The Student Accommodation Officer based within the Learner Support Services team
at South Essex College is able to assist students in finding accommodation in and
around the Southend-on-Sea area, normally within walking distance of the College.
Our service offers high quality, affordable, private accommodation in a range
of shared flats and houses located around the Southend area. All the properties
are rented exclusively to students at South Essex College.
All properties are managed by landlords who are concerned for students’ health,
safety and welfare. These landlords have agreed to follow a certain Code of Conduct
to ensure the fair and efficient management of their properties, to confirm that
they are of a high standard, and that they meet all health & safety requirements.
In addition to the help and support we give students moving into student accommodation,
we also offer continual pastoral care throughout their stay
Some Questions Answered
We understand that you may be moving away from home for the first time and that
finding secure, comfortable accommodation will be high on your list of priorities.
This is precisely why we have a dedicated Student Accommodation Scheme based within
Learner Support Services, offering advice and assistance in helping you secure quality
affordable housing in the surrounding area.
To ensure we provide the highest quality of student accommodation, all of the properties
registered with South Essex College are inspected by Southend Borough Council to
guarantee all the necessary standards for fire safety, gas, electricity and security
are met. All properties are fully furnished, carpeted and decorated with suitable
desks/tables for study purposes.
- We offer a range of shared flats and houses located around the Southend area
- All the properties are rented exclusively to students at South Essex College
- All properties are managed by landlords who are concerned for students’ health,
safety and welfare.
These landlords have agreed to follow a certain Code Of Conduct to ensure the fair
and efficient management of their properties, to confirm that they are of a high
standard, and that they meet all health & safety requirements
How much will I have to pay to live in student accommodation?
Although costs vary according to location, facilities and room size, you can expect
to pay between £250 – £350 per calendar month. Our Student Accommodation contracts
have a term of 10 months, but enable you to pay a retainer fee if you wish to secure
your accommodation for another year and/or store your belongings during the summer
vacation period. The retainer fee is usually at a reduced rate.Upon signing the
contract you will need to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent to the Landlord
which will be transferred to and held by the Deposit Protection Service. You will
also need to pay one month of rent in advance via a payment method agreed by the
Landlord. A fee of £100 will also need to be paid to the College to cover administrative
costs.
Upon signing the contract you will need to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent
to the landlord which will be transferred to and held by the Deposit Protection
Service. You will also need to pay one month of rent in advance via a payment method
agreed by the Landlord. A fee of £100 will also need to be paid to the College to
cover administrative costs.
Can I choose which student house I move into?
We have a list of approved properties available for rent and allocate students to
rooms in those properties based on the information we have (for example, your course,
whether you are a smoker etc).
If you have a group of friends that you would like to share a house with, provided
they are students at South Essex College, let us know and we’ll see what we can
do!
Can I see a student house before I decide to move in?
We would never expect you to sign a contract without seeing your accommodation first.
Viewings are negotiable and can be arranged at a time that is convenient for you.
You are not obliged to sign a contract and we encourage you to ensure that you are
happy with the property you have been allocated to. If you like your property you
should inform the College as soon as possible so that the signing of contracts can
be arranged.
How do I apply for a room?
If you would like to apply to the College’s Accommodation Scheme you can download
an application form or request
one from the Student Accommodation Officer in Student Support Services on 01702
220400/direct line 01702 220576 or emailguidance@southessex.ac.uk
What else do I need to do?
When you complete the application form you will need to give details of a person
who will act as a rent guarantor. You will also need to send a character reference
from a person who is not a relative and has known you for at least three years.
In addition to the help and support we give students moving into student accommodation,
we also offer continual pastoral care throughout their stay.