Birmingham Check-In Information | true student

WELCOME

Checking-in at true Birmingham

Check-in day is fast approaching and the team can't wait to welcome you at true Birmingham! We know moving home can be stressful which is why a member of our friendly team will be there to greet you as you arrive and aim to ensure a quick, friendly and smooth check-in experience!

Check in time is from 10am on the day your contract starts. Our team is available 24/7 so don’t worry If you will be arriving late!

How to contact us

Team members are available onsite 24 hours a day.

 

If a member of team true isn't around when you need them, just call us on 0121 289 3056​ (option 2) or for any general enquiries please email:​ birminghamteam@truestudent.com. 


If you there is anything our on-site team cannot help you with in the first instance, and you need to speak to a member of our management team, you can contact the General Manager and Assistant Manager directly using the details below: 


General Manager, Sid Saxena: sid.saxena@truestudent.com.

Assistant Manager, Nicole Spencer: nicole.spencer@truestudent.com.

Meet the team

Sid

General Manager

I am Sid, General Manager at true Birmingham. I have over 14 years hotelier experience and have a passion for guest service, experience and delivery. I am a natural leader who motivates the team to achieve operational excellence each and every day. How you feel when you live with us is important to me, so I welcome any feedback you have to make your stay even better! I am also First Aid and Mental Health First Aid trained so you know where to come If I can offer you any support.

Nicole

Assistant General Manager

Hi, I'm Nicole and I have 11 years hospitality experience and day to day, you can usually find me amongst all the action leading the team to deliver amazing service and guest experience. We believe your time at true should be memorable and we encourage you to get out of your room, meet new friends and fully embrace the experience. Our true life events support this so come along and join the fun! I am First Aid and Mental Health First Aid trained and love a good chat, so please come and say hi!

Susan

Receptionist

I am Susan, I work at the reception of true Birmingham. I am from China but have been living for many years in Birmingham. I know it can be hard living away from home, If you're feeling homesick feel free to come and have a chat with me. I am outgoing and enthusiastic and always on hand to provide any assistance that you may need. I can usually be found at the welcome desk or around the festival zone and always try to go above and beyond to ensure we can meet the specific needs of each of our guests! I am also First Aid trained.

Freya

Guest Experience Assistant

I'm Freya, I'm the guest experience assistant here at true. You'll find me in the welcome hub or hosting events. I am here to make sure that you have a fun experience staying here at true. I am looking forward to meeting you all in September and hearing your suggestions for events!

Lee

Guest Experience Assistant

Hi I’m Lee. I work as a guest experience assistant at true Birmingham, I’m here to make sure you have the best stay while you’re with us, organising all your events alongside Freya. I’m always around for event suggestions or even just for a chat!

Marcelyn

Housekeeper

Hi I'm Marcelyn, Housekeeper for true Birmingham. I work closely with my other housekeeping team members to ensure that you have a clean and safe environment whilst you're staying with us!

Mohima

Housekeeper

I am Mohima, I'm also part of the Housekeeping team here at true. I am student myself, so I understand how difficult it can be to live away from home for the first time. Not only do I keep the building clean and tidy, I also enjoy taking the time to chat with fellow students every day!

Randi

Housekeeper

Hi, I am Randi. I am a housekeeper for true Birmingham. My role is to ensure that you have a clean and tidy environment during your stay with us, making it feel as comfortable and welcoming as home!

Isaar

Night Concierge

I am Isaar and I am part of the Night Concierge team. I am a night owl, so very active when everyone else is usually asleep. I help keep the accommodation safe and secure. I have a hands-on approach which allows me to respond quickly to any issues that may arise throughout the night. I am also First Aid trained.

Hok

Night concierge

I am Hok and I am also part of the Night Concierge team. I help keep the accommodation safe and secure and respond quickly to any issues that may arise throughout the night. I am also First Aid trained.

Mohammed

Night Concierge

I am Mohammed and I am the third member of the Night Concierge team. I work at the weekends to help keep you feeling safe and looked-after! I am also First Aid trained.

FAQ

Pre-arrival requirements: What do I need to do before I arrive?

Complete onboarding

By this stage you should have already signed your contract and confirmed your guarantor. This MUST be complete ahead of arrival or this will delay your check-in. You will not be able to check in until your Guarantor is confirmed and your advance rent payment has been made.

Confirm your arrival date and time

Check-in day can be busy for everyone! To allow us to better prepare and ensure a smooth check in experience, it is important to know when you are planning to arrive. If you have not already done so, let us know hereYou don’t need to let us know If you are running a few hours late, these things can happen!

Download our true student+ app!

Download true student+ here (iOS).

The essential true student+ app will be your go-to for anything true-related. You can log into your true student account, report maintenance, sign-up to trueLife events, meet and chat with your neighbours, and more…

Upload your student ID

If you already have your student ID, upload it in advance on the true student+ app or via your online true student account. Don’t worry If you have not received your student ID by the time you come to check in, this can be uploaded within 5 days of check in.

Confirm your FREE Endsleigh contents insurance cover

It’s easy to underestimate the value of your possessions, and we're not just talking about your laptop and phone! Items such as clothes, hairdryers and other smaller gadgets, like Fitbits and watches can all add up. Should something happen to your most important possessions, you'll likely want them replaced - and as soon as possible.

The great news is that true student provides FREE contents insurance for the students who live with us, by partnering with Endsleigh, the No.1 student insurance provider.

It is important you review the policy certificate, key facts and confirm your cover here.

FAQ

Helpful Arrival Information

What time can I check in?

You can check in from 10am on the day that your contract starts. If you arrive earlier, we will always try to accommodate an earlier check in where possible but this cannot be guaranteed.

When is the welcome desk open?

A team member will be available 24-hours per day. If a team member isn’t available at the welcome desk when you visit, just call the number at the desk and someone will assist you.

What is true Birmingham's address?

true Birmingham
45 Upper Dean Street
Birmingham
B5 4SJ
what3words /// speaks.remind.jams

How do I get to true Birmingham

We are situated between Chinatown and Birmingham's rag/fresh food market. We do have a small parking area (4 parking spaces), however you will need to come to the welcome hub and inform us how long you will be parking so we can make sure everyone is catered for. The parking and the cycle storage is secured, and we have 24h CCTV on every public area. 

 

There are bus stations next to the building:

  • 400m to Birmingham coach station (~ 10 mins)
  • 400m to Bullring & Grand Central (~ 6 mins)
  • 400m to New Street Station (~ 6 mins)
  • 15km to Birmingham airport (~ 25 mins)

Is there car parking at true Birmingham?

We have limited car parking spaces at true Birmingham available to be pre-booked for the academic year. Parking is strictly for those who have reserved and booked a space with us. Please avoid using car parking bays at any time during your stay. If you wish to book a car parking space (subject to availability), please contact our sales team.  

Where can I park/unload at true Birmingham?

If you are arriving by car, there is a small drop off area at the front of the accommodation that can be used to drop items off/unload kerbside only. The closest car park to the accommodation is the Arcadian Car Park: Bromsgrove Street B5 4TD (Parking charges apply).

What items will be provided in my room?

ALL students are provided with a brand new mattress protector in their room.

If you have a shared apartment kitchen, to get you and your flatmates started and to help establish positive kitchen hygiene practices, each shared kitchen is provided with the below items:

  • A per person starter set – dinner plate, side plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, teaspoons, mugs, glasses
  • 4 Piece Nylon Set - Slotted Spoon, Slotted Turner, Soup Ladle, Whisk
  • Plastic Chopping Board, Clear (30/20cm)
  • Induction Frying Pan (20cm) & Induction Saucepan (18cm)
  • Kettle & toaster
  • Mop & bucket
  • Dustpan & brush

How will I find my room?

Our onsite team will be on hand to ensure you get to where you need to go after you check in, but we suggest reviewing the accommodation floor plans in advance of check in. To view our floorplans, click here.

How do I contact the true Birmingham team?

You can call the team on 0121 289 3056 (option 2) or email birminghamteam@truestudent.com.

FAQ

Other useful information

Do I need to pay council tax?

true student are not responsible for paying council tax, this is the sole responsibility of the tenant. If you are a full time student, you can however apply for an exemption.

To count as a full-time student, your course must:

  • Last at least 1 year
  • Involve at least 21 hours of study per week

If you study for a qualification up to A level and you’re under 20, your course must:

  • Last at least 3 months
  • Involve at least 12 hours study per week

Find out more about council tax here.

If you have any queries about Council Tax or you receive a council tax bill you believe is incorrect, it is important that you discuss this with the relevant local authority at the very earliest opportunity.

Do I need a TV licence in my bedroom or shared kitchen?

Where TVs are provided in communal spaces, they already have a TV licence. If there is a TV installed in your room, you will need to buy a TV Licence yourself. This is also the case if there is a TV in your shared kitchen, in which case you and your flatmates will need to arrange this. You require a TV Licence if you:

  • Watch or record live programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel. 
  • Watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.).
  • You do not need a TV license to stream on demand programmes, unless they are on BBC iPlayer.

This applies to any device you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder. If you’re planning to use a phone, tablet or a laptop to watch TV, you are a UK citizen and your parents have a licence at home, you do not need to buy an additional TV Licence.

You can buy a TV Licence at the Post Office, or online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk.

How do I know what is expected of me when I live at true student?

It is important to read and understand the contents of the true student House Rules. As a tenant living at true, the house rules form part of your contractual obligations, so it is important they are adhered to at all times. You can review the house rules here. The onsite team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Further important information can be found in the home from home section within our student handbook – you can check it out here.

Can friends and family visit me?

Yes, of course. true is your home and your guests are welcome to visit you. For health and safety reasons, visitors need to sign/out at the welcome desk. We ask that any guests that you bring to the accommodation respect both the property and the true community whilst they are visiting, as you are responsible for the behaviour of any guests you bring to true. Guests are only permitted in communal spaces when accompanied by yourself. Guests are not permitted to use the Gym at any time.

Can I have overnight guests to stay?

Overnight guests are welcome from time to time and are permitted to stay no longer than 2 consecutive nights per week. If you are living in an apartment, please first consult with your flat mates to ensure they have no objections. If you have any longer-term requests, please discuss this with the accommodation's General Manager. Your guests are required to sign in/out at the welcome desk. You are responsible for the behaviour of any guests you bring to true and are only permitted in communal spaces when accompanied by yourself. Guests are not permitted to use the Gym at any time.

What do I need to do to access the gym?

Before using the gym, you will be required to complete a PAR Q form. Forms are available from the welcome desk once you have checked-in.

What wellbeing support is available to me?

Wellbeing lies at the heart of what we do and with this in mind, our team are trained to offer advice that helps our guests to overcome a range of issues. We have team members specifically trained on Mental Health First Aid, however if you are struggling with your mental health, we would encourage you to discuss any concern with your University who will have a range of mental health support available to you.

We host a variety of weekly trueLife events that are centred around community, health and wellbeing. Guests can join weekly fitness classes, cooking classes, away days and much, much more. Our tailored events help our guests to settle into their new living environment and meet new friends.

In addition, once you have confirmed your Endsleigh Insurance cover, you have access to mental health and wellbeing support via 24/7 access to counsellors, 365 days a year. You can also speak with legal and financial advisors for practical information. 

Move-in essentials

We have partnered with Unpacked so you can create your own pack of uni essentials. If you choose delivery to your new true student home, the pack you create will be waiting for you in your room when you arrive!

We provide free contents cover

It’s easy to underestimate the value of your possessions, and we're not just talking about your laptop and phone. Items such as your clothes, hairdryers and other smaller gadgets, like Fitbits and watches can all add up. Should something happen to your most important possessions, you'll likely want them replaced - and as soon as possible.

 

The great news is that true student include free contents insurance for all the students who live with us, by partnering with Endsleigh, the No.1 student insurance provider.


Not only are your personal belongings taken care of, but through Endseligh our guests also have access to wellbeing support with a 24 hour, confidential helpline that includes: 


24/7 access – The confidential helpline is available to access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.


Support – Unlimited calls to help you deal with a host of issues including emotional problems, stress, anxiety, education pressures, relationships and addiction 


Bereavement Support – Experienced counsellors who can help with grief and related stress 


Medical Information – Qualified nurses are on hand to offer advise on a range of medical or health related issues such as sexual health and substance misuse. They can’t diagnose but can offer a sympathetic ear and practical information and advice.