Sir John Cass Hall FAQs
General FAQs
- Can I get Internet access?
- What is the area like?
- How do the buses and tube fares work?
- Are there any particular rules I need to follow whilst living at Cass?
- How many people use the kitchens and showers?
- Do you have washing machines?
- Where’s the nearest supermarket?
- Is there a curfew?
- Why can’t I smoke in my room?
- Do you have parking?
- Is there a phone in my room?
- Can I bring a music system?
- Can I have a pet in my room?
Term-time FAQs
- Why do I have to pay a deposit?
- What happens if I pay a deposit and then decide I do not want the room before the start of the contract?
- When do I have to pay my rent?
- When will I get my deposit back?
- What happens if I want to leave?
- Do I have to insure my possessions?
- Who cleans my bedroom and the kitchens?
- Can friends come and stay?
- What do I need to bring with me?
- What should I do if I have a problem?
Summer Vacation FAQs
- How much is a room?
- What type of breakfast is served and when?
- Do I have to pay a deposit?
- Are there any particular rules I need to follow whilst living at Cass?
- Can friends come and stay?
- Who cleans my bedroom?
- What do I need to bring with me?
- What should I do if I have a problem?
General FAQs
Can I get Internet access?
Yes, we have a broadband internet system. You will need to buy an Ethernet lead for your computer.
What is the area like?
Like a lot of London it’s a real mixture and is close to Bethnal Green and the city. Large housing estates nestle next to trendy pubs. There are lots of new buildings being built and many more being refurbished. Hackney is a lively place and a lot of students live in the area.
Everything you need is on your doorstep; whether you want to go shopping, eat out or go clubbing – it’s all there.
Like any inner-city area, there is some crime in the area but Cass is a very secure place to live and it is very safe to walk around the area. It is important that people show some common sense when travelling around this or any other part of London or indeed any European city. London is fun – it’s a great place to live, work and play
How do the buses and tube fares work?
For public transport information, visit the Transport for London website – www.tfl.gov.uk. This will tell you everything you need to know. The best thing to do is get yourself an Oyster card which will cover you for transport on the tube, buses, and most local trains. You can travel around London more cheaply with an Oyster card. If you are a student ask your students’ union how to get further travel reductions.
Are there any particular rules I need to follow whilst living at Cass?
The most important thing is that all residents show respect for each other and local residents. That means keeping the noise down in and around the building and making sure that everybody plays their part by keeping the communal area and kitchens clean. We want everybody to enjoy themselves but with enjoyment comes responsibility.
Obviously we expect everybody to pay their rent on time and make sure the building is kept in good condition.
How many people use the kitchens and showers?
Usually kitchens are shared by about 12 people. There are sufficient showers for men and women on each floor.
Do you have washing machines?
Yes, we’ve got 2 coin-operated washing machines and two tumble dryers. You need to use your own washing powder/liquid. The washing machine costs £2.00 and the tumble dryer costs £1 for every 30 minutes worth of drying - £2 should do the trick depending on the size of the load!
Where’s the nearest supermarket?
It is a bit of a supermarket overload in Hackney! There’s a big Tesco just a one minute walk away and there is an Iceland and Lidl a few minutes walk away too.
Is there a curfew?
No, you can come and go as you please at any time of the day or night. You’re given a key fob to enter the building. Just make sure that you do not let anybody into the building who you do not recognise.
Why can’t I smoke in my room?
Cass is a non-smoking building. This means you cannot smoke in your room, kitchen or anywhere else in the building.
Do you have parking?
There is limited car parking at the front of the building and secure parking at the rear of the building. This is only accessible during office hours.
Is there a phone in my room?
No, but there are payphones on each landing. You can pass the number to your friends so they can call you.
Can I bring a music system?
You can bring some kind of music system with you, but it’s really important that you don’t blast it out. Loud music causes more problems than anything else; please think about your fellow residents and the local community.
Mixing decks, specifically, are banned. Loud music, especially late at night and in the early hours of the morning, will not be tolerated.
Can I have a pet in my room?
Sorry, no pets.
Term-time FAQs
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
Two reasons: one is to show us that you really do intend to take the room and the second to cover the cost of any damage or money that you might owe us at the end of your stay. We bank the deposit and return it to you 28 days after you leave. Your deposit is separate from your rent.
What happens if I pay a deposit and then decide I do not want the room before the start of the contract?
This all might sound a bit complicated but bear with us on this one! If you accept the offer of a room, pay a deposit and then decide with more than 28 days before the contract starts you no longer want the room, you will forfeit £100 of the deposit you paid.
If you do the same with less than 14 days to go, you lose £200 of your deposit.
When do I have to pay my rent?
It depends when you move in. If you live with us for the full academic year you will have to pay rent on 3 separate occasions; once in September, once in January and the final payment in April. In your licence agreement, these are inspiringly known as payment periods so check the dates on the last page.
When will I get my deposit back?
The deposit is returned to you in full, if you don’t owe us any money, within 28 days of the end of the contract.
What happens if I want to leave?
When you agree to take on a room, it’s for the whole academic year. This means, if you want to leave early we can only refund your rent if we get someone else to take your room. If you want to terminate your contract, you must let us know in writing.
Do I have to insure my possessions?
Yes, you need to arrange your own personal possessions insurance. It’s worth checking whether you’re covered under your parents’ home insurance – sometimes you can do this for a small extra premium. If you want, we can give you the numbers of a few insurance companies.
Who cleans my bedroom and the kitchens?
Cleaners visit your room every two weeks. Kitchens are cleaned daily. However, for this to work successfully, you have to make sure you clean up after you have used the kitchen. This means that pots, pans, plates, crockery and cutlery cannot be left to rot in sinks and on kitchen tables.
Can friends come and stay?
Yes, friends and family are more than welcome to visit. There is no accommodation for visitors so if a friend stays over it might be a bit cramped. Please remember, you are responsible for your guests and their behaviour.
What do I need to bring with me?
You need to bring your own bedding, crockery, cutlery, pots and pans. We have vacuum cleaners, and there is an iron and ironing board in the launderette if you fancy that pristine look!
What should I do if I have a problem?
Just pop into the on-site office in the communal area. It’s open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. Outside office hours, we have subwardens on duty until midnight and we will give you information about them when you come to stay
Summer Vacation FAQs
How much is a room?
Rooms cost £25 per night (£22 per night for students with a NUS or ISIC card) for the first 6 nights. For 7 nights or more, the rate is £18 per night. This includes all taxes and service charges.
What type of breakfast is served and when?
We serve a german-style continental breakfast consisting of sliced cheese and ham, croissants, toast, cereal, tea and coffee. Apparently guests love it!
Breakfast is served between 7.00am – 9.00am during the week and 8.00am – 9.30am at weekends.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No deposit as such but if you are staying for a month or longer we ask for a non-refundable payment which is equivalent to a weeks rent. This is then used as your first weeks rent. We hope that makes sense!
Are there any particular rules I need to follow whilst living at Cass?
The most important thing is that all residents show respect for each other and local residents. That means keeping the noise down in and around the building and making sure that everybody plays their part by keeping the communal area and kitchens clean. We want everybody to enjoy themselves but with enjoyment comes responsibility.
Obviously we expect everybody to pay their rent on time and make sure the building is kept in good condition.
Can friends come and stay?
I am afraid that we do not allow overnight guests. If anybody requires a place to sleep for the night, they would have to pay for a room if we have one available.#
Who cleans my bedroom?
Cleaners visit your room each week and replace your bed linen as well as clean your room.
What do I need to bring with me?
Not a lot really! We provide all the bedding, plates and cutlery and you’ll find the kitchens are well-equipped with everything you might need, including microwaves and kettles, although not toasters. We also have irons and ironing boards.
What should I do if I have a problem?
Just pop into the on-site office in the communal area. It’s open Monday – Friday 7.30am – midnight on weekdays and 9am to midnight on weekends.