By
ResLife Bath
Posted 3 weeks ago
Thu 02 Oct, 2025 10:10 AM
The temperature has changed, salads have been swapped for soups and the waterproof boots are on. Staying warm and keeping ventilated in your accommodation during colder months will keep your environment cosy and help your overall wellbeing. Embrace some of these strategies to ensure your accommodation becomes a warm and welcoming space throughout the winter months.
Understanding your heating
The heating in your accommodation might work a little differently from what you’re used to. Take a moment to get to know how it works so you can stay comfortable.
Your bedroom heating is easy to use and has four settings:
- LOW: 18°C
- MED: 19°C
- HIGH: 20°C
- BOOST: 21°C
The thermostat on the wall has a little sensor on the front. This helps save energy by checking if the room is being used (it looks for movement and CO₂). The heating will pause if no one is in the room for 30 minutes, or if the window is open. Don’t worry—it will start up again automatically when you come back in and close the window.
Report any concerns: If you feel that your room temperature is below 16 degrees centigrade, please let us know and we will get the report of your room’s temperature from Campus Infrastructure to identify if there is a problem.
The heating provided in your accommodation meets the University's thermal comfort policy.
The heating is turned off overnight, and your room will stay at a minimum of 16°C and won’t go above 21°C between 7am and midnight.
Radiators may sometimes feel only warm (or even switch off) once your room reaches 21°C, this is normal and means the system is doing its job. During the summer months, the heating is switched off completely.
Report any concerns: If you feel that your room temperature is below 16 degrees centigrade, please let us know and we will get the report of your room’s temperature from Campus Infrastructure to identify if there is a problem.
The heating provided in your accommodation meets the University's thermal comfort policy.
Ventilate your rooms
It is important to ventilate your space, even if it is cold outside. Leaving your windows and bathroom doors constantly closed causes decreased airflow and increases mould, condensation and poor air quality. You don't need to have your windows open all the time, but it is sensible to get in the habit of opening them once a day for a short while.
Keeping warm during the night
Make sure you stay warm at night and make your bed winter ready. Layer it with extra blankets, cosy throws, weighted blankets and a higher tog duvet to keep warm at night. Thermal or flannel bedsheets can also make a significant difference in retaining body heat.
Buy a hot bottle
Hot water bottles are a cheap and easy way to keep yourself warm. You can order one online or buy one from most large supermarkets. Fill the hot water bottle with hot water and place it in your bed before sleeping to retain the heat. Always use a cover on the hot water bottle and don't use boiling water straight from the kettle. Browse hot water bottles.
Layer up
Layering isn’t just for your bed. Make sure you have sweaters, jumpers and socks to keep yourself warm indoors. Take layers with you when you are out and about, and don't hesitate to wrap up, especially in the evenings. Wearing hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks keep extremities warm when travelling to and from lectures.
Cook together
Enjoy some communal cooking sessions. Using the kitchen not only provides warm meals but also generates heat. We love hearty soups, sausage casserole and chilli con carne. Cooking together can be a fun and easy way to socialise with your flatmates while keeping your communal space warm.
Stay active
Engage in physical activity to generate body heat. Exercise, even if it's just a little, can help keep you warm.
Hot drinks as warmers
Stock up on hot beverages like tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Not only do they warm you up from the inside, but they also provide comfort during study sessions.
