Posted 3 weeks ago
Thu 07 Aug, 2025 12:08 AM
We know that your life in UoN accommodation will provide a unique opportunity to meet new people and gain independence, all within a welcoming and supportive community. This guide will give an insight into what to expect whilst staying with us.
We recognise that living together, away from home, is not always easy, and everyone should have an equal opportunity to have the best possible University experience and live in a comfortable, clean, and safe environment.
When you move into halls, you agree to follow the terms of your Licence Agreement and the University’s Guide to Living in Halls, which includes our self-catered halls. These terms set out your responsibilities during your stay, including conduct expectations, safety obligations, and care of the facilities provided.
While much of what’s expected is common sense, it's important to be aware of the specific conduct guidelines in your Licence Agreement. This helps ensure that both you and your guests understand the standards of behaviour expected while living in university accommodation. Breaching these terms can lead to disciplinary action, so we encourage you to familiarise yourself with them fully.
Looking after your health and safety—and that of others—is vital. You are expected to report repairs or damage promptly, keep shared areas accessible and free of obstructions, and ensure all fire exits and stairways are clear at all times. Fire doors should remain closed, and items such as packaging, flammable chemicals, or other hazardous materials must be stored safely.
Kitchens are one of the highest-risk areas when it comes to fire. It's essential to understand how to reduce that risk. Your Welcome Information includes specific fire safety details, including your building's evacuation procedure.
Heat and smoke detectors are fitted in every kitchen. These must never be covered. Similarly, all fire doors must be kept shut and free of obstruction. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking, never leave appliances on high heat unattended, and remember to clean ovens and hobs after use to prevent a build-up of fats, which can be a fire hazard.
All food preparation, storage and cooking should only take place in the designated kitchen area. Cooking elsewhere in halls is strictly not allowed. When using the kitchen, hygiene is crucial—not just for your own wellbeing, but to prevent pest infestations.
Please avoid disposing of food or oil down the sink, as this causes blockages. Repeated misuse may result in charges to your kitchen group. You're also responsible for disposing of rubbish, recycling, and food waste in the designated outdoor bins.
To support your wellbeing and maintain standards in our accommodation, kitchens are regularly inspected by the Housekeeping and Welcome Point teams. These checks focus on cleanliness, damage, and rubbish build-up. If the condition of your kitchen falls below expectations, you'll be advised on how to improve it and given a re-inspection date.
If standards don’t improve, or issues persist, the Welcome Point may arrange for professional cleaning. Any reasonable costs incurred for this service will be charged to the residents of the kitchen group.
Cleaning Your Kitchen and Equipment
Keeping your kitchen clean doesn't have to be difficult, especially with the right tools. We recommend stocking up on essentials such as rubber gloves, washing-up liquid, oven cleaner, disinfectant, microfibre cloths, and a general-purpose kitchen cleaner. Always read the labels carefully, wear protective gear if required, and never mix cleaning products as this can release harmful fumes.
Be considerate of flatmates with conditions like asthma—strong-smelling cleaners, particularly bleach-based ones, can exacerbate symptoms.
After using the oven or grill, wait for it to cool down before cleaning. Use a suitable oven cleaner as instructed, and always wear gloves. Placing aluminium foil in the grill pan can make cleaning easier. Remember to clean the grill pan and hob after use, and wipe away any spills once the rings have cooled.
Wash your dishes, pots and pans after each use and dry them before putting them away. A clean and clear sink is essential for everyone. Wipe it down after each use and never pour fat, oil, or food down the drain. Instead, let the fat cool and dispose of it in a waste bin using an empty container.
Before mopping, sweep or vacuum any loose dirt, and pre-wash sticky areas. Use hot water with the correct amount of cleaning solution, and avoid using extra detergent—it won’t clean better and can be harder to rinse. If the floor is still wet after mopping, place a warning sign to prevent slips, and wipe up any spillages straight away.
Clean the inside and outside of the fridge regularly using antibacterial cleaner. Check for excess water in the drainage tray, and dispose of any out-of-date or uneaten food promptly. Store raw meat and poultry in sealed containers to prevent contamination.
Keep surfaces clean and wipe them down after each use. Use appropriate antibacterial products and make sure food waste is disposed of properly.
Always cover food that might bubble or splash. Never put metal in the microwave, and never leave it unattended while in use. Wipe up any spills inside the microwave as soon as possible to make cleaning easier.
Empty bins regularly and never let them overflow. Use appropriate bin liners, clean the bins when needed, and make sure out-of-date food is disposed of to avoid attracting pests. Before putting containers into recycling, make sure they are clean and free from food.
If a bag splits on the way to the bin store, please clean up any spillage immediately. The University of Nottingham is committed to sustainability, and we encourage everyone to recycle wherever possible. More information on recycling can be found via our Sustainability Team.
You will also find handy QR codes on all of the equipment in your kitchen. These will help you use and look after your kitchens when you first move in.
Living in halls is a fantastic opportunity to grow as an individual, meet people from all walks of life, and learn the importance of shared responsibility. By following this guide, you’ll help create a supportive and enjoyable environment for yourself and those around you.
If you ever have questions or need help, the Welcome Point Team is always here to assist.
