Before You Book

What action is CityBlock taking to keep residents and staff safe and well?

The safety and wellbeing of our residents and staff is our top priority, and we have made many changes with this in mind. These include:

  • Extra cleaning of common areas
  • Hand sanitiser stations
  • Social distancing guidelines
  • Regular updates to our residents and staff

Is CityBlock operating as normal?

We are committed to providing the quality features and benefits of living at CityBlock in whichever ways we can do so safely. This means that:

  • Our Parcel Collection service is still running (we are operating a contactless collection service)
  • The lettings teams are on site in their offices each day
  • Shared spaces such as our Fitness Zone and Quiet Study in Reading have remained open.

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Book with Confidence – Our Covid-19 Policy

What is your Covid-19 Policy?

Our full Covid-19 Policy can be found on our Useful Documents page.

A Government travel ban is preventing me from moving into my room at CityBlock. Can I have my rent reduced to account for this?

A: Yes, you can have a rent reduction - this request must be submitted in writing no later than 48 hours prior to your tenancy start date, with appropriate evidence. A credit will be applied to your account for any difference in rent due to the travel restrictions.

I am cancelling my university studies this year due to a Government travel ban preventing me from travelling to the UK. Can I cancel my room at CityBlock?

A: If you wish to request to cancel your tenancy due to a Government travel ban, you will need to let us know in writing no later than 48 hours prior to your tenancy start date, with appropriate evidence. (university letter or other official communication). If your request is successful your full deposit will be returned, and no fees will be charged.

My placement has been cancelled this year. Can I cancel my room at CityBlock?

A: Yes. If your placement has been cancelled you will need to submit official written evidence (from the institution offering the placement, or your university) confirming that you are no longer going on a placement and the reasons why. You will need to let us know as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours prior to the tenancy start date. If your request is successful your full deposit will be returned, and no fees will be charged.

I am a prospective first year student and I missed the grades to get into the university I wanted. Can I cancel my room at CityBlock?

A: Yes – you will need to let us know in writing with a copy of either your rejection letter from your chosen university/college or a screen shot of your UCAS status which confirms that the required results were not achieved. We will need this information within 7 days of you receiving your results.

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Arrival

I need to quarantine on my arrival, can I do this at CityBlock?

Please let us know if you are expected to quarantine on your arrival into the UK. Prior to your arrival, you can take advantage of our partnership with UniKitOut who can deliver all essentials (such as bedding packs) straight to your room. Once you are here, we can assist in ensuring you have access to essential supplies such as food deliveries.

Can I arrive earlier than my tenancy start date to quarantine before my course starts?

It may be possible for you to arrive earlier than your tenancy start date – this will be subject to availability depending on your chosen room type and requested dates. We will do everything we can to accommodate your request.

Will the check-in process be different this year?

Yes, we will be taking extra measures this year in line with government guidance around social distancing. You will receive further information on this prior to check in.

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Whilst You Are Here

Are the social spaces open?

Yes, most social spaces are open, but with some restrictions in place to keep our students and staff safe. The number of people that can use the facilities in our private dining rooms, media rooms, quiet study areas, fitness zone will be monitored in accordance with social distancing guidelines.

Has there been any changes to cleaning?

Daily cleaning in common areas has been increased across all sites. On those sites where individual flat/room cleaning takes place, students will be given the choice whether they wish to receive this service.

How do I report a maintenance issue?

Repairs are easily and safely reported by using your online portal. Our teams will observe safe working practices whilst they are in your room.

Are there any changes to the laundry facilities?

Our laundries are open with restrictions to ensure social distancing. Please make use of Laundry View and the WashStation websites to see when machines are available in your block.

How do I receive my mail?

Our Parcel Collection service is still running, with a few changes to keep our staff and students safe. All sites are now operating a “contactless” Parcel Collection service – further details will be available on arrival.

Some of my lectures are online – what is your Wi-Fi speed?

We have fast 200mb Wi-Fi across all our buildings to support all your learning needs on up to 6 devices.

Are there any social events at CityBlock this year?

Yes of course – there are planned events throughout the year for you to enjoy.

Can I have visitors to my room/flat?

To ensure the safety of everyone who lives in our buildings, please check with your site team for updates as this may change in line with UK government guidelines.

Who do I contact for support?

Our site teams are on site Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm and will be happy to help with any queries you have.

How can I help to stop the spread of Covid-19 whilst living at CityBlock?

We have a few simple guidelines in place that we expect all students to follow. These include:

  • Use sanitiser on entry to the buildings
  • Observe social distancing
  • Take note of the restrictions within the building
  • Be respectful of your flat mates, as some people are more anxious than others
  • Let us know if you need anything

Where can I find the latest information regarding Covid-19?

The best resource for the latest information regarding Covid-19 is the Government website - https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

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