Beech Court - Hostel

There are some good points: the rooms are nice, there’s enough space, and the staff are friendly. But reception is closed most of the time, and the fire alarms are a serious problem. They go off on random nights, often around midnight or in the early morning, for reasons nobody explains. Then you’re left outside in the cold and rain for more than half an hour. They email about upcoming events, but never explain why an alarm went off or whether there’ll be a penalty. Nobody takes responsibility or answers complaint and report emails. In summer, many master’s students stay there, and the administration seems to assume they’ll be gone in a few months. Renovations and repairs were delayed, and emails went unanswered. The courts are also used to house middle and high school students from abroad, like a hotel, making the place noisy. Again, we aren’t told about this by email. Staff who come into rooms sometimes leave without locking the doors. Residents should normally get an email beforehand when staff need to enter, but that often didn’t happen. Nobody takes responsibility for the unlocked doors either.

I lived there in 2021-2022. The room was great, and the staff were mostly friendly and helpful. Facilities and security were relatively good, but cleaning and maintenance weren’t. The washing machines were poorly maintained and troublesome, and new ones only went in at the end of the academic year. Rooms sometimes got cleaned just once every two months because cleaners were understaffed, and there seemed to be no intention of fixing that.

A male staff member accused me of smoking outside the building at night, which wasn't true. I don't smoke, and I had spent the whole day in my room. What kind of attitude is that, blaming me without evidence?

The apartments are relatively new and nice, and some of the staff are good. That's what the two stars are for. The big problem is the constant, nonsensical fire alarms. They send everyone outside to stand around, usually in below-zero temperatures, while staff shout at you like you're sheep. It's a very expensive place, and for that money there are too many problems, too many pointless alarms, and too many staff who leave their good manners at home. Avoid it if you can.