Sir John Cass Hall FAQs
Summer Vacation FAQs
- What is the area like?
- How much is the room and what do I get for the Price?
- What type of breakfast is served and when?
- Can I cook?
- Do I have to pay a deposit?
- Are there any rules I need to follow whilst living at Cass?
- How do the buses and tube fares work?
- Where is the nearest supermarket?
- Is there a curfew?
- Can friends come and stay?
- Why can't I smoke in my room?
- Who cleans my bedroom?
- Do you have parking?
- How many people use the kitchens and showers?
- Do you have washing machines?
- Can I get Internet access?
- What do I need to bring with me?
- Can I have a pet in my room?
- What should I do if I have a problem?
Can I get Internet access?
Yes, we have a broadband internet system [note: registration is required]. Depending on your device, this can be accessed with an ethernet cable or wirelessly.
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.
Summer Vacation FAQs
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. For example, trendy Hoxton is just a short bus ride away.
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 much is the room and what do I get for the price?
Rooms cost £26 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 £21 per night. Price includes continental breakfast, broadband wired and wireless internet, well equipped kitchens (with communal use of pots, pans ,crockery and cutlery), daily cleaning of communal areas, weekly cleaning of bedroom, on-site warden and all utility bills and service charges. There are no extra costs.
Can I cook?
Yes, there are well equipped kitchens with communal use of pots, pans ,crockery and cutlery for the use of guests.
Do I have to pay deposit?
Yes, depending on the length of your stay. If you are staying for more than 2 weeks we ask for a non-refundable payment which is equivalent to a weeks rent. This is then used as your first weeks rent. If you are staying for less than a week we ask for a non-refundable payment which is equivalent to a night's rent. We hope that makes sense!
Are there any particular rules I need to follow whilst living in 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 do the buses and tube fares work?
For public transport information please visit the Transport for London website (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.
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 is 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.
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.
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.
Who cleans my bedroom?
Cleaners visit your room each week and replace your bed linen as well as clean your room.
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.
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!
Can I get Internet access?
Yes, we provide a broadband internet system and the price is included in your weekly rent [note: registration is required]. Depending on your device, this can be accessed with an ethernet cable or wirelessly.
What do I need to bring with me?
Not a lot really! We provide all the bedding, towels, shower gels, plates,crockery and cutlery. 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.
Can I have a pet in my room?
Sorry, no pets.
What should I do if I have a problem?
Just pop into the on-site office in the communal area. The office is open Monday – Friday 7.30am – midnight 7 days each week.



