Arrivals FAQ

No – unfortunately we’re not able to offer viewings at any time.  Please refer to photographs on our website or refer to the Resident Guide for further details.

All new students need to confirm their attendance in person when starting university. If you have applied for student finance, we need to confirm your attendance, and once this is done you normally receive your maintenance money within five working days.

• New residential students

As per previous communication and PASS, please ensure you have booked an arrival slot for Saturday 17 or Sunday 18 September for key collection and you will be able to register as previously planned. Please email accommodation@chester.ac.uk with any queries.

• Non-residential students:

For new undergraduate students who will be living at home, in the private sector or in partnership accommodation – the dates for attendance confirmation have changed, please make sure you check the information on PASS.

Once parked, please make your way to key collection at Seaborne Library  After you’ve collected keys and completed your enrolment, please proceed to your accommodation.

On Campus Accommodation:

There is limited space near our residences.  If you do choose to move your car closer, please take care of others around you as the campus will be very busy.  Once you’ve offloaded your items, please move your car to a parking space.

Off Campus Accommodation:

You can move your car closer to your off campus accommodation but please remember that the majority of our accommodation does not have official parking facilities.

Please note that students must take note of traffic limitations and the University of Chester cannot be held responsible for any problems students may encounter with parking in the City.

It is advised to research parking in advance of your arrival.

No.  Parking is very restricted on campus. After you off loaded your items and unpacked, we request that you move your car to allow other students the opportunity to park and move in.

Due to restrictions on parking spaces and environmental considerations, the University regrets that it is not possible to extend parking facilities to students living on or close to the University, except for the purpose of delivering personal belongings at the beginning of term and collecting them at the end of term. 

Residential Students are not eligible to apply for a parking permit – if you have any query about this, please contact The Estates and Facilities Department at parking@chester.ac.uk

Arrival passes only applies to students arriving on the Weekend.  Don’t worry if you forget your pass but please try to bring this with you as it will reduce delays at key collection. You can always use an electronic copy on your phone.

Keys will be held at the appropriate key collection point and you will not be able to access your accommodation without collecting them first. It is very important that you follow your arrival instructions carefully, otherwise you may experience long delays.

Early Arrival:

Please note that your accommodation will not be available before the start of your contract.  If you intend to arrive before the start of your contract, you will need to make your own arrangements for accommodation with a local hotel or B&B.

Out of Hours:

Students arriving out of hours should report to the Porter’s Lodge situated at the Parkgate Road Campus.

Late Arrival:

If you are unable to arrive on the designated arrival day, it is essential that you inform the Accommodation Team by email in advance stating the date on which you intend to arrive.

Issues / Requests such as this are handled by our Facilities Helpdesk, within the Estates and Facilities Department.  You can contact them in the following ways:  

• Portal: Interactive Helpdesk https://ganymede.chester.ac.uk/facilities/helpdesk.php
• Phone: 01244 512200
• Email:    facilities.helpdesk@chester.ac.uk

When contacting the Helpdesk, please include:

• Your name
• Your student number
• The building you live in and your room number
• As much details as possible about your query

Once you've completed your request, the Helpdesk will email you a reference number so you can track your request online.

A member of the Facilities team will attend your request as soon as possible, and email you when it’s been completed. They aim to complete all requests first time but if this isn’t possible, they’ll let you know.

Please remember, by raising a request you’re giving your permission for our teams to enter your accommodation.

If there’s a problem with your lock or key, please report to the Locks and Key Office situated above the Porter’s Lodge at the Parkgate Road Campus.

Everyone who is living in your residence will have the same start date in their contract.

Unfortunately, your parents, relatives, friends or whoever is bringing you to University will be unable to stay with you in your accommodation. There are a large number of Bed & Breakfasts and Hotels in and around Chester, however these tend to get booked up quickly over arrivals weekend so we would advise you to book early.

Catering Services will be handing out wristbands to our fully catered residential students after key collection.  The welcome meal will be between 12-4pm in White’s Dining Hall.  Students are entitled to bring two guests with them free of charge, with the option of paying an additional £5.00 for anyone extra. It will be a set hot meal with a meat and vegetarian choice, plus any dietary requirements i.e. gluten free etc. 

If you have any questions about meals or if you need to discuss dietary requirements, members of the Catering Team will be available at key collection.

Yes.  Members of the Finance Team will be available at key collection.  If you have not set up a direct debit, you will be directed to the Finance Team to complete this.

If you ordered by the advertised deadline, the Accommodation Team will arrange for the parcel to be delivered to your room in advance of your arrival.