The Mews – Oxford FAQs

Making a Booking and Terms & Conditions:

Where does Host have accommodation?
We are based in University cities across the UK and Europe. To view our UK locations check out the locations page on the website.

Can I view a room before I make a booking?
To find out when we are available for viewings please contact the relevant Management Office. You can do this for student accommodation in Oxford by telephoning 01865 807 359, emailing Oxford@host-students.com or you can call in if you are passing.

Do you have summer accommodation?
We have rooms available throughout the summer months. Please contact us to get further information and make a booking.

How do I make a booking?
You can make an application online. To make an online application simply click in the online booking link on our website. This will take you through the process. If you chose to pay in instalments you will need to send us details of a UK guarantor. Host won’t confirm your booking until all information is returned to us and the initial rent payment has been made.

How do I cancel a booking?
If you cancel your contract before the contract begins, or you want to cancel and move out early, you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges.

Do I have to be a student to live at Host, The Mews?
Yes, to take out a tenancy with us you must be classed as a student in full time education with a valid student number. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please contact Reception for full definitions.

Can I live with my friends?
When making your booking you can request to share with friends. We will not hold rooms for your friends, so it is up to you to make sure your friends apply at the same time as you so that we can try to place you in a flat together.

Can two people share a room with a double bed in it?
No, all rooms are for single occupancy.

If I book by myself how will you allocate me a room?
We look at the room type you have requested, your year of study, gender and any other preferences. Host will try to allocate you to a flat that is suitable to your situation and preferences, however it is not always possible for us to meet your requests.

I have some requests for my room, will you guarantee them?
Please contact Reception. Whilst we will do what we can to try to meet your requests, we cannot guarantee room type, flat type, location or the profile of the other residents in your flat.

Can I live at Host, The Mews for more than one year?
No, at present it is not possible for you to stay at Host, The Mews beyond the first year of your studies.

What are the terms and conditions of the tenancy agreement?
A copy of the standard Host, The Mews Tenancy agreement can be downloaded from this website. All residents will receive a copy of their tenancy to keep upon arrival.

Can I cancel my contract before I move in?
A copy of the standard Host, The Mews Tenancy agreement can be downloaded from this website. All residents will receive a copy of their tenancy to keep upon arrival.

Can I cancel my contract and move out early?
If you cancel your contract before the contract begins you will be subject to our cancellation terms and charges. Cancellations will only be accepted where you meet the criteria to be released upon receipt of a completed cancellation form. Contact Reception to request a form.

If I move out early what will happen?
If another student is found to take over your tenancy The Mews will agree to release you from your contract. You will be required to pay an administration charge. You must vacate your room and return the keys to Reception. You will be refunded any overpaid rent after you have moved out. This refund will be calculated based on the date the new tenant takes up occupation of the room not the date you move out. Should no replacement tenant be found for your room you will be liable for the rent for the duration of your Tenancy Agreement.

Moving In:

What do I need to bring with me on arrival?
Make sure you bring your accommodation booking confirmation with you as well as some form of ID. If you have been asked to bring any additional items when making your booking make sure you have them with you as you will need to produce them before your keys will be issued.

Is there somewhere to park when I am unpacking?
Host The Mews has very limited parking on site. We suggest that vehicles unload outside the property but request that each car only stays for 15 minutes whilst you are unloading. Limited parking is available on the surrounding streets.

Will there be someone to collect my keys from?
Yes. Should no one be available at reception a telephone number will be provided for you to call.

What happens on move in day?
You will be welcomed on arrival at Reception by a member of The Mews team. You will be asked to provide any documents or payments that are outstanding and then given a Welcome Pack containing your key, and lots of information on living at The Mews and your room. Finally, you will be shown to your room to settle in and unpack.

What if I am not happy with my allocated room or my flatmate?
Part of the University experience is meeting people from different backgrounds, interests and cultures. We hope that you will enjoy the diversity of University life; however should you be unhappy it is worth spending some time talking to your flatmates to try to come to some mutually agreeable solution. It is usually not possible for a room move unless an empty room is available. It is important to remember that moving to University is a stressful time and that initial teething problems are usually resolved within the first few weeks.

Will I be able to change rooms after I have arrived?
It is not usually possible to change rooms after you have arrived. All rooms are allocated on 42 week contract and unless another resident also requests a room swap we would be unable to change your room.

Can I move in before my contract starts?
Accommodation is available throughout the summer period so it is possible for you to move in early provided you book in advance. Please contact Reception for details.

Living at Host The Mews:

What cooking equipment is provided in my flat?
All flats come with a fridge/freezer, cooker, hob, microwave, toaster and kettle provided. We do not supply cutlery, crockery and pans, so you will need to bring your own. A mop and bucket is also provided.

Can I get bedding supplied?
Bedding is not supplied, so you will need to bring your own or purchase a bedding pack from UniKitOut prior to coming to University. Quote HOST10 to receive a 10% discount.

Is there a telephone in my flat?
No, the Mews does not have internal telephones but we do have Wi-Fi throughout so you can make calls via Skype.

What Broadband packages are there?
We have partnered with Ask4. We believe that a fast, reliable Internet service is an essential requirement for any student accommodation building. With ASK4 Broadband students may choose from a vast range of packages with speeds up to 100Mb/s and no restrictions.

High Speed Broadband: 4Broadband is our own nationwide fibre optic network with a dedicated connection straight to your building. You do not need a telephone line or a modem, all you need is an Ethernet enabled device.

Included in the price of your rent, you will receive an incredible 100Mbps Internet service, as well as:

Instant Broadband, no complicated set-up
No phone line required and no connection charge
High Speed Internet packages up to 100Mb/s
Dedicated Ethernet connection
No download limits or usage charges
Dedicated 24/7 support centre

How do I connect to the internet?
You will need to register with Ask4 to gain access to the internet on site. To contact ASK4 with pre-arrival queries or assistance when you move in, visit their website or call the support team on 0114 303 3232. Alternatively, text ‘help me’ to 07797 800 545 to receive a call back or email support@ask4.com.

Is a TV provided?
TVs are provided in the kitchens of each flat.

What TV channels are provided?
Host has a selection of TV channels from Freeview and Sky TV.

Is The Mews on Facebook?
News, promotions, events and gossip will be announced via Facebook so make sure you like our page to be kept up to date and get to know your neighbours. Also if you tweet, give us a follow (@hoststudentsuk) and we’ll follow you back we would love to see what you are tweeting!

What facilities are there at The Mews?
Common Area – This is open for you to use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a T.V. and pool table. Please just respect the area and your fellow neighbours by looking after it and popping your litter in the bins provided. We have put a lot of work into making The Mews a home from home help us keep it that way.

Can I park on site?
There is no parking available on site at Host The Mews. There are some on-street spaces available for visitors.

Where can I store my bike?
An external bike storage area is located in the courtyard area and storage is at the owners’ risk. No bikes may be stored within the flats.

Safety and Support:

Is there always a member of staff on site?
All our residences are staffed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week by trained caretakers, security guards or student wardens. The management office at The Mews is open Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm.

What are the opening hours of the Management Office?
The management office is open Mon-Fri 9am to 6pm. On a weekend or Bank Holiday the office is manned by Security.

What about security?
We provide security with CCTV, electronic access control and a member of staff on site at all times, when the Management Office is not open. Our residents also have a responsibility for ensuring the site is kept secure and are asked to ensure the accommodation remains safe by not allowing access to non-residents and reporting anything suspicious to staff immediately.

How do I report maintenance?
Maintenance should be reported via your online portal or to the management staff during office hours and our caretakers will be informed. You can also contact security for any emergencies out of office hours.

How do I report emergency maintenance overnight or at weekends?
If you have a maintenance problem that needs urgent assistance when the Management Office is closed you should contact the member of staff on site, or Security. The phone number is provided within your welcome information and notice boards within your flat. The Security Officer will respond to your problem and do whatever is possible to resolve the issue, but it may not always be possible to complete the repair out of office hours.

What happens once I have reported maintenance?
Your problems will be reported through to reception and logged on your portal. The Maintenance Officer will attend to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible. Occasionally it will not always be possible to complete the repair on the first visit and a subsequent visit may be necessary. Repairs are responded to on a priority basis, please be aware that it may not be possible to attend to your problem the same day you report it, especially at busy times of the year.

Where can I do my Laundry?
A launderette is provided with washers and dryers on site. A laundry card is required which can be obtained from a dispenser in the Laundry room for a £2 deposit. Credit can be added to the card in multiples of £5 and £10 through a machine in the launderette during office hours. A wash cycle is £3.00, a drying cycle is £1.70.

Where can I collect my post?
Post boxes containing your post are located within Reception. You can collect your post 24 hours a day. Parcels and Recorded mail will be signed for by The Mews staff without liability and will be held in the Management Office if it does not fit in your post box.

Who is responsible for cleaning my flat?
It is the Resident’s own responsibility to clean their rooms and they share responsibility for the communal area of the flat. The Mews’ Staff will conduct monthly inspections and you are expected to ensure that your room and flat is clean on these days. Failure to meet the required cleanliness standards will result in external cleaning contractors being brought in, the cost of which will be passed onto the resident(s). At the end of the tenancy the bedroom and flat must be returned in a good, clean condition to avoid cleaning charges, again it is the responsibility of all residents to ensure the kitchen and lounge are clean. The block stairways are regularly cleaned by The Mews staff.

Can I smoke at Host The Mews?
Smoking is not permitted in any area within Host The Mews; this includes bedrooms, stairways and external courtyard areas.

Can I have guests to stay?
You are very welcome to have your friends and family visit, but please remember to respect the feelings of your flat mates – it’s their apartment too! Also make sure your visitors are accompanied by you at all times. If they are not they could be asked to leave the building as a security measure. You will be held responsible for your guest’s actions and The Mews staff reserve the right to ask any nuisance guests to leave the premises immediately.

Can I decorate my room?
You are responsible for ensuring that you leave your room and flat in the same condition that is was given to you. You will be asked to complete and return an inventory to record the condition of your room upon arrival. Marks, including those caused by blu-tac, white-tac or pins will require painting once you have left and you may be charged in line with our advertised schedule of charges.

Are there any guest rooms on site that I can book?
No, The Mews does not have guest rooms.

Can my visitors park on site?
Parking is not available at The Mews. We are unable to offer any parking to your visitors. On street parking is limited but available and the staff can give you directions to these.

Can visitors just walk in?
Our accommodation has secure fob access only to ensure that only residents have access to the site. Visitors will need to contact Reception or yourself to gain access. All visitors should be signed in at Reception, this is for reasons of safety, security and to ensure that in the event of an emergency, Management know who is on site. Visitors must be accompanied by residents at all times whilst on site.

Can I bring a pet?
No pets of any type are permitted at The Mews.

What if I have a complaint?
We hope that you never have any reason to be dissatisfied with the service we provide you. However, if you have any issues that you would like to bring up with us please contact a member of staff in your management office who will endeavour to resolve the problem for you.

Finances:

Do I pay a deposit?
The Mews does not take any deposits. The payment you make upon booking is a rental payment.

What options are there for me to pay my rent by?
You can pay your rent by cheque or credit/debit card. It is also possible for payments to be made by cash or bank transfer but you will need to make arrangements with the Management Office.

I do not live in the UK – how can I pay my rent?
If you do not live in the UK and do not have a UK guarantor, you will need to pay for your rent in full. You can arrange to do this either by credit/debit card, or bank transfer. Please be aware that if paying by bank transfer the bank will usually deduct charges from the amount you send us and you will need to pay the amount due before you can move in. Alternatively you can use Housing Hand to act as your guarantor www.housinghand.co.uk.

Do I need a Guarantor?
All students can choose to pay in instalments as long as they can provide a UK guarantor. If you cannot provide a Guarantor you will need to pay the full years rent upon booking your accommodation.

Can I pay my rent with my student loan?
Please note that we don’t wait on student loans here at Oxford and payments will need to be made on the due dates.

What should I do if I am having financial problems?
If you are having financial difficulties you should contact a member of the Management immediately. Failure to do so could result in interest charges being added to your account if you fail to pay on the due dates as well as legal proceedings being started against you and, where applicable, your Guarantor. Management staff can usually advise you of where to go to get additional financial help which will assist you in meeting your financial obligations.

Can I pay with foreign currency or travellers cheques?
The Mews cannot accept foreign currency or travellers cheques as payment. The safest and simplest way for international students to make a payment is by Credit/Debit card or bank transfer.

How can I find out how much I owe?
You can view this information via your account on the online portal or contact a member of the Management Team who will be able to advise you of payment amounts and dates due.

What if I don’t pay?
If you don’t pay your rent daily interest may be added to the amount you owe to us. Your Guarantor will be contacted and will be asked to pay the amount that you owe. The Mews will commence legal proceedings against any resident who fails to pay the rent due. These proceeding will also include action against the resident’s Guarantor.

Bills:

Do I need to pay council tax?
Provided you are a student in full time education you will be exempt from Council Tax.

Do I have to pay any Utility bills?
Our rents are inclusive of electricity consumption up to the value of £300 per room. Statements are issued monthly and should your share of the charges incurred by the flat exceed this allowance you will be required to make additional payments for the additional electricity consumed. No charge is made for water consumption.

Is there a charge for the internet?
A 100Mb connection is provided to your room free of charge.

Do I need a TV licence?
The Mews Oxford does not supply the TV license for the Television in the lounge area of your flat. We do not cover any Televisions brought to site, to be used in the bedrooms. Please contact TV Licensing for further details.

How do I make an insurance claim?

Contents insurance is automatically included with your rent. Host is working in partnership with Cover4insurance.com and their student insurance, Cover4Students, to provide some cover for the contents inside your room. You don’t need to do anything to activate this cover, but it is important for you to check and ensure that you fully understand the protection provided and whether it is sufficient for your needs.

Visit cover4insurance.com to:

Check your level of cover
Review key exclusions and limitations
Check your policy excess
Learn how to make a claim
Extend and personalise your cover to protect additional items such as bicycles, musical instruments and photographic equipment

Should you wish to make an insurance claim, you will need to contact the insurance company directly.

Moving Out:

What do I need to do before I move out?
You are expected to ensure that your room and flat are returned at the end of your contract in good condition. You must make sure that all areas within the flat are cleaned thoroughly and that all rubbish and unwanted items are removed from the flat to avoid any charges being incurred. Damage to the flat or missing items will be charged for in accordance with the publicised charges in Reception. You must ensure that all outstanding invoices are settled prior to your departure. A final room and bedroom check will be completed at the end of your contract, you should arrange an appointment if you wish to be present when this takes place.

How do I return my keys?
During office hours they should be returned to Reception. If you move out when the office is closed you should put your keys in an envelope with your name and room number clearly marked on it, and return them to the member of staff on duty.

Will I get a deposit returned to me?
The Mews does not take deposits. All damages will be invoiced for after your departure.

Equality and Diversity

We do not treat any person or group of persons applying for accommodation less favourably because of their race, colour, ethnic or national origin, gender, disability, appearance, age, marital status, sexual orientation or social status.