Glendower House, Cardiff

We take booking preferences very seriously and take great pride in being able to accommodate these in most cases. There is a preference box on the booking form which allows the student to put any preferences they might have, for example friends they wish to live with, location of room within the building, same sex cluster flats. We always do our best to accommodate these preferences, if for whatever reason we cant fulfil them we will always try to achieve one or two and notify the student if they aren't possible.

When making a booking with the property, we ask our students to pay a holding deposit. This is to secure the booking of their room. Once the tenancy commences, this holding deposit becomes a security deposit. It is held with the Tenancy Deposit Scheme, in England and Wales and My Deposits Scotland, in Scotland, both of which are independent deposit holders. The Security deposit will be refunded to the student in full at the end of their tenancy if there are no outstanding arrears or damages to their room and/or communal areas.

We are proud to offer a postal service during office hours within our schemes. We always communicate the postal process to our students when they move in, however we will always make every effort to ensure that your daughter/son gets their mail safely. We always asks for students to inform the staff if they are expecting a recorded or special delivery for the site team to ensure that someone is available for the delivery. We also always ask for the student to bring some ID for when they come to collect the parcel. We recognise that the students cant always come down themselves; we are flexible with friends picking up parcels however the student needs to contact the accommodation team to let them know in advance.

We cannot be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from accepting mail on students behalf. Although we will make every effort to ensure the students get their mail safely, we will not be responsible if recipients fail to collect their deliveries, packages are stolen or damaged due to circumstances beyond the control of the accommodation team. We also are not responsible for packages that arrive outside office opening hours or when the accommodation team are out of the office. If the students don't collect their mail within 4 weeks it will be returned to the sender.

Yes but you will still have to pay rent for the full length of your agreed tenancy, even if you no longer live at your accommodation.

We understand that sometimes students will need to arrive outside of arrival hours. We ask for you to contact your Accommodation Team at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure that we can provide all the necessary information and ensure that we have got everything ready for your arrival. For example we need to ensure that we have received all relevant documentation, the booking fee and first instalment before we can move anybody in.

Packing for university might not be the most glamorous part of student life, but it’s crucial to get it right. Here's a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Toiletries & Bedding: First off, make sure you pack all your bed and bathroom essentials. Never underestimate the importance of having your toothbrush and comfy towels during those first few weeks of university. If you have a skincare routine for mornings or evenings, it might be worth keeping everything in a compact case for easy access. And don’t forget to pack your sheets and any other bedding to help you drift off to sleep after those long days or nights out. You can also take advantage of our UniKitOut partnership if you need help here.
• Wardrobe: Another top priority is your clothes. But pack smart - don’t try and take your entire wardrobe, but do take outfits that cover all bases. Take your favourite going-out jeans but also take some casual clothes for those long days studying and revising. We recommend one or two show-stopping items, something formal just in case, then a few things to lounge around in on your days off. And remember, you'll more than likely pick up a new favourite hoodie during a retail therapy session.
• Kitchen Supplies: Any decent what to take to university checklist has to include stocking up for your kitchen. Aside from pots and pans for those bowls of pasta and fried egg sandwiches, bring some crockery. After a few weeks, you’ll realise a couple of knives and forks don't quite cut it. Pack some extra cups for morning brews, plates to load with snacks for well-deserved revision breaks and a complete set of cutlery in case some goes missing over the student year. For bonus points, wine glasses may be helpful for those post-exam celebrations.
• Lifestyle & Tech: You’ll also need the gadgets that’ll help you make the most of university life. Laptops and computers are a priority, but think about headphones, speakers, and any other electronics you already use daily. If you prefer pen and paper to pixels, you might want to stay organised with a journal, or throw in a few books to take time out with during these busy weeks and months. If it helps you make the most of your time at university, add it to the list.

And if you want a fool-proof way to have everything you need, try this simple trick. In the days leading up to your move day, pack things you use for the last time at home into your luggage. It’s easy to forget things like hair dryers and small accessories, so this means essential items won’t be left behind.

You will need to bring a method of Identification with you to the accommodation, either a Driving License or Passport, a letter of confirmation from the University. We also need a passport photograph.

Many of our student accommodations remain open during the summer, giving you the chance to settle in early, explore the city, and start making new friends. 

Most sites will be more than happy to arrange an airport pick up service for you. You just need to let us know your name, arrival date and time and your flight number, well then arrange the transport for you. Please ensure you have enough UK Sterling to pay the taxi fare and check with your chosen property first.

Yes, you may be entitled to cancel your booking. but we will need you to provide proof for this. 

Housing Hand charges a one off fee that you will either pay up front at the start of your tenancy or monthly (if on a 12 month contract).

For students the fee will be between 60-95% of your monthly rent with the minimum price starting at 295 for 12 months cover. The exact cost depends on your personal details and several factors including the amount of your rent, you will be given a no obligation quote for the cost of the service on application.

Housing Hand provide a guarantor service for both International and UK students who do not have a suitable or qualifying UK guarantor.

You only need to provide a UK-based guarantor if you wish to pay your rent in instalments. You do not need to provide a guarantor if you're paying the full annual rent in advance.

Housing Hand specialises in working with international students and will be able to act as your UK Guarantor. For any further queries you can contact Housing Hand directly: www.housinghand.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 207 205 2625 Email: [email protected]

By agreeing to be a Guarantor you are signing a legal document stating that you agree to pay the rent and guarantee the behaviour of the resident if they default. Please do not sign this agreement if you do not wish to take on this responsibility.

All students who wish to pay their rent by using an instalment plan are required to provide a qualified UK Guarantor. This provides us with the security and knowledge that the rent will be paid in full if you were to default on payment.

Yes, WiFi is included in your rent. You'll also have a broadband connection in your room on your desk.

Some of our accommodation include contents insurance with Howden.

It is important all students confirm their cover to ensure you understand what is and isnt covered. Plus youll also be entered into a prize draw, courtesy of Howden!

Visit confirm your cover to see:

What is and what isn’t covered

• Key exclusions where cover isnt provided
• Policy excess the amount you pay when you make a claim
• How to make claim
• Personalise cover

We understand students have a limited budget so Howden have launched brand new, unique student insurance options. They have been designed to cover the risks that you may encounter whilst living in student accommodation and away from home.

No pets are permitted under the term of the tenancy agreement.

If you are having any issues please contact the Accommodation team in the first instance, we will do all we can to help. In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to move you; however we would look to resolve any issues with you all.

No, due to the potential fire risk with charging and storing e-bikes and scooters we are unable to accommodate these safely within our buildings. 

No we do not advise you to bring your own electrical cooking equipment for health and safety reasons.

Absolutely! We want our community to suit you, so we wont force you to come to our events but you are always welcome. If you have your own suggestions for us even better!

Yes. It is your home so you are allowed to have guests visiting you.* 

*Please speak to your accommodation team about the onsite guest policy.

We are more than happy to accommodate groups as well as individuals. Where you're not booking in a group, we understand your flat mates will be key to your experience so when you book as an individual, we will ask you a series of questions to help us to match you with the perfect flatmates.

We ask you to pay a Holding Deposit to secure your room. When your tenancy commences, the Holding Deposit will convert into a refundable Security deposit. All deposits are registered with TDS which is a government accredited Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme provider. At the end of your tenancy a final inspection of your room will be carried out prior to your move out and if any deductions are required they will be discussed with you at this point. Assuming the room and its belongings are in the same condition as when you moved and you have provided your bank details within our Portal you will get your deposit back within 10 working days. If you cancel your room booking within 14 days of your Accommodation Offer then you will be entitled to a full refund. After 14 days, the Holding Deposit is non-refundable*. Please refer to our cancellation policy for full terms and conditions.

*not applicable for bookings made at properties in Scotland.