Part 1: Student Accommodation
You will hear a student phoning a university accommodation office.
Lời thoại bài nghe (transcript)
Adviser: Good afternoon, Westbrook University Accommodation Office. How can I help?
Priya: Oh, hello. I'm starting a master's course in September, and I'm hoping to get a room in one of the university residences. I tried to apply online, but the form kept freezing.
Adviser: I'm sorry about that, the system's been rather slow this week. I can take your details over the phone and put the application in for you. Could I have your name first?
Priya: Yes, it's Priya Garroway.
Adviser: Could you spell your surname for me?
Priya: Sure. G-A-R-R-O-W-A-Y.
Adviser: Garroway, thank you. And which course will you be doing?
Priya: Environmental Management. It's a one-year course.
Adviser: Lovely. Now, we've got four residences for postgraduate students. Did you have any particular one in mind?
Priya: Well, I was looking at Ashby Court, because it's right next to the library.
Adviser: I'm afraid Ashby Court is already fully booked for next year. But there are still rooms in Linden House, which is only about ten minutes' walk from the main campus.
Priya: Linden House, OK. That sounds fine.
Adviser: Good. All the rooms in Linden House have their own shower and toilet, and you share a kitchen with five other students. Now, can I ask what your budget is for rent?
Priya: I wrote down a maximum of 160 pounds a week, but actually, now that I've worked out my other costs, I'd rather not go above 145.
Adviser: 145, that's fine. The standard rooms in Linden House are 138 pounds a week, so that's within your budget. The larger rooms are 152, so I'll put you down for a standard one.
Priya: Great. Does that include bills?
Adviser: Electricity, heating and water are all included, and so is the internet. The one thing you'd pay for separately is the laundry. There are machines in the basement that you pay for with an app.
Priya: That's fine. Oh, one thing I should mention: I cycle everywhere, so I'll need somewhere to keep a bicycle.
Adviser: No problem, there's a secure shed behind the building. You just need to register it with the porter when you arrive. Anything else we should know? Any medical needs, for example?
Priya: Not medical, but I am vegan, if that's relevant.
Adviser: It's not really, since Linden House is self-catered, but I'll make a note of it in case you join the meal plan later. Now, the length of the contract. Most postgraduate contracts run for 42 weeks, but as your course is a full calendar year, you might prefer the 51-week option.
Priya: Yes, I'll need the longer one, because I'll be writing my dissertation over the summer.
Adviser: 51 weeks, then. And when would you like to move in? The residences open on the 12th of September.
Priya: My flight arrives on the 12th, but quite late at night, so I think the 14th would be better.
Adviser: The 14th of September, that's fine. Reception is open until eight in the evening. And finally, a contact number?
Priya: Yes, it's 07700 918 263.
Adviser: 07700 918 263. Thank you. Now, just a few more things you need to know. To secure the room, you'll have to pay a deposit of 250 pounds within seven days of receiving your offer. That's refunded at the end of your contract, as long as there's no damage.
Priya: OK. And is there anything I need to send you?
Adviser: Yes. We'll need a copy of your passport, and also your offer letter from the department, to confirm that you're a registered student. Your bank details won't be needed until you arrive.
Priya: Right. And what about the room itself? Is there anything I should bring?
Adviser: Every room comes with a bed, a desk, a chair and a wardrobe, plus a duvet and pillow. Most students bring their own towels and kitchen equipment. One thing we'd ask is that you don't bring your own kettle or any other electrical items for cooking in your bedroom, because of the fire regulations. There's everything you need in the shared kitchen.
Priya: That makes sense. Thank you so much, you've been really helpful.
Adviser: You're welcome. You'll get an email confirming everything within forty-eight hours.
