN I GO HOME?

On the 26th March, the UK government advised that students remaining at university should now not attempt to travel home while current travel restrictions are in place. We ask that you continue to follow all government advice, the latest of which can be found here: gov.uk/coronavirus  

I AM PLANNING TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Please consult and observe the latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) on travelling outside the UK. The current advice is to avoid non-essential travel. Countries around the globe are imposing heightened health screenings on entry or exit at their borders and many have taken the decision to suspend travel/ entry to foreign nationals.

Several airlines are taking the decision to suspend flight operations to some destinations experiencing severe outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus and due to the decrease in demand for services are beginning to reduce flight schedules and cancel flights.

We strongly advise travellers to confirm their flight status in advance of travel, to allow additional time for immigration and health screenings at airports and check the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Office entry requirements and updates for your destination.

IS NIDO STILL CONSIDERING NEW BOOKINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2020?

Yes, we will continue to be open to all applications and will update our FAQs as new information becomes available. Please contact us directly if you have any further questions.