Community life & communal spaces

Communal spaces and facilities differ between residences. This page explains where to find the local rules, how to get involved and whom to contact with questions.

Depending on the location, there may be study or group rooms, event spaces, music rooms, gyms or workshop areas. Inclusion in this list does not mean that every residence has the space or that it is available at all times.

Open the official residence descriptions

The residence council has overall responsibility for self-managed communal facilities. Depending on the local constitution, it may delegate the day-to-day running of a space or activity to a working group, such as the bar team, gym group or cinema group. The group then organises day-to-day operations within the delegated remit; fundamental responsibility and decisions remain with the residence council.

Procedures therefore differ between residences. Keys may be issued in person or kept at a designated location; rooms may be freely accessible or booked using a list or local system. A deposit, confirmation of use or special handover may also be required. The relevant rules of use and current local contact are authoritative.

1. Is the room freely accessible or must it be booked?
2. Who issues keys or confirms the booking?
3. What times, group sizes and types of use are permitted?
4. How must the room be cleaned and handed back afterwards?
5. Where do you report a fault or damage?

Do not pass on a key or transponder, and do not open a booked room for another group. Report damage through the designated local or official route.

If student self-government or a working group acting on its behalf manages spaces or events, it is the right local contact for bookings and use. It is not residence management or an emergency technical service; technical damage must still be reported to residence management using the designated route.

Student self-government: responsibilities and participation

1. Raise a specific problem early and respectfully if it is safe and reasonable to do so.
2. Depending on the subject, then ask student self-government or a residence adviser to mediate.
3. Contact residence management about repeated breaches of rules and operational, technical or contractual questions.
4. Involve the head of the responsible housing department only if a serious case remains stuck despite documented attempts to resolve it through the normal route, or if a formally superior decision is required.
5. Use advice services if the situation is affecting you personally or the right route remains unclear.

For threats, violence or immediate danger, skip this organisational route and use the appropriate emergency and safety contact.