Maintenance in your college accommodation

If access is to your accommodation is required for routine maintenance and repairs, you will be given at least 24 hours’ notice (except in the case of emergencies). We aim to meet these standards of service wherever possible, however there are occasions where, due to circumstances beyond our control (for example due to the pandemic or Brexit), contractors may have reduced labour capacity, or experience delays in the delivery of materials.

Useful information regarding FAQ maintenance questions

My WiFi isn’t working

Please look at this page and this page for more information on how to get set up with WiFi. If you encounter further issues please contact the IT department via it-support@gtc.ox.ac.uk.

I can’t control my heating

Residents of Observatory Street and Norham Gardens should find instructions on how to use the heating system in the blue book within the accommodation. If you are unable to locate this please email accommodation@gtc.ox.ac.uk. A useful guide on how to control your radiators individually can be found here.

Heating in shared accommodation

When will the heating come on?

The heating system across our shared housing are turned on 1st October and switched off on 1st June each year. However please note that the heating will not come on until the temperature inside the building is below 19 degrees Celsius. The systems are controlled by a thermostat set to heat the house to 19 degrees Celsius and will then switch off, turning back on automatically when the temperature drops again. This should mean that your accommodation is continually at 19 degrees Celsius.

I’m too hot in my room, what can I do?

We are aware that some may prefer cooler temperatures, especially at night. All radiators across the estate, except in Observers House have Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRV’s, picture below). These allow you to control the temperature in your room to a certain degree. Turning the valve to 0 will shut your radiator off entirely with gradually warmer temperatures produced as you turn the valve through to 5 or 6. Please note that the maximum temperature your radiator will produce is 19 degrees Celsius. You can see a video explaining how to use a TRV here

I’m in Observers House, how can I influence the temperature in my room?

We are currently trialling a system called Ecosync in Observers House. You will note that instead of a traditional TRV there is a square unit in its place. This system is controlled remotely by the maintenance team. We are able to set daytime and night-time temperatures. If you would like yours adjusted please do lodge a maintenance request. We are not able to set the system to heat your room above 19 degrees Celsius.

I don’t think my radiator is working properly, what can I do?

If you think that your radiator isn’t working properly in your room or the communal areas of your accommodation please do check that it is turned on at the TRV. Remember that 0 is off and 5 or 6 is the highest setting. If it’s still not working please do log a maintenance request.

Rewley Abbey Court

If you are resident at Rewley Abbey Court please watch these video’s which demonstrates how to use your boiler and thermostat. This video about how to control your radiators via a TRV is also useful.

Please also see this video about how to maintain your shower drain to prevent floods.