FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION
How do I apply for Residential accommodation?
- An application form will be sent to you automatically if you are offered a place on a course at the GSA. You should complete and return the form as soon as possible. The deadline for applications being received is July 1st 2010 for term 1 arrivals or November 17th 2010 for term 2 arrivals.
The form can also be downloaded from the 'Applying for Halls' page of this web site.
Where is the accommodation located?
- Margaret Macdonald House (MMH) is located on Buccleuch Street in the Garnethill area of Glasgow. The accommodation is sited right in the middle of the GSA campus and less than 5 minutes walk from the Mackintosh Building. Kelvinhaugh Street (KHS) blocks are located just off Argyle street towards the west of the city. They are approx 10/15 mins walk to campus. The Old School House (OSH) is located on Renfrew Street behind the GSA library.
What are my chances of being offered residential accommodation?
- This really depends on many factors - please refer to application selection criteria on the 'Applying for Halls' page of this site. Everyone has a fair chance and all applications received before the applications deadline are considered. At no stage can we give any guarantees of accommodation. Unconditional applications are considered as soon as possible after receipt and the outcome will be sent to you by email to the address you nominate on your application form.
What is the accommodation like?
- Photographs of the accommodation can be viewed on this site. We also have a virtual tour of the accommodation sites which will give applicants a much better idea of the accommodation and what they can expect if they come to live in halls.
What furniture is supplied in the bedrooms?
- Each room has a bed, wardrobe, desk, wall-mounted bookcase, study chair and mobile bed side cabinet which can be used as under desk drawers. Curtains, pillows and a 10.5 duvet are also supplied.
What is supplied in the lounges/kitchen areas?
- Fridges, freezers, cookers, kettle, kitchen units and sinks in the kitchen. Dining and lounge furniture including easy chairs and a coffee table in the lounge room. Curtains are also supplied in the lounge room.
Is it possible to visit the accommodation before I accept a contract?
- Yes. There are two accommodation only open days (with internal viewing available) organised for the summer months and the main GSA Open Day in October. Dates for 2010 are:
Sunday 4th July, 2-4pm
Friday 27th August, 2-4pm
Thursday 28th October, GSA Open Day, 10-4 on the campus tour only
Viewing accommodation at Kelvinhaugh is not available. Further information can be viewed at: www.gsa.ac.uk/accommodation
What is normally the duration of an accommodation contract?
- 39 weeks from late September to late June. Exceptions can be made for students studying on an exchange at the School. In these circumstances a contract can be offered for 1 or 2 terms - 13 or 26 weeks.
Do I have to move out over the Christmas and Easter holidays?
- If you have a 39 week contract - no. You can stay right through the holidays or if you choose to go away for a break then possessions can be left in the room. Students with a shorter contract will have to leave at the end of their contract or can stay by arrangement only.
Are the start and stop dates flexible? Is it possible to arrive early and leave later?
- Yes - by arrangement and subject to availability you can arrive early, leave later or extend for the summer vacation if required. There would normally be an additional rent cost involved.
What does rent include?
At MMH - everything excluding electricity (approx £5-7 weekly) and laundry (£3.00 per wash/dry).
At KHS - everything including utilities, laundry and a communal cleaning service.
At OSH - everything including utilities and laundry.
If I bring a TV or use IPTV through computer or laptop do I need at TV licence?
- Yes. Each person who owns a TV now requires a licence. One per flat/room is not sufficient if there is more than one TV/laptop in use.
- If you are using IPTV or even just watching DVD's on your laptop you should have a TV licence.
What are the local facilities like around the accommodation?
For MMH and OSH - These accommodations are located just off Sauchiehall Street and are therefore very close to the main city shops, cinemas, theatres and many of the shopping centres located in the pedestrian area of Sauchiehall Street. At the other end of that same street there are many bars, clubs and restaurants. There are several forms of public transport within a few minutes walk. A council leisure centre with pool is within 10 minutes walk.
For KHS - The accommodation is located off Argyle Street and close to several pubs and convenience stores. Public transport to the remainder of the city by bus from Argyle Street or Sauchiehall Street which is also close are excellent. This accommodation is lacated near to the popular Byres Road and University of Glasgow campus. The sports facilites at The University of Glasgow which GSA students are permitted to use is also close by.
What should I bring with me other than personal possessions when I move in?
- Bed linen, coat hangers, crockery, cutlery, dishes and kitchen utensils, pots, pans, etc for use in the kitchen. Additional electrical items not supplied include TV's, toasters and microwaves. For students coming from overseas it is not essential to bring all of these items with you. They can easily be purchased after your arrival in Glasgow and you might want to save some money by splitting the cost of some items with other overseas students.