Will the halls be normally operated and staffed? [Updated 22/5]
The university's accommodation team is now working remotely, with security, cleaning and maintenance operating in the halls.
Cleaning inside of the flats has however been suspended in most halls and a hall fee rebate has been issued to students affected. Please ensure you take steps to maintain good hygiene, empty bins regularly, wipe down surfaces, etc.
If you have a query or need assistance, please check first on the accommodation portal before contacting us, as there may already be an answer to your question or a form that you can complete. Otherwise, please contact staff at your halls and we will respond as quickly as possible.
I'm self-isolating or ill, how can I get food supplies? [Updated 22/5]
If you, alone or in a group, are self-isolating or sick, university staff may collect and deliver food items for you if you have no way of getting them. Please email Nicky Weston, Sports Coordinator on N.J.Woolford@gre.ac.uk with your name, address, telephone number and an outline of your circumstances and what you need, and she will pass it onto one of our staff volunteers.
The following are also available:
Avery Hill
Greenwich Students Union (GSU) shop is open at Avery Hill:
- Hot food and Starbucks between 8.30am and 4.30pm - https://www.greenwichsu.co.uk/villageshop/order/hotfood/
- Groceries between 8:30am and 12:30pm https://www.greenwichsu.co.uk/villageshop/order/groceries/
- Full details at https://www.greenwichsu.co.uk/news/article/6001/Order-online-arrives-at-the-Village-Shop/
Greenwich and Medway
Baxter Storey are looking at a way they may be able to offer an online food ordering service. Details are still be confirmed, so please check back.
We understand that you may also be having difficulties with your finances at the moment, so if you don't have the money for these services, it may be possible for the university to pay, and then charge your account for later payment. If you are having financial difficulties, please speak to student fees and funding.
What support is there available to me? [Updated 22/5]
Reception desks are still open in halls that have them and security staff are working evenings and weekends at all sites, and onsite all day at the Avery Hill and Medway campuses. Emergency maintenance is still being provided.
Resident assistants (RAs) are offering a telephone-only service at evenings and weekends, though they may not be available as often as usual.
Support available remotely
Tai Pang and Kirstin Wynn from the Chaplaincy can be contact for support during the day at T.M.Pang@gre.ac.uk and K.Wynn@gre.ac.uk respectively. Lynne Martin, the Medway campus chaplain, is able to offer support to Medway residents and can be contacted at l.martin@gre.ac.uk. The chaplains have also organised a Virtual World Café for all students on Thursday 2 April.
You can contact Accommodation Services and we will work with other support services to ensure that things are in place to look after you.
Your usual student support services, including Greenwich Students Union's (GSU) student advice service, are also still available online and by phone, and you can find details on the portal.
Support for care leavers
Jan Orlebar, should be in touch with you to see if you require any additional support, or you can contact her at J.M.Orlebar@gre.ac.uk. You can also book in a Skype chat Monday – Friday between 10:30 – 12:30 on jo2523o@gre.ac.uk; simply login with your @gre.ac.uk email address.
Social events
GSU have launched new social media pages for students remaining in halls, and a number of virtual events, contests and games are being organised for those of you still in halls. The Accommodation Service team organise regular activities and information is sent out by email weekly.
How can I keep up with my studies in halls?
The libraries have access to a huge amount of online study resources and more are being added. You can find out what's available and access the study and academic skills support being offered through this article. You can also follow @UoGlibraries on Twitter for the latest updates.
I am returning home. Is there anything I need to do? [Updated 22/5]
You must notify Accommodation Services immediately of your plans by completing or updating the residency status form on the Accommodation Portal. Accommodation Services staff have sent you check out instructions, please check your email and if you do not have a copy, contact your Accommodation Service team. If you are not planning to return to the hall, you must return your keys and ensure that your room is cleared and left clean and tidy.
If I move out of halls, will I be released from my accommodation licence agreement and will my hall fees be refunded for the remainder of my contract? [Updated 22/5]
You will be released from your Licence Agreement on the date of departure. You will be refunded any overpayment of fees. Please note this only applies to current licences and will not apply for summer licences or 2020 licences.
If I do not have time to pack all my things, will someone send them to me? [Updated 22/5]
You must make your own arrangements to clear your belongings when you vacate university accommodation. If you are unable to do so, you must make arrangements with a friend/family member or private moving/delivery company to pack up your belongings and send them to you. The university may also be able to arrange this or provide information to help you do so yourself. You must complete the departure plans form on the Accommodation portal to provide all the information staff need to make the arrangements to facilitate this.
Do I need to return home or can I remain in halls? Will I have to pay my full fees?
You do not need to return home. You can remain in your accommodation until the end of your contract period.
Some services in halls may be reduced so students will receive a discount from April onwards if applicable. You must inform us, ideally no later than Thursday 26 March whether you are:
- remaining in halls
- have already moved out
- have left halls but are intending to return if allowed to do so in future
- intending to leave as soon as travel is permitted
You can do this by filling out the form on the accommodation portal. If you have already completed this form, please update it if your circumstances have changed.
Please note: if you do not complete the form, you will not be eligible for any refund of hall fees so it is essential you complete it now. We will be in contact with you during the coming weeks.
What happens if I am unable to return home at the end of my licence period due to travel restrictions? [Updated 22/5]
If you are unable to return home due to travel restrictions, the university will ensure you have somewhere suitable to live. Please refer to emails sent by the Accommodation Service team or contact us to tell us if you need a short extension or, if you need to book summer housing, please apply online.
