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Essentials Latest information Halls fee waiver

Halls licence fee waiver (16 April - 17 May 2021)

The original waiver ran from 6 January to 22 February and was then extended until 16 April. It was then offered for the period of 16 April to 17 May. 

As the government has confirmed that all students can return to campus and we are providing some face-to-face teaching, the current Halls Fee Waiver will end on Monday 17 May. This means that you will be liable to pay your Halls rent, even if you choose not to return to your room. If you have any queries, or wish to terminate your contract, please contact our Accommodation Contract Management Office: acmo@reading.ac.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension)?

    We agreed to temporarily waive licence fee payments for students who were unable to return to their UPP managed halls accommodation while the majority of teaching was being delivered online in accordance with current government guidance. This is known as a licence fee suspension (or Halls fee waiver). 

    The summer Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension) amount will be calculated from the start of the summer term, 16 April 2021 until 17 May 2021, or the date that you return to your accommodation (whichever is the earlier).

    The current Halls Fee Waiver will end on Monday 17 May. This means that you will be liable to pay your Halls rent, even if you choose not to return to your room. If you have any queries, or wish to terminate your contract, please contact our Accommodation Contract Management Office: acmo@reading.ac.uk

    I have already completed a Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension) form for the period up until 16 April, do I need to submit another form?

    You must have completed another Halls fee waiver online form for the summer term fee waiver (licence fee suspension) for the period up to 17 May. Various checks will be carried out, including access checks, to determine whether you are living in your room or not.  You must let us know through the Home at Halls app or Halls Hotline when you have returned to your room, in addition you must also email the Accommodation Contract Management Office on acmo@reading.ac.uk so they can amend your Halls fee waiver accordingly.

    What are the dates for the Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension)?

    The original Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension), from 6 January until 22 February, was extended until 16 April. Our recently announced Halls fee waiver applies to the dates 16 April to 17 May. The current Halls Fee Waiver will end on Monday 17 May. This means that you will be liable to pay your Halls rent, even if you choose not to return to your room. If you have any queries, or wish to terminate your contract, please contact our Accommodation Contract Management Office: acmo@reading.ac.uk.

    How do I apply for the Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension)?

    We set up an online form and process for you to use to formally request a licence fee suspension, which you must have completed by 30 April 2021 at the latest. You must have applied by the deadline to receive credit on your student account.

    When will I receive the credit calculated from my licence fee suspension?

    The credit for your Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension) will be credited to your student account by 14th May 2021. 

    How will the credit be calculated?

    Your daily room rate will be multiplied by the number of days during the waiver period (6 January to 16 April) for which you are not in residency in your accommodation and this amount will then be credited to your student account. 

    What happens if I have already paid my licence fee for the summer term?

    If you have already paid your licence fee for the spring term, we will credit your account with this balance. This can be used for your summer term licence fee, tuition fees or any other payment owing to the University. Alternatively, you can request that this credit is refunded by contacting our Receipts office.

    I am in a catered hall. Will I also receive a refund for my catering package if I have applied for a fee waiver?

    Yes, this will be included in your refund for the term-time weeks you have requested a Halls fee waiver for. Attempting to spend any Clever Cuisine funds on your card will result in your waiver being amended.

    I left my hall accommodation prior to the Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension) start date (6 January). Can my licence fee suspension be backdated?

    The government implemented a UK national lockdown from 6 January, in response to this the university offered the Halls fee waiver. This means we will credit accommodation fees for this period, and not if you left your room earlier.

    Can I collect my belongings?

    You are permitted to return to campus to collect your belongings, but please note, Quiet Period is from 19 May to 11 June 2021. Please be aware other students could be taking exams in their rooms during this time, so noise/disruption must be kept to a minimum.

    Are my items still insured?

    We know students may have suddenly left their accommodation to return back home and, as a result, they may have not taken all of their possessions with them. To support this, we have been advised that Endsleigh have waived their un-occupancy exclusion of 60 days on the standard policy that is included in your licence fee.  Please remember that this policy does exclude some items. Full details about your cover are published online and the policy reference number is HH1109B.

    I have parcels which I am unable to collect - what happens to these?

    Any parcels received by UPP will be held in our post rooms. We are currently now in the process of placing these just inside bedroom doors, so that when you return they will be waiting for you.  In the interim they can be collected by a friend if you give us permission by email to Reading.Helpdesk@upp-ltd.com. If there are any very urgent items such as official documents or medical supplies please get in touch with the halls hotline and we will assist you. 

    Receptions are open for post and parcel collections between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday and the Amazon lockers are available at all times as normal.

    What are the arrangements if I live in Halls of Residence not operated by UPP, like Kendrick?

    Please contact your hall provider directly for further details. 

    We understand many of our students live in other private accommodation and are being equally affected by the current circumstances. Unfortunately, we can only make such arrangements for our own residences and contracts with private providers are outside of our control. You will need to speak to your accommodation provider directly. Our Vice-Chancellor has written to local landlords to ask them to be understanding of our students at this difficult time. 

    If you are struggling to pay for basic essentials such as rent and food, please visit Money Matters on Essentials, where you can find advice and signposting to external services, as well as how to apply to our Student Support Fund (hardship fund). We are also relaunching our Digital Support Fund for eligible students. 

    You can also contact our Student Financial Support team for advice and guidance at studentfunding@reading.ac.uk.

    Why does the Halls fee waiver (licence fee suspension) end on 17 May?

    The government advised that students should continue to study online until at least the 17 May (Step 3 on the Roadmap), unless they are undertaking a placement or practical and studio-based activities that cannot easily be replicated online. The Halls fee waiver ends in line with the date outlined by government, as students are permitted to return to campus from 17 May and we will be offering some face-to-face teaching.

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