Is it true that the lights cannot be turned off in the cinema room?

“We modified the cinema room and now the lights can be controlled manually.”

Is it true that the heating cannot be set below twenty degrees?

“The temperature of the homes in Haven can be set between 20 and 24 degrees. We use underfloor heating as our main system in these homes (in the towers additional heating is provided through ventilation). With underfloor heating, working with a constant temperature is recommended. Turning the underfloor heating off and on again at different times a day is less energy efficient.”

Is it true that the washing machines have only one program and therefore cannot be adjusted?

“The washing machine is set to one program. By choosing a default program, we can keep reservations manageable because each cycle take the same amount of time. Virtually all laundry can be washed with this cycle, except for wool and very special delicate laundry.”

The washing machines are perceived as too expensive. What is the rate based on?

“The rate is based on a number of components. Of course, the investment in machines. This includes the choice of professional washing machines that also meet all quality and durability requirements. There are also costs such as energy, water, maintenance, repairs, and the app in which you can easily make reservations and pay securely. All this leads to the rate per cycle.”

Is it true that nothing may be hung on the walls, including paintings?

“Residents may furnish and decorate the homes as they see fit. If residents want to hang a painting they can do so by using the poster bar on the walls. With this poster bar we avoid frequent drilling in the walls.”

There are only three parking spaces in front of the buildings. Is it possible to construct more parking spaces?

“Vestide only owns and manages the buildings and has nothing to do with the parking spaces. TU/e is in charge of those.”

Many residents are very enthusiastic about the community rooms, but Pollux residents do indicate that they hope the living rooms in Pollux will be equipped a bit more. Why did you opt for filling an entire tower with these relatively simple living rooms, and not, say, half simple and half themed rooms?

“In the pre-construction process, students indicated that they also need spaces where they can meet quietly. For each floor, a living room has been created in Pollux. In Castor, there are “theme rooms” where residents can meet. We do continue to evaluate with residents about the use of all the community rooms and whether we can adjust the spaces to meet the needs of the residents as much as possible. There is always room to discuss this with residents if they want changes, as long as it’s within certain frameworks that are feasible.”

There are complaints that communal spaces are often left in a state of disarray and that it’s likely that things will start breaking soon. Are there certain rules that users must follow?

“The rules that students must abide by are that the rooms must be left tidy and no nuisance may be caused. We especially rely on residents to be considerate of each other and also address each other if nuisance is caused or spaces are left in disarray. The spaces are checked regularly by our neighborhood manager and are cleaned once a week.”

Is there anything you, as Vestide, can do about this?

“It’s especially important to keep having the conversation with residents about how to deal with community rooms. It’s also important for residents to hold each other accountable if a community room is not being used properly.”

Some residents fear that the Bubble café will cause noise pollution. Has there been any discussion with Bubble about rules regarding opening hours, volume of music and, for example, that windows shouldn’t be opened to keep noise in?

“Of course, we want our residents to be able to live comfortably and for Bubble to cause as little inconvenience as possible. During construction we took into account that there will be a hospitality establishment on the first floor. Soundproofing measures have been taken for this. Of course we also talk to Bubble to make good arrangements. In addition, Bubble has to comply with the General Municipal Bye-Law of the municipality, which also covers noise prevention.”

Is it true that each resident only gets one key?

“Residents are given two keys for access: a tag and a digital key in an app on their phone.”

Is it true that it costs 120 euros to re-enter when you have locked yourself out?

“If you lock yourself out during weekdays and office hours, in most cases we can open the home for you if you contact Vestide. In other cases – outside these times – we always have to call in a locksmith, which obviously costs money.”

Packages are often delivered to the entrance hall on the first floor, which is very prone to theft because this section is open to everyone (including non-residents). Sometimes packages are even reported to be delivered to the wrong buildings (to one of the other Haven buildings, but also to university buildings). Is there anything you can do about this?

“We have been informed about this by our residents. It’s irresponsible and careless for mail deliverers to leave packages in the central hall. The responsibility for damage or lost packages lies with the delivery companies. We also know that there’s a lot of pressure on all mail deliverers and that residents are increasingly ordering online. We will certainly take this point of attention into consideration to investigate possible solutions.”