Can I stay at Victoria House and not pay for meals?

No, this option is not available. It is up to the individual resident whether they attend meals or not, but they still have to pay for them.

I am a vegan and have allergies to various food items. Can I have a meal prepared to meet my needs?

Whilst we can provide for some dietary requirements people with specific requirements should carefully consider if Victoria House is the right place for them.

My friend would like to move into the Hall. There is a free room in my corridor. Is it OK if they move in?

No, the manager has residents organised for every room and there may be a good reason why the room is empty. All applications for Halls have to go through the accommodation office.

My friend is arriving in Wellington today and is looking for somewhere to stay. Can they stay with me while they are looking for more permanent accommodation?

You can have guests in your room for no more than two nights. If this is happening then they need to pay a $5 deposit on the mattress and $2 per night. If they are going to eat here then they need to purchase meal tickets for every meal.

Are we allowed to smoke in our rooms?

No, the rooms have smoke alarms in them. If you smoke in your rooms you will activate the fire alarm. The only area people may smoke in is outside the fire exit door by the red skip bin.

Can we drink in our rooms?

Yes, you can drink in your rooms. However, remember each resident is responsible for any guests in their room. Thus, if they have too many people in their room and the ‘party’ gets out of hand, then the room occupant is responsible. Therefore, do not have more people than you can control in your room. As a general rule of thumb this is approximately 3 people. Also remember quiet hours are from 10.00pm 7 days a week. If you wish to continue drinking after this time I suggest you go into town.

Can I swap rooms with another resident?

Nobody is allowed to swap rooms in the first four weeks. After this time, you may swap rooms with another resident with the permission of the manager.

Can I have a car park (either for the weekend or for the duration of tenure)?

The resident needs to talk to Pat in the office. Refer to the Rates page for current parking prices.

Can I leave Victoria House?

Yes, but you must write a letter to the manager asking to be placed on a wait list. This term may be reduced if the resident can find another occupant for the room.

I injured myself playing rugby. Can I have some plasters?

Victoria House has supplies for accidents that occur at Victoria House and whilst we will assist we strongly advise that residents bring their own first aid supplies for such situations.

I am expecting a fax/parcel. How and when can I pick it up?

Faxes are displayed in the office window and the recipient’s name is written on the white board. The same process applies for parcels, except parcels are held in the office. Parcels can be picked up from the office between reception hours of 9.30am – 2.00pm and the RA office hour between 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Outside office hours the residents need to make arrangements with the duty RA.

I am expecting a phone call from someone, can we take a message?

The office number is not a line used for people to contact residents. At the beginning of the year residents are encouraged to pass on the phone number of their floor to friends and family. If people do ring the office looking for particular residents we generally give them the number for the floor. There is generally someone on the floor who answers the phone and can pass on the message.

I need to go to the hospital/doctor, can you give me a lift?

Students should attempt to make their own way to the hospital or get assistance from other residents; if this is not possible then an RA will assist and ensure that they get to their destination. Any costs incurred by Victoria House are then forwarded on to the Resident to repay.

Can I please have some paper?

Paper may be supplied for the photocopier or printers, but please be sensible. The residents association have paid for 8 reams at the beginning of the year and obviously it is almost impossible to keep track of the amount taken, but we will have a rough idea. Once we believe their supplies have been used, we may start charging 10c a sheet. Office stationary is not for resident use, but again be sensible. We don’t mind them using the stapler for an Assignment, but stapling together multiple documents is taking it too far. Once again, use your judgement!

Where is the laundry/TV room/games room/music room/bike room/computer facilities/lounges?

These facilities can be found on the Beatrice level of Wallis House. The Beatrice TV room is by the bedrooms on Beatrice floor. The computer suite is also located here. For the other facilities, go down the steps instead of going to the bedrooms and go through the door on your right. There is another door directly ahead of you, go through this to access the laundry (for which you will have a key), the music and bike rooms (for which you will need to obtain a key from the office). Instead of going through this door you can turn to your left to find the games room and sky TV lounge. The computer with internet access is located on the ground floor of Gibb. There is a lounge on the ground floor of Pope House and another lounge on the ground floor of Gibb. The daily papers are delivered to the Pope lounge.

Where can I find a Residential Assistant?

Their rooms are on the first, second and third floor of Wallis wing, on the first floor of Gibb house, and the first floor of Bennett One.

My heater does not work?

As obvious as it may sound ensure the heater is switched on and the thermostat is turned up. If neither of these actions make any difference then record the problem in the diary and the manager will contact the servicemen to repair it.

I have lost ……. Do you know where it is?

If the item was lost in the kitchen/dining area then it is possible that the kitchen will have it. If not, then lost property is held in the office and the item is written on the board. An alternative is for the resident to put up a notice asking if anyone has seen the item.

There is 8 weeks left in the year and my exams finish in the first week. Can I hand in my notice and not pay for the last two weeks?

No, the purpose of the length of notice is to provide the manager with enough time to find a student to replace you. This is not going to happen at the end of the year. In addition, when you accepted your offer of residence you signed a contract stating your intention to reside in Victoria House for 38 weeks and to pay for board for that period.

I am hungry between meals and want to make a snack. Can I use the kitchen or should I use the kitchenette facility?

The kitchen and its facilities are not available for residents use. The kitchenettes are provided for residents to make snacks. There is a microwave on every floor as well as an electric jug. The residents are not to use electric frying pans or any other cooking equipment in this area as this can (and often does) set off the smoke detectors. There are toasters in the dining hall for residents use and these are available all day. If residents wish to use their own toasted sandwich makers then they can use them in the dining hall.