Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about living at GradPad
Arranging a Viewing
Can I come and take a look at the accommodation before I book?
Yes, of course. Our show flats are open between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). To book a viewing, please complete our online contact form.
Future Residents
Can I cancel my studio if I don't get a visa?
Yes. If you don’t get a visa, or don’t get a place on your course, then you can cancel your studio and receive your £200 deposit back. Evidence may be required.
Can I cancel my studio if I defer university for a year? What happens to my deposit?
You are welcome to cancel your studio, but as this would be your choice to defer university, you are not eligible for the deposit to be refunded.
Can I cancel my studio before I move in?
All cancellation requests must be made before the start date of the Licence period. Please email the team for more information. The cancellation policy can also be found in your licence agreement.
I want to come and view the studios before moving in
The first thing to do is check out our virtual tours! We’ve recently recorded some extra video tours! Email us if you would like to see these as well. If you still want to come and view the building in person, please get in contact and we can discuss the process and book an appointment for you. In person viewings are by appointment only.
Booking and Tenancy
Who can live at GradPad?
GradPad is available exclusively to full-time postgraduate* students studying at a London university. *please be aware that a postgraduate student is considered to be someone who is studying at level 7 or above.
How do I book a studio?
You can book a studio in three simple steps. Simply choose your preferred location and studio type, pay a fully refundable holding deposit and submit your details online. You’re then ready to move in once your contract begins.
What other information will I need to provide?
Using our secure online portal you’ll need to review and accept your contract (Accommodation Licence). You’ll also need to upload: A profile photo, a copy of your passport, a copy of your UK student visa (if applicable), and copy of University Offer Letter. If you’re paying your rent in instalments your Guarantor will need to provide: Guarantor’s proof of UK address, passport, and UK permanent visa/residence card (if applicable).
Can I share a studio with someone else?
Our Premium Studio options are available to share as long as both you and your co-tenant are over 18 and studying a full-time, postgraduate course in London. Simply tell us the name of the second resident and provide evidence of their student status when you book. Please note that Premium Studios only contain a double bed.
Can I change the name of my co-tenant as often as I like?
You must tell us the name of the co-tenant when you book your room. This can be changed once during the term of the license subject to an admin fee, which is currently £50.
What happens if I book a studio but I'm not able to study in London?
If you don’t get a place at your chosen university or your student visa application is unsuccessful, we will refund you the full deposit amount. Simply tell us in writing, enclosing documents from the university, at least 30 days before the start of your tenancy.
What happens if I book a studio but I've changed my mind?
If you change your mind, just let us know in writing within 10 days of receiving your formal offer from GradPad in order to receive a full refund of your deposit. This doesn’t apply to tenancies where the Accommodation Licence has been accepted by the future tenant prior to the 10-day cooling off expiry date.
What's the contract length?
You can find available contract lengths on our property pages under rooms.
When can I move in?
You’re able to move in anytime on or after the start of your contract, but not before. If you’ll be arriving on a different day to the start of your contract, just let us know so that we can make the necessary arrangements to welcome you when you arrive. Unfortunately we’re not able to extend contracts, so please select a start date that best aligns with your course dates.
I need to move out early. Now what happens?
You can move out whenever you’re ready, but you’ll still need to pay your rent until the end of your contract. If you wish to leave your contract early for any reason, you’ll need to find a like-for-like replacement (a postgraduate student studying at a London university) in order to do so. This also applies for students who wish to be released from their contract for field trips or overseas projects.
Can I choose which floor to live on?
Studios are allocated on a first come first served basis. When you book, you’ll see all of the available options, simply select your preferred floor from the options available. We make every effort to accommodate special requests. If you have a preference, please let us know in the special requirements box when booking.
When will I find out my room number?
You’ll be given your room number when you move in. Please don’t arrange for items to be delivered before your move in date as we’re unable to store anything that arrives before you do.
Payments
When is my first rent payment due?
Your first payment is due 30 days before your contract start date.
I've paid my deposit, is my studio guaranteed?
Your studio is reserved as soon as you pay the £200 holding deposit. We’ll then send you an official offer via email within 7 days to confirm the room type, contract dates and rent amount. To guarantee your studio, you’ll need to accept the offer of accommodation within 10 days. Please note the Accommodation Licence becomes legally binding as soon as you accept it on your GradPad portal, regardless of this being before the 10-day cooling off period expiry date.
Can I pay my rent in instalments?
Yes, you can pay your rent in 4 instalments as long as you have a UK-based guarantor. If you don’t have a UK-based guarantor, you’ll need to pay your rent in full at least 30 days before your tenancy begins.
What is a UK-based guarantor?
A guarantor is someone who will sign your contract and agrees to be liable for your rent if you don’t make the payments. They’ll need to live and work in the UK full-time, usually a friend or family member.
Are there any hidden charges?
No, there are no hidden charges! If you choose to have a TV in your studio or watch live TV on your computer, tablet or smartphone you’re required by law to buy a TV license. Laundry facilities are available on site at an additional cost.
What if I don't have a guarantor?
We’ve partnered with Housing Hand, which provides a guarantor service for students. For more information or to apply, please visit Housing Hand or call +44 (0)20 7205 2625.
What's included in my rent?
Your rent includes all of your utility bills (gas, electric and water), Wi-Fi and contents insurance. There is also free-of-charge access to all on-site facilities, such as the gym, concierge service and social spaces.
Will I get my deposit back when I move out?
Yes, your security deposit (£200) will be refunded to you when you move out, provided there is no damage to your studio.
I paid my £200 deposit more than 7 days ago, but still have not received my contract. Is something wrong?
No, in some cases it can take a little longer for offers to be sent out. If you still haven’t received your offer within 14 days please contact us.
Living at GradPad
How fast is the internet connection?
Internet speeds vary by property. Griffon Studios has internet up to 100Mb, and Wood Lane Studios has 1 Gbps wired internet with Wi-Fi up to 300 Mbps. Wi-Fi is available throughout our properties including all common areas and outside spaces.
Do you have accessible studios available?
Yes. We have a number of wheelchair accessible studios available, each of which are reserved until 1st August every year. After this date accessible rooms are released for standard occupancy.
What will happen to my post?
All post is delivered to our 24-hour concierge staff. Each resident has access to a lockable post box for letters and small parcels. Larger packages can be collected from reception. Please do not arrange for post to be delivered to you before you move in, as we’re unable to store anything that arrives before you do!
Will I be able to securely store my bike?
Yes, large indoor bike storage is available at both residences.
Am I allowed to smoke in my studio?
No, our residences are all strictly non-smoking.
What furniture is included in the studio?
Studios are fitted with: Bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, shelves, sofa chair, drawer unit, internet data point, TV point, breakfast bar with stools or dining table and chairs, kitchenette with fridge/freezer, microwave oven with grill, 2 ring ceramic hob and extractor fan, kitchen sink and cupboards, and en-suite with shower cubicle, toilet and sink, shaver socket, towel rails and bathroom cabinet.
Do I have to share a bathroom?
No, all of our studios have a private en-suite bathroom.
Will there be bedding, kitchen appliances and utensils supplied in my studio?
Most students prefer to bring their own bedding and kitchen items, so we don’t provide these. When you move in you’ll need to bring your own bedding, plates, cutlery and other necessary items. If you’d prefer to have your essential items delivered to your studio before you arrive, our partner UniKitOut can do just that. You can also take advantage of our 10% discount, by using the code GRAD10.
Is there a cleaning service available?
All communal areas are cleaned daily. You are responsible for cleaning your studio. However, there is a cleaning service available at an additional cost. If you’d like to use this service, please contact reception.
Is there a curfew?
No, you’re welcome to come and go as you please.
What do I do if something in my studio breaks?
Use our maintenance app MM Helpdesk App to report any issues. From repairing leaking taps to replacing light bulbs. Simply report on the app what the problem is and they’ll arrange for the team to fix it as soon as possible.
Are there laundry facilities on site?
All residences have 24-hour laundry facilities (charges apply) with extra large washing and drying machines, which are managed by our partners, Circuit laundry. Circuit offers a handy app where you can check machine availability, track your wash and top-up your payment card online.
Do I have to pay extra to use the gym?
No, access to the gym is included in the price of your rent. All you’ll need to do is complete a short sign-up form before you can start using the gym.
Do I need a TV license?
If you have a TV in your room or watch live TV on your computer, tablet or smartphone you’ll need to purchase a TV license by law.
Is insurance included with my studio?
By partnering with Howden, the No.1 student insurance provider, we’ve arranged free contents insurance for all our students staying with us. It is important all students confirm their cover to ensure you understand what is and isn’t covered.
Is there anywhere to park my car?
Unfortunately there is no car parking at either of our residences. However, both residences are only minutes away from the nearest bus stop and train stations. It may be possible to park a motorcycle or scooter at Wood Lane Studios at the discretion of the Management Team.
Can I have a guest to stay?
Yes. You’re able to host up to two guests in your studio at any one time. Overnight guests can stay for up to 14 nights in a month. All guests will need to sign in at reception when they arrive and will be expected to follow the property rules and respect fellow residents.
Can I have my groceries delivered to site?
Yes. Groceries can be delivered to the reception area, but you are to ensure that you are available to take receipt of the delivery. Delivery drivers are not to be given access to the flats.
Moving In
What do I need to bring with me when I move in?
You’ll need to bring the following items with you when you move in: Your booking confirmation, your passport as photo ID, and your personal items and anything else you’d like to bring to make you feel at home.
Can I have my luggage delivered before I arrive?
Storage space is extremely limited, so we can only accept deliveries from UniKitOut before your contract begins.
Can I move in early?
The earliest you can move in is 9 am on the first day of your contract. We offer a choice of four move in dates per year, so you’ll be able to select the best move in date for you.
What time can I move in?
You’re able to move in anytime after 9 am on your move-in date. If you are planning to arrive after 5 pm or at a later date, please let us know so we can arrange for a member of the team to greet you.
Do you offer an airport pick-up service?
Unfortunately we don’t offer a scheduled airport shuttle service. You can pre-book taxi services directly to your studio. We recommend ATC taxis for transfers to Griffon Studios +44 (0)20 7223 5000 and Regal Cars for Wood Lane Studios +44 (0)20 7229 8884.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help answer any questions you may have