Halls contract

When you accept your accommodation offer, you agreed to the Accommodation Contract and Hall Regulations. These set out:

  • what you can expect from us 
  • what is expected from you and your visitors

Make sure you read and understand them before you move in.
 

Your contract and hall regulations

View your contract

You can view your accommodation contract, including your start and end dates, in your accommodation account.

Moving rooms

Most students settle into their accommodation after a short time. If you have concerns, it may help to wait briefly before requesting a move.

If you are still unhappy or finding it difficult to settle, contact the Student Hub.

You must not move or swap rooms without approval from Residences. Unauthorised moves may result in disciplinary action.
 

Accommodation Code of Practice

We follow the Universities UK/Guild HE Accommodation Code of Practice. It sets the standards you can expect while living in halls. 

A safe and well-managed environment

  • A safe and healthy place to live
  • Regular flat meetings, including welcome talks 
  • Planned maintenance to meet safety standards 

Repairs and maintenance

  • Report urgent repairs to our reception teams, or by telephone, 24 hours a day
  • Report and receive updates for non-urgent repairs through Planon, our maintenance system 
  • At least 7 days’ notice for planned work requiring room access 

Clean and well-maintained spaces

  • Communal areas cleaned regularly 
  • Activities and support to help build a positive community 

Your contract as a resident

  • Your contract is legally binding 
  • It explains what we provide and what we expect from you 
  • You can access it at any time in your accommodation account 

Health and wellbeing support

  • 24/7 support from Residences teams 
  • Guidance on registering with a doctor when you arrive 

Living respectfully with others

  • Campaigns and guidance to support a positive community 
  • Expectations for behaviour in halls and the local area 
     

Halls regulations

Hall Regulations form part of your contract. They set out:

  • the rules for living in halls 
  • your expected behaviour 
  • what you can expect from Residential Services 

View the 2026-27 hall regulations 

View the 2025-26 hall regulations

The Student Charter

The Student Charter outlines the shared expectations, rights and responsibilities of students and staff.

Paying your halls fees

You pay your accommodation fees in instalments:

  • Most contracts are paid in 3 instalments: October, January and April 
  • 51-week contracts are paid in 4 instalments, with an additional payment in July 

Check your accommodation account for your exact amounts and due dates.

Payments are made by Recurring Card Payment (RCP), which is set up when you accepted your offer.
To update your card details, use the online system or contact the Student Hub:

For payment queries, email: accommodation@soton.ac.uk

Ending your contract

Your accommodation contract is legally binding. You are responsible for payments until the contract end date.

If you leave or suspend your studies we will release you from your contract. A 28-day notice period applies from the date you tell us.

If you need to leave early due to exceptional circumstances, you can request an early release by emailing studenthub@soton.ac.uk.

We assess each request individually, and approval is not guaranteed.

Do not sign another accommodation contract until your release has been confirmed. You may otherwise be liable for two contracts.