Vita Student Richmond House, Southampton

 

Who is eligible to book?

Any person who is over 18, and who is a student that is enrolled with an educational institution can live at any of our developments across the UK.

If I am doing an internship/placement year or part time course, am I allowed to live?

Yes, as long as you are still registered as a student and your placement is part of your degree/course then you can still live.

How much is the deposit?

The deposit to secure your studio is 350. This acts as a booking confirmation fee until the day you move in when it turns into your refundable security deposit. This will be returned after you vacate the studio minus any damages.

We protect your deposit using the government-authorised deposit protection scheme, Deposit Protection Service (DPS).

How and when do I pay the deposit/fee?

Your deposit/fee is paid at the time of booking your studio. The payment can be made by a credit or debit card or via bank transfer.

Can I transfer my booking to a different property of the same management group?

It is possible to transfer your deposit over to another building but you will need to go through the booking process again to select your studio in the new city. Our management team will be more than happy to have a conversation with you about the process to make it as easy as possible. Please be aware that an administration charge may be applicable. 

What happens if my loan doesnt get paid on time and I cant pay my instalment before the due date?

If you choose to pay by instalments and are reliant on a student loan, then you will also have provided a Guarantor.  If your student loan is late, we do require you to pay the rent on time and would ask your Guarantor to assist with the rental payment until your loan arrives.

Do you allow short term lets?

We have some studios available with shorter contracts in our residencies across the UK. Perfect if you are only studying for a term at a time or on a language course that lasts a few months.

To find out more, please contact the team and we will try to find something suitable for you.

What happens if I cant make my payment on time?

Talk to us! We will always work with you to find the best way for you to pay your rent. However, to be able to provide the high level of service we do, we need and expect our residents to pay the rent on time.

How can I pay my rent?

You have three different options when deciding how to pay your rent:

Annually where the rent is paid in full and no guarantor is required.

Two instalments where two equal payments are made in June/August and January. You need to have a guarantor to pay by two instalments but it does not have to be UK-based.

Four instalment payments made in June/August, October, January and April. All students need to have a UK-based guarantor to pay by four instalments.

Can I leave early and get the remainder of my rent back?

Unfortunately, you are committed under the tenancy agreement to pay the full rent, but please speak to us if you would like to leave your tenancy early! We may have a waiting list of people that would like to take over your tenancy which would then relinquish you from your contract. We cannot refund your rent until you have found someone to replace your tenancy. 

Can I move in early?

This is completely dependent on whether the room you have booked is available. Please contact the Student Lettings Administration team to get more information.

Can I view a studio?

Absolutely, you can either book an appointment or drop by our show apartment for a tour of our communal space and a studio.

Do you allow couples to stay?

We love having couples live in our studios and its ideal if you want to share the rent with someone. There is a slight difference in price to cover the additional usage of electricity and water, internet and wear and tear to the studio and communal space.

The deposit remains at 350 between you, so only 175 each.

Do I have to share my kitchen/bathroom in a studio?

Not at all! All our self-contained studios have an ensuite bathroom and kitchen area within the apartment. There is a communal student area outside of your studio that has individual and group study spaces, pool tables, gym facility and relaxation and social zones for you to enjoy whenever you need a break from university work!

As a disabled person I have specific requirements for my living needs, can you cater for these?

We make every effort to ensure that our accommodation is accessible for all and we will always do everything we can to find you suitable accommodation.

All buildings have step-free/level access. We can provide information on the availability of disabled parking for customers, there are accessible WCs in the communal areas for visitors and a hearing loop at reception. 

Adaptations can be made to our studios including grabrail provision in bathrooms, stair lifts in accessible duplex apartments, visual fire alarms and assisted door opening devices if required.

If you have any specific accessibility requirements, please contact the Student Services team on 020 3096 1717 or drop us an email 

Information can also be made available in alternative formats e.g. large print and braille.

What is a guarantor?

A guarantor is someone over the age of 18 who takes joint financial responsibility for your tenancy and is liable to pay your rent if you are, for any reason, unable to pay an amount owed to the property management group.

You will need to name a guarantor when you make your booking if you select to pay by two or four instalments. This person will need to agree to be your guarantor and sign the tenancy paperwork.

We have the right to pursue this person for recovery of outstanding monies so it is important your guarantor understands their liability.

Who needs a guarantor?

Only students that select to pay by instalments needs to have a guarantor and it only has to be UK-based if you opt for four instalments.

Who can be a guarantor?

Anybody over the age of 18 and based in the UK who does not live in a property can be guarantor for four instalment payments.

Anybody over the age of 18 and based internationally that does not live in a property can be guarantor for two instalment payments.

What bills do I need to pay?

All utility bills (gas, water and electricity), 250Mb broadband with Wi-Fi and contents insurance for your belongings are all included. Your monthly cleaning service and grab and go breakfast every weekday is also included in your weekly rent.

You are responsible for the purchase of a TV license if you intend to watch or record live terrestrial TV programmes or use BBCiPlayer, even if you have been provided with a TV. If you do not wish to purchase a TV license you will need to complete a TV license exemption form which will be available from your accommodation team.

For further information, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk.

Is bedding included within the room?

You can purchase a high quality bedding pack when you are making your booking and it will be unpacked and on your bed when you arrive.

Are there fridges included in the rooms?

Yes every studio and apartment has a fridge with freezer compartment.

Do I need to bring any furniture?

All our apartments come complete with high quality furnishings that provide ample storage and comfort. Because of fire restrictions, you are not allowed to bring your own furniture or large appliances (e.g. fridge, heater, air-conditioner) with you.

Are there kitchen facilities in my room?

Yes your studio or apartment kitchen will include a combination microwave grill, a ceramic hob, a sink, a fridge and freezer and storage space for your food, plates and pans.

Do I need to bring my own saucepans, plates, cutlery, etc?

Well thats up to you! If you want to bring your own kitchen equipment there is plenty of cupboard space but we can offer a high quality kitchen pack for a one off cost which includes all the kitchen essentials and will be waiting in your room on arrival.

The kitchen pack includes one Tea towel, three cooking utensils two dinner plates, two side plates, 2 bowls, two mugs, two highball glasses, two wine glasses, 2 sets of cutlery, can opener, bottle opener, carving knife, utility knife, chopping board, cutlery tray, frying pan and saucepan, baking tray, colander.

Is there a TV in my room?

Yes! Every studio and apartment is fitted with a flat screen SMART TV. The TV comes complete with Freeview and the ability to download apps once connected to your super-fast Wi-Fi!

You are responsible for the purchase of a TV license if you intend to watch or record live terrestrial TV programmes or use BBCiPlayer, even if you have been provided with a TV. If you do not wish to purchase a TV license you will need to complete a TV license exemption form which will be available from your accommodation team.

For further information, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk.

What happens if there is a breakage or problem with my room?

You can log all maintenance issues from the comfort of your own room using our app! Simply log a ticket, add a picture if you wish and the onsite Facilities Manager will respond as soon as possible. You can also come downstairs and speak to the customer service team who will be happy to help.

Is there a common room?

One of the best things about living with us is the amazing communal space that is open for all residents to enjoy. There is incredibly comfortable seating, pool tables, cinema areas and private study spaces that are all perfect for you to enjoy on your own or in groups.

We also hold regular events in the communal space hosted by the Events Committee and residence teams. If you have a suggestion or would like to host a party, let us know and well make it happen!

Will I get a cleaner?

A monthly clean of your studio is part of the service at the property! Our brilliant housekeeping team will provide a 20 minute clean of your floor, kitchen worktop surfaces and en-suite to keep things clean for you. We do this to ensure your room is kept in the very best condition throughout the year and to minimise the damage. However, they will not tidy your belongings or wash your dishes to respect your privacy.

We also offer upgrades to our cleaning service so you can increase the frequency of cleans and even the quality. Just speak to your residence manager to discuss the options and how to book in your monthly clean at a time that suits you.

The housekeeping team will also clean all communal areas but again, are not responsible for throwing away your rubbish so please be mindful and respect the building.

Do I have to supply my own food?

Yes except for your breakfast every weekday!

A Grab and Go breakfast is available Monday to Friday in the reception area so make sure you take advantage of the free coffee, muffins, pastries, toast and/or fresh fruit available only at our property. Its the perfect way to start your day!

When it comes to lunch and dinner, there are plenty of local supermarkets to get foods from around the world so be adventurous with your cooking and if you have any leftovers, please feel free to share with the residence team!

Can my friend store their belongings in my room?

Only your belongings are covered by the insurance so to protect both yours and their stuff, we would advise that you do not act as your friends storage facility.

Can I have guests to stay?

We do allow guests to stay overnight for up to two consecutive nights but they will need to sign in with the residence team at reception and cannot have their own key fob.

If you wish to move your partner in with you, speak to the team onsite and they will be able to discuss the contract.

Is insurance included in my rent?

Yes we have partnered with Endsleigh, specialist in student accommodation insurance, and provide contents insurance up to 7,000 for belonging kept inside your studio. For more details on our insurance policy, speak to the residence team who will be happy to talk you through it.

Is your accommodation suitable for mature students?

Absolutely! You can enjoy the privacy of your own studio without having to share a kitchen but can enjoy the social aspect of living in a development with fantastic communal space!

Are there specific times of the day that I can move in?

To make sure you have the best in experience possible, we will send out different timeslots when it gets closer to the weekend so you can book your own move in time.

How safe is my room?

Your room is very safe all door entry is key fobbed, all communal space has CCTV and our on-site staff are available at reception or patrolling the building 24 hours a day. Their job is to protect you and the building at all times.

Can I smoke in my room?

No. As per your tenancy agreement, it is not permitted to smoke inside any building. There are designated smoking areas at each of the developments which you are welcome to use.

Where can I store my bike?

We have plenty of secure bike storage space at all of our residences so please feel free to bring it with you!

Can I bring my car?

All our developments are in fantastic city centre locations that are close to the University and have great links to public transport. We also have to consider the impact on the environment when building our developments and because of this, the great location and the links to transport, we have not provided car parking spaces at any of our developments.

There are also some residences (eg Exeter) where you are strictly prohibited from parking a car to within 1.5km of the residence.  Please check the terms carefully and speak with the lettings team if you do intend bringing a car.

Can family and friends bring their cars when they come to visit?

All our developments have public car parks located close by so please speak to your residence team to find the closest one.

Do you have a gym?

Yes it is open 24/7 and completely free to use for all our residents. There is a mixture of cardio machines, weights and a multi-gym available to use whenever you want!

Who should I contact if I have a problem with the internet?

You can either speak to one of the residence team on site, log a maintenance ticket or speak to our Internet Provider Ask4. Their technical support number is 0114 303 3232 and they have specially trained staff that will be able to help as soon as possible.

Where do I wash my clothes?

All our residences have an on-site laundry room with washing and drying machines. It costs around 2.70 for every wash and 1.20 for every dry. You can keep an eye on your washing or when the machines are available using our app!

The laundry rooms are also open 24 hours a day.

Is detergent provided?

No we have our students best interest at heart and would not want to provide a detergent that does not meet your needs.

Do you have Sky TV?

Yes in the communal spaces, our main TVs have Sky with all sports channels. We regularly put on events around the various different sporting events so speak to your residence team if you want to watch something in particular.

What are the unacceptable electronic items and why do property management group have them?

Here the security, safety and satisfaction of every resident is our top priority. With that in mind, weve created a list of electronic items that we ask you not to bring with you to help us reach this goal. 

Please find the full list below:

Heater 

Washing machine 

Fridge 

Dishwasher 

Sun bed 

Dryer 

Washer/Dryer 

Microwave 

Cooker 

Slow cooker 

Smoke machine 

Ice machine 

Humidifier 

Electric blanket 

DJ decks / speakers

Massage chairs / heated seats 

Air conditioning unit