ACCOMMODATION GUIDE BIMM BRISTOL - WHERE TO LIVE
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BIMM BRISTOL
ACCOMMODATION
GUIDE
WHERE TO LIVE
EUROPE’S
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
MOST CONNECTED
TYPES OF LETTING
MUSIC COLLEGE
MANAGING FINANCES
2018/19 BIMM.CO.UK
CONTENTS
ACCOMMODATION3
PRIVATE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION 4
HOUSE SHARES 5
HOUSE VIEWINGS 6
LOCATION7
TRANSPORT8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 9 “ BIMM HAS HELPED
ME TO UNDERSTAND
BRISTOL CULTURE 13 SOMETHING I’VE HAD
A PASSION FOR ALL
BRISTOL LIFE 14
MY LIFE… BUT IN NEW
WAYS; LEARNING,
SHOPPING15
GROWING AND
THE GREAT OUTDOORS 16
NETWORKING.”
NIGHTLIFE17
ACCOMMODATION One essential thing you must ensure you Bristol has various different types of have arranged prior to your studies at BIMM accommodation available, such as: Institute Bristol is your accommodation. Your living arrangements can be an important factor • Flats in your success as a student and the Student • Shared houses Services team is on hand to help when you are • Bedsits arranging this if required. • Part-board with a host family. We do not have halls of residence at BIMM However, as Bristol is a university city there is Institute Bristol, which means you must a heavy demand for student accommodation. find housing privately but we have various We advise you to look as early as possible to resources available to help with every step of find a place that suits your needs. the process.
PRIVATE STUDENT
ACCOMMODATION
BIMM has a close relationship with the following
student housing agents:
KING SQUARE STUDIOS
King Square Studios is a fairly recent development
located in the very same square as BIMM Institute
Bristol’s King Square building – in fact, it’s next door!
Offering fully furnished apartments with competitive
rent rates, broadband internet, contents insurance
and TV, the buildings also house common areas, a In order to gain a quick
games room, a home cinema and a gym! For further understanding of Bristol’s various
information visit www.crm-students.com or call accommodation prices, here is an
0844 371 5612 average price list for your viewing.
IQ LETTING PROPERTY PARTNERSHIP AVERAGE PRICE GUIDE 1 WEEK
IQ has developed student accommodation on Student halls £140
Marlborough Street in Bristol – just a 5 minute walk
1 bed studio/flat/house £146
from BIMM’s King Square site! The development
2 bed shared flat/house £109
offers various types of accommodation which are
all inclusive of utility bills, contents insurance and 3 bed shared flat/house £85
broadband. For further information please visit: 4 bed shared flat/house £68
www.loveiq.co.uk or call 0117 927 7498 B&B (5 nights) £160
STUDIOS 58
Studios 58 offers a range of contemporary studio
apartments, just along the street from King Square. BRISTOL SU LETTINGS
5 Tundall Avenue
Studios 58 has 99 apartments, a common room and
communal courtyard. To book, arrange a viewing or Bristol BS8 1UD
find out more, please visit www.crm-students.com T: 0117 331 8266
E: bristolsu-lettings@bristol.ac.uk
THE MANSION GROUP – HOTWELLS HOUSE www.bristolsulettings.co.uk
Hotwells House is in a great location on the Bristol
ANTHONY JAMES AND CO
waterfront. All flats have a large communal lounge
and contemporary open plan kitchen/ lounge area The Coach House
with flat screen TV. The property has bike storage 38 Cotham Hill
and there is also secure car parking available. Bristol BS6 6LA
Contact: 0117 927 7783 or visit T: 01179 237 316
www.mansionstudent.co.uk www.antjam.com
JACKSON PROPERTY LETTINGS
If students are experiences housing difficulties they
can join the housing and tenancy union ACORN for 141a St. Michael’s Hill
support and advice. acorntheunion.org.uk Bristol BS2 8DB
There are two main student accommodation lettings T: 0117 974 4121
HOUSE SHARES
It is always worth checking out the local HOUSE SHARES
newspapers and accommodation websites Please be aware that the agents listed have
for any accommodation that is on not been visited or vetted in any way by BIMM
the market. Institute Bristol and you should therefore use
them at your own risk. Ask
MAIN NEWSPAPERS/MAGAZINES
• Bristol Evening Post what charges you will have to pay before you
(Tuesdays and Fridays) enter into an agreement with them. If you do
• The Mercury have any concerns about the agency, contact
the National Association of Estate Agents at
BIMM BRISTOL www.naea.co.uk
ACCOMMODATION FACEBOOK
GROUP
You could also find a number of existing
Facebook is a good way to link up with
house shares in Bristol, where you could join
people who are already at BIMM or who are
an established group of people. These can be
starting at the same time as you.
found on the following websites:
www.gumtree.com/bristol
Using this facility is a great way to post
www.accommodationforstudents.com
information about yourself, the type of
www.spareroom.co.uk
housing you are looking for and also any
rooms that you or others may know of which
TEMPORARY HOUSING
are available for rent.
If you are looking for temporary
accommodation during the week whilst
LETTING AGENCIES
studying, there are many hostels offering
In regards to letting agencies, you will more
cheap rooms in the Bristol area. Please check
than likely be asked for an admin fee, rent in
out the following information for more details:
advance, a deposit and a guarantor up front,
so be prepared for this.
www.bristolbackpackers.co.uk does deals on
SHELTER ADVICE short and long term stays in shared dorms.
Shelter is a registered charity that There are other hostels which offer shared
campaigns to end homelessness and bad dorms and private rooms, such as:
housing in England and Scotland.
Email: info@shelter.org.uk • YHA Bristol, Narrow Quay
Telephone our Supporter Helpdesk on 0300 • The Full Moon Backpackers Hostel,
330 1234 from Monday - Friday 9am-6pm Stokes Croft
• Rock ‘n’ Bowl Hostel, Nelson Street
HOUSE FINDING HOUSEMATES
VIEWINGS
Facebook is a good way to link up with people
who are already at BIMM or who are starting at the
same time as you. Some students set up groups
prior to starting BIMM in order to find housemates.
Using this facility is a great way to post information
about yourself, the type of housing you are looking
TIPS FOR VIEWING PROPERTIES for and also any rooms that you or others may
know of which are available for rent. It’s the perfect
• We recommend viewing a property at place for students to acquaint themselves with
least twice. You’ll be more likely to notice their fellow course friends and find appropriate
problems the second time around. Be aware housemates. Look for group names such as “BIMM
however that student properties in Bristol Freshers 2015”.
are in high demand and can be let very
quickly, so be quick!
• Take someone with you or let someone else
know exactly where you are when you visit HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TO
a property, just to err on the side of caution.
LOOK FOR WHEN VIEWING
A PROPERTY?
• It’s also a good idea to visit the area at
night. If you do this, please ensure you stick
We have checklists and tools to help
to the point above and take someone
when you’ re viewing properties. Use
with you.
the checklist below to make sure you
• Make sure you and all your other ask the right questions and look into all
housemates view the property. Don’t take the key areas:
someone else’s word that the property is
right for you. • Does the place look well
• Compare a range of different landlords maintained?
and properties. • Will you be warm enough in winter?
• Take your time and don’t let landlords Are the windows double glazed?
pressure you – there is a surplus of good This will also help reduce heating
properties in the area and you will find costs throughout the winter.
somewhere you like. • Will it be safe and secure?
• When you go to view, take notes and • Does it have the space and facilities
photos and use our checklist to make sure you need (i.e washing machine,
you don’t miss anything. Photographic heating, fridge/freezer)?
evidence of existing issues when you move
• Are the current tenants happy
into a property can also help when it comes
with the landlord?
time to reclaim your deposit.
• Is the property affordable and
• Get informed – knowing your rights will good value?
help you view properties more critically and
• Is the area suitable for your needs
put you in a stronger negotiating position.
Where to live:
LOCATION
These areas of Bristol are well
known for being lively and
vibrant places to live:
Kingsdown, Montpelier,
St. Andrews, Bishopston,
Horfield, St Werburghs
and the centre of the city.
Redland, Cotham and
Southville are more residential
areas of Bristol, which makes
them a great place to live,
however, there are less
restaurants/bars and clubs
in these areas. Clifton is a
brilliant place to live and is
full of students during term
time. However the price of
accommodation is above
average for Bristol, and
may be a bit of a stretch for
student budgets.
Bristol is well connected
WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING? through public transport
services; frequent buses that
BIMM Institute Bristol has a site the Passage Street site. There run all through the night, rail
at 25 King Square, Bristol, BS2 is an abundance of student links and cycle lanes make it
8JN, and another about a ten accommodation within a fairly easy to get around.
minute walk away at 1 Passage short distance of both College
Street, Bristol, BS2 0JF. You sites. We expect students Please note there are no
will have the majority of your to live within a reasonable parking facilities or allocated
lessons in these two buildings, distance; please take into bike racks available for
although depending on your consideration the cost of students at BIMM, but there
course, some classes are held travelling and the time it takes are bike racks and rails
offsite across the city however to get to the College from available nearby to
still within a short distance of where you choose to live. the College.
TRANSPORT
BIMM Bristol is well connected to the rest of the city via public transport.
BUS BIKE
Both BIMM Institute Bristol sites are very Bristol is a very popular cycling city. It is a
close to the city centre and the King Square more efficient way of navigating the very
building is approximately 3 minutes’ walk congested roads and complicated one-way
from the central bus station. From the Bear systems. If you cycle you will find you are
Pit (Barton Roundabout) you can catch not alone and there are initiatives laid out
buses to areas in both North and South by Bristol City Council to get people out on
Bristol. You can purchase a “three stop their bikes. The Yo!Bike app allows you to
hop” ticket for just £1 to get you between ride a bike for just £1 with the first journey
both BIMM campuses cheaply and quickly. free - these are the yellow bikes seen around
Students can show their BIMM ID to get a town. betterbybike.info/maps-and-rides/
30% discount on bus journeys. regional-cycle-maps
70 – Bristol Temple Meads – Centre – Ashley TRAIN
Down – UWE Temple Meads – Bristol’s central station.
73 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester Road – It is approximately a 20 minute walk from
Filton Avenue – Bristol Parkway Rail Station King Square and only ten minutes from
Passage Street and connects you the rest of
75/76 – Harbour – Bear Pit – Gloucester
the country via First Great Western, Cross
Road – Cribbs Causeway
Country and Stage Coach.
8/9 – Bristol Temple Meads – Bear Pit –
Clifton – Redland Parkway – a large station connecting Bristol
The Passage Street building is a couple to Wales, surrounding Bristol towns. London
minutes’ walk from Victoria Street in the and the Midlands.
centre of Bristol.
1 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street Montpelier – King Square’s nearest platform.
– Broadmead – Centre – Whiteladies Road – This is an inner-city station which connects
Cribbs Causeway you to other parts of Bristol, including Bristol
Temple Meads, Clifton, Lawrence Hill and
2 – Bristol Temple Meads – Victoria Street
Stapleton Road.
– Broadmead – Centre – Whiteladies Road –
Cribbs Causeway
Redland – another platform near King
Square connecting you to other parts of
Bristol, including Shirehampton, Avonmouth
and Severn Tunnel Junction.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WILL I NEED TO SIGN A CONTRACT TO RENT A ROOM? Most landlords/agents will ask you to sign a tenancy agreement. This is a legally binding document setting out each party’s rights and responsibilities. By signing it, both you and the landlord have certain rights protected in law which can’t be overwritten by the contract. Before you sign, make sure you understand all the clauses, so there can be no nasty surprises after you’ve signed. If asked to sign an agreement, it is likely to be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and will normally last for at least six months, after which the tenancy will run on a monthly basis. However, many tenancies run for a fixed term, i.e. July 1st 2015 to June 30th 2016. In this case make sure that you are happy with the length of the contract as it is very unlikely that you will be able to end the tenancy early. The terms of the agreement must be in plain, intelligible language and not be unfair. For example, the tenant should not be restricted from breaking a fixed term agreement if the landlord is not in the same way, nor should they be subject to unreasonable rent increases or held to unreasonable penalty clauses (for example, extortionate charges for late payment of rent). Get a tenancy agreement checked first by an informed person such as an advisor from the Citizens Advice Bureau. If the landlord/agent won’t let you take the contract away to get it checked first, think twice about signing it. Spend a little extra time in getting your contract checked out to save time, money and stress later in the year.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE LANDLORD WHAT RIGHTS DO BOTH THE LANDLORD
RESPONSIBLE FOR? AND TENANT HAVE?
• Heating and hot water installation The landlord or his agents have the right
• Baths, sinks, basins and other to access the property at reasonable
sanitary installations times during the day to carry out repairs
• The structure of the exterior of for which they are responsible for and
the property inspect the condition of the property.
• Repairs and safety of gas and 24 hours’ written notice to inspect the
electrical appliances property must be given. Arrangement
• Ensuring that any furniture that he or she for access to the property must be
supplies meets fire resistant requirements written into the contract.
WHAT IS THE TENANT RESPONSIBLE FOR? Tenants have the right to possess and
• Water and sewage charges enjoy the property during the tenancy without
• Utility bills- gas, electricity, telephone any interruption from the landlord. This clause
and internet connection (if any) does not limit any of the rights made under
• To take care of the property this agreement that the tenant has allowed the
• Use the property in a responsible way landlord/landlady to exercise. Neither does it
• Pay the rent as agreed prevent the landlord from taking lawful steps
• Keep to the terms and conditions of to enforce these rights if the tenant should
the agreement break any of the terms of agreement.FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT BILLS CAN I EXPECT TO PAY? • Are responsible for any damage to the
Depending on your own personal consumption property, either wilful or negligent
you can expect to pay • Have not cleaned the property adequately
£10 – £15 per week for utility bills. • Have left rubbish which needs removing from
Remember that if solely full time students the property
occupy a property then they are exempt from
Council Tax. If one professional lives in a house CAN I DEDUCT MY DEPOSIT FROM MY LAST
with students, council tax requirements are MONTH’S RENT?
reduced to 75% of the standard payment. Make No, because to do so would be a breach of your
sure to verify your council tax requirements in contract. It is important that rent and deposits
advance if you live with any non-students. You are separate.
can obtain a council tax exemption letter from
reception or a member of Student Services. WHAT IS A GUARANTOR AND WILL I NEED TO
Once you have this you will need to contact SIGN A GUARANTOR FORM?
the council to tell them that you are exempt A guarantor is someone who signs an agreement
or eligible for a discount. gov.uk/council-tax/ to pay for any rent or damages if the tenant fails
discounts-for-full-time-students to pay up. The guarantor must reside in the UK.
Some landlords ask for a guarantor but not all do.
WHAT IS A DEPOSIT?
So there are still plenty of properties to choose
The deposit is generally the equivalent to one
from if you don’t have someone who will be a
and a half month’s rent. Your landlord or agent
guarantor for you, you’ll just need to look around.
must, under the 2004 Housing Act protect
your deposit within 14 days of receiving it A guarantor is taking on quite a large
as part of the Tenancy Deposit Protection responsibility, particularly if you are signing a
Scheme and provide you with certain joint contract. For example, if your housemate
information relating to this. hasn’t paid their rent, your guarantor could be
This scheme ensures that deposits paid to made to pay.
the landlords are kept safe and that tenants
Do not sign a contract that requires a guarantor
gets their deposits back at the end of the
form until you and your guarantors have read
tenancy, so long as there hasn’t been a breach
the form and agreed to sign. If you have already
of the tenancy agreement, such as unpaid
signed a contract but a guarantor refuses to
rent. Remember that the money held as a
sign, you might not get the keys to the property.
deposit remains yours at all times and not
A good landlord will give you copies of the
the landlord’s, and only by mutual agreement
forms and time to check them through.
should any money be deducted.
Ask the landlord to accept a limited guarantee
Your deposit, or part of it, will be withheld from your guarantor e.g. just covering your rent/
if you: damages. Tell your guarantor not to give too
• Fail to return ALL keys at the end of much personal information on the form e.g. Nl
the tenancy number, bank details or passport details should
not be necessary.FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS inspect the house and check all rent is paid. WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY THE FINAL UTILITY BILLS; CAN WE LEAVE OUR DEPOSIT OR THE LANDLORD/ AGENT TO PAY FOR THEM? No, not if the bills are in the name of the tenants- the utility companies will chase the named persons and not the landlord/ agent. Your deposit will be protected as part of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme and therefore cannot be used by the landlord or agent. FURTHER QUESTIONS If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Student Services team on 0117 980 7060 or studentsupportbristol@bimm.co.uk
BRISTOL
CULTURE
Bristol is an exciting city with lots to offer. There is a huge variety of
clubs, bars and pubs, many of which run weekly student promotions and
offers. There is a great collection of independent cafés and restaurants
with lots of different cuisines to try.
Art is very important to Bristol and you can find pop-up galleries all over
town and a number of theatres, venues, museums and cultural centres
to visit, including the SS Great Britain and the Arnolfini. Bristol has a “
reputation for its street art, music scene and self-sufficiency.
MUSIC THEATRE
Music plays a huge part in maintaining For theatrical performances there is
Bristol’s cultural prominence. There the Bristol Old Vic, the Hippodrome
are venues everywhere – dive bars to and the Tobacco Factory, among
swanky concert halls and everything others. The Hippodrome hosts
in between. Within a half-mile radius pantomimes, musicals, plays, stand
of both BIMM sites you can find up and more. It recently hosted the
Colston Hall, O2 Academy Bristol, The award-winning Disney’s The Lion King.
Canteen, The Attic and many more.
Prestigious venues such as The Fleece The Bristol Old Vic hosts slightly more
and the Louisiana are not far away sophisticated performances such as
either. The Fleece is a three minute Dickens’ Great Expectations and the
walk from the Passage Street building. Bristol Proms. The Tobacco Factory
boasts an array of features and shows.
There are open mic nights and jam They host local theatre productions,
sessions most evenings and every live music, comedy and lots of other
night you can find something to watch entertainment.
and listen to. Crack magazine and
Bristol Live are two excellent local
publications that will be able to give
you everything you need to know
about the upcoming musical calendar.“
BRISTOL
LIFE
CINEMA STREET ART FESTIVALS
There are also a few Stokes Croft is on BIMM’s Bristol thrives in
independent cinemas doorstep and showcases summer and there are
which show international work by some of the UK’s festivals nearly every
films, independent films, most prolific street artists weekend from late May
classic cult films and including Stik, 3Dom and to September. These
sometime host parties of course, Banksy. There include St Paul’s Carnival.
and events. The most is a street art festival held Harbour Festival, Food
notable of these cinemas every year by SEE NO Connections, Vegfest, Dot
is the Watershed, along EVIL where many artists To Dot, Love Saves the
Bristol’s Habourside and from across the world Day, Brisfest and many,
The Cube, a three minute come to display their many more.
walk away from King art on Bristol’s streets;
Square. specifically Nelson Street
in the city centre.SHOPPING
Bristol is popular for shopping as it is There is some fantastic food to try and a
the only major city in this part of the friendly atmosphere to socialise in. They
South West. People flock from all over love to accept the Bristol Pound, a local
North Somerset, South Gloucestershire “ residents to put
initiative encouraging
and Wiltshire to visit the many shops more into Bristol’s local economy.
and boutiques Bristol has to offer. The
town centre is home to Broadmead, There are lots of music retailers including
the shopping district, as it were. Upon Idle Hands (very near King Square), Rise
Broadmead sits a number of banks, cafés, and of course HMV and Fopp. There are a
travel agents, and clothing and goods few musical instrument retailers including
retailers. At either end of Broadmead you Drum Bank, Mickelburgh’s, Music Room
will find Cabot Circus and the Galleries, and PMT. Hardy’s Music, a family run guitar
both indoor shopping centres. Cabot and musical supplies shop, sits rights
Circus boasts a collection of modern and across the street from BIMM’s Passage
high-end retailers including Hollister, Vans Street building. Out of the centre you can
and Urban Outfitters, There are also a get to Cribbs Causeway, a large plot with
number of restaurants, a cinema, indoor lots of opportunity to spend money. It
crazy golf and a few other entertainment contains a large indoor mall, a few retail
outlets within the centre. parks including bowling, cinemas and
other entertainment, a number of large
If you venture out of the centre you can supermarkets and some restaurants. If
visit Park Street or Gloucester Road. You you have more expensive taste, you can
will find more independent boutiques and visit Clifton for a few fancy boutiques with
charity shops which offer a more intriguing designer and made-to-measure clothing
collection of clothes and accessories. You and accessories.
will also find some fantastic independent
bars, cafés and restaurants. Gloucester
Road has been famed for its self-sustained
nature and its anti-corporate attitude.“ THE GREAT OUTDOORS Not far from the centre you can find the Clifton Downs. Clifton Village itself is a nice place to visit on a sunny day as you can sit in the shadow of Clifton Suspension Bridge and enjoy a drink at the White Lion. Opposite Clifton is Leigh Woods, a very nice patch of greenery and woods to take a walk through. Bristol Harbour is also a nice place to visit and to take a walk along the river. There is lots to do and many pubs to visit along the route. You can travel out to Cheddar Gorge, Blaise Castle, the Mendip Hills and many other beautiful spots around the South West with relative ease from Bristol. There are lots of nice towns to visit nearby too, like Bath and Gloucester, home of famous sites such as the Historic Docks and Gloucester Cathedral.
NIGHTLIFE
“
There is a big dance music scene in Bristol Propaganda is held at The Fleece and is
as the UK rave scene is often considered regarded as the UK’s biggest student night
to have begun here. People would find with sets from guest DJs such as Huw
abandoned warehouses, derelict homes Stephens and Jay from The Inbetweeners.
or even disused sports centres to install a Everything from chart Pop to Indie to
sound system, heavy on the bass, to throw some Dance anthems.
parties.
If you prefer something a little less intense,
Lots of Drum & Bass, Breakbeat and House Mr Wolf’s is a great student bar. They serve
music originated here. Trip-hop is a Bristol up noodles ‘til late in the evening and play
invention and the city takes pride in the Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, Rock n Roll, Funk
success of its artists Massive Attack and and occasionally some Disco. They also
Portishead. put on live music and hold weekly open
mic nights.
Bristol nightlife is vast and ever expanding.
There are a large number of student nights You can also find a more pleasantly
across all different types of clubs, bars relaxed night out at Start The Bus, a
and pubs. Some popular clubs are: Thekla, larger venue than Mr Wolf’s with a classic
Bunker, the Lanes and, for the more American Diner vibe. They play a mixture
seasoned clubber, Motion. of lndie, Funk and House, with a reputation
for playing underground Indie music.
02 Academy also hosts club nights,
including Ramshackle, a weekly rave for
the student masses. Lots of Drum and
Bass, Dubstep and Techno.BRITISH & IRISH MODERN MUSIC INSTITUTE BIMM.CO.UK
BIMM Bristol
YOUR
MUSIC
CAREER
STARTS
HERE
IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER Our student support team are here to help
QUESTIONS ABOUT FINDING you and can be contacted on:
ACCOMMODATION IN BRISTOL,
PLEASE DON’T HESITATE Tel: 0117 980 7060
TO CONTACT OUR STUDENT Email: studentsupportbristol@bimm.co.uk
SERVICES TEAM.
0117 980 7060 BIMM Bristol
1 Passage Street
Bristol
admissions@bimm.co.uk BS2 0JFYou can also read
