Who is eligible to claim a rebate?
You are eligible for a rebate if:
- You are staying in university owned or a nominated partner accommodation
- You have not resided in your accommodation since 11 January
- You have not been asked by your school to return to campus
- You have not been approved for Early Release from your accommodation contract
- You submitted an accommodation rebate form by 20 January 2021
When is the rebate for?
This depends on whether you have been requested to be back on campus by your school. If you have then been requested to come back on campus, your rebate period will be from 11 January to 07 March 2021 (inclusive).
If you have not been requested to come back on campus by your school, the full rebate period is 11 January 2021 to 17 May 2021 (inclusive). If you have already returned to campus, you will be charged from the day of arrival.
I want to return to my accommodation. Will I still get a rebate?
If you have not been requested to come back on campus by your school, travel to university is still not permitted during the period, except in the circumstances we set out in our briefing to students on 5 January.
If you do return on these grounds during the period, you will be charged from the day of arrival. You will still receive a rebate up until your day of return to campus.
I was asked to come back to campus for my course. Can I also get a rebate?
As highlighted in our email dated 2 March, due to the fact that you are now permitted to return to campus, your rebate period will end on 7 March (inclusive). You will be contacted individually after 15 March with information about your rebate amount and your remaining balance. If for any reason you are not able to come back, (eg: if you are shielding or currently living overseas), please email us and we will review each case individually. We cannot guarantee that you will be allowed to have your rebate period continued but we promise that each situation will be carefully considered on a case by case basis.
If you have any queries about your return to campus for your specific course, please contact your School Office in the first instance. Living will be able to assist with queries about your accommodation fee rebate.
Can I collect my belongings?
No. The latest government guidance states students should avoid returning to university to collect any of their belongings which they may have left at their university accommodation over the winter break. However, you can travel back to collect any medical equipment or items required for online learning if it is essential.
I am staying in my accommodation. What do I do?
There are still a large number of students that are living in University and Partner accommodation. These students we will continue to receive our services. Our teams have been working very hard to ensure we continue to operate 24/7 and a number of our catering outlets across campus will continue to operate a take away service. If you are staying with us, we will be offering a free takeaway lunch in our accommodation every Wednesday (detail to follow on a separate email), as well as the continued provision of self-isolation support, ensuring that if you do have to self-isolate, you have access to grocery boxes, regular wellbeing check-ins and essential supplies.
Remember, you are not alone and we are always available for a chat. For more information please visit the student intranet or the student mentor page.
What happens if lockdown is extended?
The rebate period has been aligned with the current government guidance in relation to travel restrictions and national lockdown. This remains a fast moving situation and as such when government guidance is updated, and in advance of 17 May, the position will be reviewed and shared with you.
I have stayed in my accommodation over the winter break can I leave my accommodation now?
You should remain at your current university accommodation as per the latest government guidance.
What if I change my mind?
If for any reason your situation has changed and you need to return to your accommodation please tell us by emailing living on Living@contacts.bham.ac.uk