During the closure period, report any maintenance issues directly to the Residences Reception as the Helpdesk will close. Reception is open 24/7 on 020 7882 6470 or at residences-reception@qmul.ac.uk.

If you live in Aspire Point, Blithehale Court or Sherren House, please follow the guidance provided at your hall.

Maintenance issues raised through the Estates Helpdesk may not be allocated until the University reopens on Monday 5 January 2026 if you email them directly.

The Residential Cleaning team will be in on specific days to clear rubbish from kitchens and carry out a limited amount of their usual duties. If you need more bin bags during the closure – please collect these from Residences Reception at Mile End, Security in the Garrod Building at Whitechapel, or Security in Dawson Hall. Cleaning Services will be operating on the following days during the closure:

Cleaning Services will be operating on the following days during the closure - residents are asked to assist in removing rubbish and recycling to ensure a plesant environment for all remaining residents:

Mile End:

• 28 December 25
• 29 December 25
• 30 December 25

Dawson Hall and Floyer House:

• 28 December 25
• 30 December 25

Aspire Point, Blithehale Court and Sherren House residents should follow the guidance for your specific hall provided by your own Reception team.

The Residences Reception at Mile End will remain open 24/7 throughout the University closure period, as will Security. You can contact Reception either in person at the Residences Reception at France House, or via email using residences-reception@qmul.ac.uk or by phone on 020 7882 6470.

Parcel Locker queries during the closure:

All queries relating to parcels submitted after 3pm on Wednesday 24 December 25 will not be answered until after the University reopens on Monday 5 January 26. Our usual 72-hour response period for queries, will not apply during this time.

If you are departing from Queen Mary and not returning, your room, kitchen (including your allocated kitchen cupboard/fridge space) and other common areas of your residence must be vacated and left completely clear of all items, food and rubbish. Extra rubbish bags are available for your use and can be collected from Residences Reception at France House, Security Reception at Dawson Hall or from the Security Office in the Garrod Building.

Additional cleaning or rubbish clearance will be charged.

Keys including access cards and post box keys must be returned in person by 10am on the last day of your licence agreement, to:

• Reception, France House, Westfield Way for Mile End residents
• Security Reception at Dawson Hall for Dawson Hall residents
• Security Office at the Garrod Building for Floyer House and Varden Street residents
• Reception, Aspire Point for Aspire Point residents
• Reception, Sherren House for Unite-Sherren House residents

Keys should be returned in person in an envelope, with your full name, student ID number, and accommodation details (name of building, flat number and room letter) written clearly on the envelope. Free envelopes will also be available at key drop-off points.

• Please do not hand in keys loosely.
• Keys that cannot be matched or identified will lead to deposit deductions. Do not leave the keys in your room, or give them to a friend to hand in on your behalf.
• You will be issued with a key receipt, which is your proof of return to avoid any charges. Any keys not returned by the end date of the licence agreement or returned late will result in additional charges (which may include a minimum charge of £120 for a lock-change, plus £35 per item; key, access card, post-box key).
• Do not return you window key.
  

Do you have items that you can’t take with you? Please take a moment to stop and think about how and where you are disposing of items. 

Have you tried giving them away to people you know? Have you tried donating them? 

If you’re not sure where to start, the Queen Mary Sutainability team have put together a handy guide on how to dispose of items responsibly – from giveaway platforms and charity shops, to resell apps and recycling information. 

Remember, it’s always preferable to swap or donate first. Disposal should be the final option, and needs to be done properly, to avoid harm to both the environment and the people handling our waste. If you have any specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on sustainability@qmul.ac.uk.

British Heart Foundation Donation Banks at the Mile End Campus and Food Donation 

Please donate your unwanted items to the British Heart Foundation donation banks*, located between Beaumont Court and Creed Court, or between Maynard and Varey House, also at Sherren House and Blithehale Court Bow Food Bank Boxes in the Zero Waste Shop and Village Shop or to the nearest charity shop. You may also consider donating any unopened and unused food items to the Queen Mary Students' Union Food Pantry for fellow students to use.

Any broken items or garbage must be disposed of in the recycling or general waste bins. 

*THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION WILL NOT ACCEPT:

• Blankets
• Carpets/Rugs
• Cushions/Pillows
• Glass
• Metal
• Paper
• Quilts
• Rags
• Rubbish
• Videos / DVDs

Here’s how you can help save energy over the break:

Switch Off

• Unplug Electronics: Chargers, kettles, and laptops still consume power when plugged in. Unplug them!
• Turn Off Lights: Check all rooms and hallways before leaving.
• Switch Off Heating: Turn off radiators and heaters, if possible.

Secure & Save

• Close Windows and Curtains: Prevent heat loss to maintain building warmth.
• Empty Your Fridge: Dispose of perishable items to reduce the amount of energy needed.

Double-Check

• Water: Ensure taps are turned off so nothing is left running, and to prevent leaks.
• Doors: Lock up securely to keep your space safe.

Every little action makes a difference! Thank you for supporting Queen Mary’s commitment to sustainability this holiday season. To get involved in more actions or initiatives related to energy-saving opportunities please get in touch with the team at sustainability@qmul.ac.uk