Intro
Parham Student Village is less corporate-style block, more individual living spaces, all nestled in a community environment. With well-maintained spacious rooms and shared spaces, this sociable campus represents exceptional value for money.
You will be welcomed and looked after by an approachable and helpful team whose focus is on your safety and enjoyment during your time living with us.
They will introduce you to your fellow residents, help with any issues and be a friendly ear if you need any support.
Distance To
Canterbury Christchurch University
15 minutes walk, 7 minutes public transport
Girne American University
18 minutes walk, 10 minutes public transport
University of the Creative Arts
18 minutes walk, 14 minutes public transport
University of Kent
35 minutes walk, 12 minutes cycle
City centre
20 minutes walk
Main railway station
18 minutes walk
Nearby Areas
Universities
Parham Student Village is in an ideal location for students at Canterbury Christ Church University which is the closest university to us being just a 15-20 minute walk from us or a 10 minute bus journey.
We are also within easy reach of the University of Kent, Kent Business School, University for the Creative Arts, Girne American University and Canterbury College which are all approximately a 20-30 minute walk or accessible by bus.
Transport
Buses There is a bus stop located just outside of the Parham Student Village gates. From here you can catch a bus the universities and the city centre. You can also catch a bus to the main bus station for onwards travel.
Train There are two railway stations in Canterbury: Canterbury East and West. From here you will be able to catch trains in to London which will take around an hour. You will also be able to make use of the wider UK rail network to visit other destinations. The nearest station to Parham Student Village is Canterbury West.
Taxis There are many taxi companies that operate in Canterbury. Weve listed a few of them here for you: Cab Line 6, Longleys Private Hire, Longport Taxis, and Canterbury Galaxy Taxis.
Airport The nearest airports to Canterbury are London City Airport and London Gatwick Airport where you will be able to fly to domestic and international locations. Other airports that are slightly further but still within reach are London Heathrow and London Southend Airport.
Amenities
Shops Canterbury city centre is full of a great range of shops with something for everyone from high street to small, independent boutiques. Whitefriars is the main shopping centre in the city which contains an array of high street favourites.
Supermarkets There is a large Asda just 5 minutes walk from Parham Student Village. There is also a Lidl supermarket which is just 2 minutes walk away and a Sainsburys which is 13 minutes walk from us.
Gym Kingsmead Leisure Centre is a 15 minute walk from us and offer student membership. The leisure centre comprises swimming pools, gym, exercise studios and classes, four sports courts and they offer personal training sessions.
Entertainment
Bars There are many bars in Canterbury and it would be impossible for us to list them all but here are a few to get you started:
Loft Bar, CT1 2TP
The Loft Bar is a popular cocktail bar which plays the party anthems and international music. They also offer food platters.
The Cuban, CT1 2RY
The Cuban is a tapas, cocktail bar and grill offering Latin American and Cuban cuisine. They host regular events, have DJs, live Latin American bands and salsa dancing! Get in to the Latino spirit and soak up the brilliant atmosphere!
The Ballroom, CT1 2JA
The Ballroom, as you might expect, is a listed 18th Century ballroom that offers an exquisite bar and live music venue. Its a bit of a hidden secret so youll need to look out for the grey doorway on Orange Street. This is definitely one youll want to try.
Lady Luck, CT1 2BQ
This is a friendly pub in the heart of the city with a jukebox offering rock n roll classics. They have a large selection of drinks and also do a wide range of homemade food including vegetarian and vegan options.
Museums and Galleries There are several museums and art galleries in Canterbury with something to cater for everyone. Why not plan a visit to the Roman Museum or The Beaney or the Lilford Gallery?
Theatre There are two theatres in Canterbury; The Marlowe Theatre which is located in the city centre and the Gulbenkian which is located at the University of Kent. For an afternoon or evening of culture pay a visit to one of them and discover a new drama piece.
Cinema If you prefer film over theatre then youre in luck because Canterbury is home to two cinemas; the Odeon which plays all of the latest releases and the Curzon which is a more intimate cinema with comfy seating that shows that latest releases and small, independent films.
Beaches Although there are no beaches in Canterbury there are plenty within reach following a short train journey. From Canterbury West you can reach Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate within 35 minutes by train. You can also reach Herne Bay and Whitstable in just over an hour from Canterbury West.
Apartment Facilities
Community Facilities
Configurations
Apartment Facilities
basic
A great way to live with friends or meet new ones on a budget. You get a comfortable and warm single bedroom, and share bathroom, kitchen, seating and dining facilities with others within the house or flat.
booking
Reservation Fee: 250
Apartment Facilities
basic
A great way to live with friends or meet new ones on a budget. You get a comfortable and warm bedroom with an ensuite shower room, and share kitchen, seating and dining facilities with others within the house or flat.
booking
Reservation Fee: 250
Apartment Facilities
basic
A great way to live with friends or meet new ones on a budget. You get a spacious, comfortable and warm double bedroom with an ensuite shower room, and share kitchen, seating and dining facilities with others within the house or flat.
booking
Reservation Fee: 250
A great way to live with friends or meet new ones on a budget. You get a spacious, comfortable and warm double bedroom with an ensuite shower room, and share kitchen, seating and dining facilities with others within the house or flat.
Small double bed, study desk and chair, spacious wardrobe, plenty of storage space, ensuite shower room, shared kitchen, shared seating and dining area.
The ultimate in student pads, this impressive studio flat contains a spacious bedroom with a studying area and a separate stylish kitchen/diner and living area.
Bedroom includes:
Double bed, study desk and chair, spacious wardrobe, plenty of storage space, and an ensuite bathroom with shower, basin and toilet.
Living space includes:
Kitchenette with sink, combi-oven and fridge freezer, dining area with table and chairs and a leisure area with a sofa and TV stand for watching TV or playing computer games.
Cancellation Policy
Can I Cancel My Reservation?
Cancellations will only be considered in extenuating circumstances. A cancellation request must be submitted by email to the relevant site team outlining the reason and providing supporting documentation as appropriate no less than 14 days prior to the start of the tenancy.
Medical Grounds If you cannot occupy the room due to medical grounds you must provide supporting evidence from your doctor.
No University Place If you do not gain the required qualifications for your chosen course and cannot be offered an alternative through clearing you need to provide supporting documentation from the University or UCAS as appropriate.
Failure to obtain a UK visa If you are unable to obtain the necessary visa to allow you to study in the UK you must provide supporting documentation.
The site team are not authorised to agree cancellation requests nor will submission of the abovementioned documents guarantee immediate approval. The matter will be referred to head office and the owner of the property before a final decision is made.
Can USL cancel my Reservation?
Universal Student Living reserves the right to cancel a reservation and retain the Reservation Fee if:
You have lived at Universal Student Living Limited accommodation before and breached the terms and conditions of the AST (i.e. failure to pay rent on time or anti-social behavior).
You failed to complete your application or accept the AST within the timeframe outlined by the site accommodation team.
Universal Student Living reserves the right to cancel a reservation and return the Reservation Fee if:
You have not yet completed a tenancy agreement and we become unable to provide the accommodation of choice.
Can I Cancel My Tenancy Agreement After I Move In?
An AST is a legally binding agreement. Once signed, you are legally obliged to meet the terms and conditions therein for the duration of the agreement. You cannot cancel your tenancy once it has been signed regardless of occupation. For the avoidance of doubt, if you sign the AST but do not move into the property or decide to vacate early, you are still bound by the terms and responsible for rent for the full duration of the tenancy.
An early release may be considered if;
You find a suitable replacement tenant for the remaining period of the original tenancy. You will not be released from your AST until the ingoing tenant has accepted a new AST as per the same terms as the original. For the avoidance of doubt, you remain responsible for all rents until the new AST is in effect and will be released from the obligations thereafter.
You enter a new tenancy agreement with Universal Student Living Limited for a different room but for the same tenancy period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live with my friends?
Yes. Where possible we will try to put you with your friends. When applying for your accommodation you should let us know your preferences including the names of your friends. We will contact you to confirm your request.
Can I move in early?
We will try and accommodate requests for early arrivals when possible. Please call your accommodation directly to check the availability.
Will my room be cleaned?
Your accommodation is cleaned for your arrival. Once you have moved in you will be responsible for cleaning your room and any shared areas within an apartment.
What do I need to bring with me?
Your room is furnished but you will need to bring the essentials such as:
Bed linen (duvet, pillows and sheets)
Kitchen utensils, including saucepans, plates, cutlery and glasses.
Towels
Toiletries
Clothes
Laptop and chargers
Personal items
Will my room be checked?
We will undertake full room (and communal areas where applicable) inspections at least three times during your tenancy period. We will check for cleanliness, damage and for missing items.
What kind of students will be living here?
We have all kinds of students living with us, from all over the world, studying for their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
I'm a Fresher, what can I expect?
Heading to University is an incredibly exciting time but if its your first time away from home you may also be feeling a bit nervous. Weve put together a freshers guide which we hope will give you an idea of what to expect and to help you settle in to Freshers week and university life. The main thing to remember is that everyone is going to be in the same position as you so be yourself and youll be great!
What happens if there is a problem with the heating or other services?
Contact the management team in the building and they will arrange for maintenance to attend and fix the problem.
Can I rebook my room for next year?
Many of our residents are returning students who just dont want to leave!
Apply as soon as possible in order to book your room, we cannot guarantee your room will be available; if you book early you will improve your chances.
What is a reservation fee?
Your reservation fee of 250 is due when you book your room. This is not a deposit, and once paid, is not refundable.
Your reservation fee secures your room once you sign the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and your Guarantor signs the Guarantee (if required).
At the start of your tenancy your reservation fee converts to an advanced rent payment, and is either deducted from your single rent payment (if you pay for the year in advance) or from your first terms rental payment (if you pay in stages).
So, for example if the total rent stated in your contract is 4,500, and you are paying in advance, you will pay 250 before signing your contract, and the remainder, 4,250 before moving in.
If you are paying by three instalments with a UK Guarantor, then you will pay the 250 reservation fee on signing, 40% of the contract rent before you move in less the reservation fee (1,800 250 = 1,550), 1,800 at the start of the second term, then 900 for the third term.
Do I need to pay any bills?
Your weekly rent includes all electricity, heating and water bills and room internet access.
However, we follow a reasonable use policy and if we feel your use of any of the utilities (electricity or water) is excessive, we will notify you of our concerns, and if the excessive use does not change, we reserve the right to charge you for such excessive use.
What should I do if I lose my keys?
If you lose your keys, please request a new set from the accommodation office, you will need to pay for a replacement set. If the office is closed you can contact the Student Warden on site.
Please look after your keys;
* Do not label them
* Do not give them to anyone else
How old do I have to be to live in your accommodation?
To live at one of our properties you must be 18 or over, on or before, the start date of your tenancy agreement.
What do I have to pay and when?
You will need to pay the 250 non-refundable reservation fee to secure your room.
You will then have two options you can pay by three instalments or in one lump sum.
Paying in three instalments:
Students will need to provide evidence of a UK based guarantor if they wish to pay by instalments. Students will also need to sign a Direct Debit Mandate form to pay by instalments.
The first installment of rent is due in our bank account 10 days before the start of your tenancy. We will notify you in good time of the bank account details, or you can pay through our on-line portal with a debit card or credit card (credit cards attract a processing charge).
The start of your tenancy is the first date shown on your Assured Shorthold Tenancy, NOT the date you move into your room.
If you are receiving a Student Loan, and using this to pay your rent, you will NOT receive this loan until you have arrived at University and registered with your course. The University will then notify the Student Loans Company that you have registered, and the Student Loans Company then pay you the first terms loan, which may arrive one to two weeks after you need to move in.
It may therefore be difficult for you to pay your first rent instalment in full without your loan. If that is the case, you should speak to your guarantor to ask for assistance in the interim. If you require further assistance please contact your site team for more information.
Paying in one lump sum:
If students are unable to provide a UK based guarantor, payment will need to be paid in full at least 10 days prior to tenancy start dates.
What is a guarantor?
A Guarantor is a person that you nominate who will guarantee that your rent will be paid if you are unable to pay it yourself. The person needs to be capable of meeting your obligations if you are unable to.
If you fail to pay your rent on time, the guarantor will be responsible to ensure your rent is paid in full.
More information about guarantors can be found here.
An overseas based guarantor, or one who is overseas but has a UK bank account is not acceptable.
If you are not able to provide your own guarantor, Housing Hand is an international guarantor service that provides this service to all students who cannot provide a suitable or qualified UK Guarantor.
Housing Hand also specialises in dealing with International students who cannot provide a Guarantor in the UK.
Do I need to have a UK based guarantor?
You will need to have a UK based guarantor if you would like to pay your rent by instalments. If you choose to pay the total rent upfront then you will not be required to have a UK based guarantor.
Can I cancel my contract?
No. Your Tenancy Agreement is a legally binding document and you are subject to the terms and conditions of that contract.
Can I end my tenancy early?
As a tenant on a fixed term assured short hold tenancy you cannot end your tenancy early. You may find a replacement tenant for your tenancy as long as they take over the full length of your contract and pay the rent in full.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
You do not need to pay a deposit. However, you will need to pay a non-refundable 250 reservation fee to secure your room. The 250 is then deducted from your first rent instalment.
Can I smoke in the accommodation?
No. Smoking in the accommodation is forbidden.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately we cannot allow pets.
Am I allowed to have guests to stay?
Unfortunately guests are unable to stay the night at this site.
Is there a laundry room on site?
Each cluster flat has laundry facilities in their kitchen/living area. These are included within your rent and operate on a fair usage policy.
Do you allow two people to live in the same room (dual occupancy)?
Unfortunately we are unable to offer dual occupancy at this site.
Do I have to pay for a TV licence?
The licences for the TVs in the shared spaces such as the communal rooms and your shared living room/dining rooms have been paid for.
However, if you wish to watch TV in your room you must pay for your own TV licence. You require a TV licence no matter what device you watch or record live TV.
What does "all-inclusive" mean?
All utilities electric, gas and water are included in the rent on a fair usage allowance with hot water available 24-hours per day.
High-speed internet and wifi throughout the building, including bedrooms.
Council Tax students are exempt from paying council tax.