Detailed instructions and trouble-shooting tips for appliances and tasks are kept in a binder at the flat. Below are some simple steps to get you started. Jump to the sections on Staying Warm, Cooking, Cleaning and Laundry, Wifi and Television.
Staying Warm
Central heating and hot water are powered by LPG gas (cylinders in courtyard) and controlled by a Hive thermostat. Do not try to adjust anything on the boiler; only use the Hive. When you arrive, the central heating will be set on a low temperature. If needed, warm up the flat by turning the Hive’s rotary dial to the right until you reach the desired temperature. Note that it will take a few hours for a cold flat to warm up to the new temperature! When you close up the flat, lower the temperature on the Hive (instructions are kept with the closing checklist at the flat).
Both bathrooms have radiator towel rails on the central heating system. Tip: leave towel rails uncovered to warm the bathroom. The small bathroom has an electric Dimplex heater. The power switch is outside the bathroom, and the heater can then be turned on and off with the string switch inside the bathroom. The Dimplex heater should only be used for short periods.
Instant hot water is powered by the boiler. Both showers have the same tap (knob, faucet) mechanism controlling temperature and flow. Rotate the knob on the left to turn the shower on and see what you think of the temperature before making any adjustments on the right. Tip: use the bathroom exhaust fans when showering to reduce condensation. The fan runs when the light is on and the fan power switch (outside the bathroom) is on.
Cooking
The electric kettle and toaster are easy to use.
The induction hob works by creating an oscillating magnetic field that transfers to the saucepan and creates resistive heating in its ferrous base. No pacemakers nearby when in use! The hob can boil water dramatically fast and simmer at very low temperatures, and the response is almost instantaneous. Tips: Use the right size pot. Pay close attention if you’re using a high setting, especially “P” (power boost). The glass surface doesn’t heat up (except for any warmth transferred back to it from the saucepan) so can be wiped down after cooking with a damp sponge and then dried and polished with a microfiber cloth (clean ones are under the sink). For basic use: turn the hob on (turn on the labeled wall switch, then the on/off button is a circle with a vertical line above the word “induction” on the glass surface). Each ring is controlled independently with a sliding scale from 1-14 and a “P” power boost. At high numbers you can hear the hum. When you lift a saucepan off the surface the electromagnetic circuit stops; don’t be surprised.
The oven is a convection fan oven with a grill (broiler). Turn it on at the labeled wall switch and set the clock (instructions at the flat) before use. There are 2 rotating control dials: the one on the left has strange symbols denoting the function and the right is temperature (Celsius). For basic cooking, turn the left dial to a 6 o’clock position (the symbol looks like a fan-operated washing machine) and then set a temperature. The oven light stays on when cooking, and the fan will stay on after cooking until the oven cools down. Tip: parchment paper kept under the sink can be used beneath most things cooked or reheated in the sliding tray (your Cornish pasties and tarts and sausages). Wipe up any spills of course, but don’t worry about cleaning it.
Cleaning and Laundry
There’s no dishwasher or garbage disposal at the flat. Rubbish (trash) is collected weekly on Tuesdays – our shared green bins are kept in front of Flat 3’s courtyard. Recycling is collected every other week on Tuesdays – items must be separated and clean; containers are at the flat.
For washing up you’ll find a grey bowl, silicone mat and small dish drainer under the sink and clean tea towels in the cupboard to the right of the fridge.
Bushie the little hoover is kept in the boiler cupboard and works well on hard floors as well as the carpets. There’s also a dustpan and broom.
A Bosch washer/dryer is at the flat for laundry. Suggestions and instructions are kept at the flat. Be aware that all the drying programs take a long time. When possible, hang things to dry in the courtyard – you can always bring them in and finish drying in the Bosch. There’s also a useful drying rack folded under the bed.
Connecting
High speed Wifi access is available via the router in the living room, and a Wifi extender is plugged in permanently in the kitchen. Coverage does tend to fall off in the courtyard and bedroom. Password and instructions are kept at the flat.
The TV is simple to use and is connected to broadband. All the main UK TV channels are available along with lots of others via Samsung TV.
Check your cell phone provider’s options for international travel. If you happen to have an unlocked dual sim phone it’s dead easy to buy a sim card in the UK and use it for UK phone calls and texts. I would recommend a Vodafone bundle; you can order a free sim sent to the flat and then choose the bundle.
Flat Two 