In this section, we answer the most frequently asked questions about our residences and moving away from home to come to Perth College UHI. You can find out about:
If you have any queries which haven't been answered here, please contact us.
How do I apply for accommodation?
To find out more about how you apply for our on-campus student residences click here.
How much will it cost me?
You can get details of our current fees here.
Is anything else included in the rent?
Your rent covers gas, electricity and water. Car parking charges are extra. Details here.
Does it matter if I don't reply to my offer of accommodation right away?
Yes, it does. Places are limited and in great demand, particularly at the start of the academic year in September, so it's really important that you reply to us by the deadline mentioned in your offer letter. If you don't accept within the specified time, we may have to withdraw our accommodation offer to you and make it to someone else.
I will be a new student, so am I guaranteed accommodation?
We cannot unfortunately guarantee that new students will get into our residences, as demand is high for the 72 spaces. However, new students do get priority when we allocate rooms. Other accommodation options are available here.
Is the accommodation single sex or mixed sex?
We ask students to tell us if they want to stay in a single sex flat or a mixed sex flat in their application form. If you do tell us you want to stay with people of the same sex as you, we will not then put you into a mixed flat.
I am travelling from overseas. Will I be placed in a particular residence?
No. People in our residences are from lots of different countries, but if you apply with friends, we will try to place you in the same flat. Please include these details on each of your accommodation application forms and send them to us with a letter explaining what you want.
What happens if my application for accommodation is unsuccessful?
If you are unsuccessful we will provide information about local letting agents for private accommodation and host families. Your name will also be added to a waiting list if any places become available in our on-campus residences.
If I don't like what I have been offered and reject it, will I get another offer?
If you reject your first offer of accommodation you will be placed at the end of the waiting list so might not receive another offer. If the reason you are rejecting your offer is because you have a special need which does not allow you to accept the offer, then you should contact us.
What if I don't like the accommodation I have been given?
We prefer students to give their accommodation a reasonable trial. A transfer to other accommodation may be possible once the semester is underway, subject to availability of suitable places, but this may affect how much you have to pay.
Can you view private accommodation for me?
Unfortunately, this is not one of the services that we are able to offer students. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great flat, and you're better checking out the options yourself. You should also be aware that we do not view any of the private flats which are advertised on our website and cannot offer any specific recommendations as to suitability. The Residences Manager is able to provide a list of private letting agencies but you should check these out yourself.
Can I be released from my residences' lease early?
No, the lease is binding for the academic year, which also covers the Christmas and Easter breaks. However, if you leave your course early, then the lease will also be terminated (you may be charged if this happens).
Is there any chance of a vacancy in College accommodation after the start of the academic session?
There is a chance of this happening if a student withdraws from their course, so contact the Residence Manager if you would like to go onto the waiting list for accommodation.
Can I still get College accommodation after my first year?
Our priority is to support students who are new to Perth College UHI, but we may still have rooms available for existing students. Perth does have a substantial private rental market for students in and around the city centre, and our experience is that most students make arrangements with friends to share flats or houses after their first year.
Can I share with a friend?
If you have a friend or relative who is coming to College with you, please add their details to your application form and we shall try to help where possible.
Do I have to clear my room at Christmas and Easter?
No. The student residences are open throughout the academic year so you can stay whenever you want during your lease.
Facilities and accommodation options
What does Perth College UHI supply in the student residences?
The accommodation is divided into 16 secure and fully-furnished flats, each with its own kitchen, dining and living area. There is a choice of single and twin bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. Access to the halls, to flats and to individual bedrooms is securely controlled for each resident.
Each flat has a number of bedrooms and a shared kitchen, dining and living area. The shared area contains:
- Fitted kitchen with oven, hob, microwave oven, fridge and freezer
- Dining area
- Living area with comfortable sofas or chairs
Bedrooms are supplied with:
- Either one or two single beds with mattress and cover
- Storage and study space
- Electrical points
- An en-suite bathroom with a shower and shower cubicle, a wash hand basin and a WC.
What kind of bedding is supplied in College accommodation?
We provide a mattress and cover, and you supply everything else. If you would like us to supply bedding, there will be an extra charge and you must notify us in advance.
I can't cook. How will I get my meals if I'm in the residences?
There are lots of pubs, cafes and restaurants in the central area of Perth, as well as shops where you can buy ready-made meals. Most students living in flats also enjoy cooking together, at least occasionally. Please note that you will need to supply your own cooking utensils, including pots and pans. There are also supermarkets and more specialist food shops relatively close to the residences.
Do the residences have internet access?
Yes, you can access the internet in bedrooms and public areas for free through our filtered College connection. This is available through WiFi and Ethernet wired access. Please note that we provide a filtered browsing service for educational purposes, designed to block access to adult web sites and to prevent the use of peer-to-peer file sharing networks.
What facilities are available for disabled students?
We have a limited number of rooms that have been adapted for people with restricted mobility and which are suitable for wheelchairs. We appreciate that you may have particular needs, and we will always try to make adjustments and help you, where possible. If you have a disability and would like to discuss living within the residences or our facilities, please contact the Residences Manager.
Can I be sure of having non-smoking accommodation?
Yes. Our smoking policy means that smoking is not allowed anywhere in buildings, including residences and balconies.
What about laundry facilities for my personal laundry?
There is a 24-hour, coin-operated, self-service laundry with automatic washing machines and tumble dryers beside the student residences.
Can I bring a car with me to Perth?
Yes. Perth College UHI operates a pay and display parking facility on campus. You can pay 70p per day or get a discounted rate for pre-payment.
Can I bring a bicycle with me to Perth?
Yes. The College provides supervised, lockable storage for bikes on campus beside the residences. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and encourage students and staff to use alternative forms of low and no-carbon transport wherever possible. Please note that bikes cannot be taken into the residences.
Do I need a licence for a TV in my bedroom?
Yes. You need a licence if you have a TV in your room. However, if you and your flatmates have just one TV in the communal area you need only pay for one licence. Also, if you use any other device to receive or record live TV programmes (for example, a video, set-top box, DVD recorder or PC with a broadcast card) a licence is needed. For full details visit the TV licensing website. Perth College UHI will not be responsible for any student fines for using a TV or receiver without the appropriate licence.
Can I bring my pet with me?
No. We do not allow pets in any of the College residences.
Can I have an overnight guest in the residences?
Residences are staffed 24 hours a day and we operate a sign-in, sign-out policy for late-night guests from 11pm to 2am. You can have one overnight guest a month, as long as you fill out an emergency contact form for them.
What cooking equipment can I bring to the residences?
Each flat is equipped with a hob, oven and a microwave cooker. Any other equipment is considered as a potential fire hazard under health and safety regulations. You will need to bring your own pots, pans, crockery and cutlery.
Can I bring extra furniture to the residences?
No additional furniture is allowed in the residences without prior written permission from the Residences Manager.
If I have a problem who do I talk to?
If you have any problems at all then please speak to the Residences Manager and on-site support team.
How do I pay the rent?
Full details about costs and how to pay are available on our Costs and payments page.
What if I can’t pay the rent on time?
If you have difficulties paying your rent, you should contact the Residences Manager as soon as possible to discuss your situation.