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A-Z of living in UCL Halls

Find everything you need to know about living in UCL Accommodation.

We have put together the following information to help you enjoy a healthy, happy time as a student in UCL Halls and get the most out of living in London. 

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Absence from halls

If you stay away overnight, please let your Hall Team know by email. It’s important they know who is in the building in case of a fire.

Accommodation Fees

Your fees include all utilities, such as gas, electricity, water and Internet. You are required to pay for your Accommodation fees at the start of each academic term through Portico. You will receive an invoice via email with details on how to pay. If you’re having difficulty paying your rent, in the first instance, please contact your Hall Team and review the Fees, Guidance and Payments webpage.

Alcohol

It is against the law in the UK to buy or drink alcohol if you’re under the age of 18. Some bars will not serve you if you’re under 21, and you will need ID to get served. Buying or giving alcohol to someone under 18 or encouraging anyone underage to drink alcohol, is illegal. More information is available on the Drink Aware website.

Anti-social behaviour

Anti-social behaviour is any action or speech that affects the wellbeing of our residents, or which compromises the health and safety of others or UCL property. Disciplinary action may be taken against anyone engaging in anti-social behaviour. When you have guests in Halls, you are responsible for their behaviour as well as your own. More information can be found in the General Regulations.

Appliance instructions

Your Hall comes equipped with kitchen appliances, which are regularly maintained as part of the room inspection process, or in response to notifications from residents. Guidance on using these appliances are available through your Hall Team in print or via email. 

Instructions for other fixed appliances, such as heaters and showers, can be obtained upon request from the Hall Team. 

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    Bed linen

    UCL Accommodation does not provide bed linen or towels. Ordering from UniKitOut is the only way to get your bedding, bathroom and kitchen essentials delivered at your Hall - ready for you on arrival. UCL Students can save 10% with discount UCL10 at UniKitOut.

    Bicycles

    You can store your bike in designated areas on campus or in cycle racks on site if your Hall has them. You can never store your bicycle inside your Hall, flat or attached to the building exterior. If you have a bicycle you should familiarise yourself with the Bike security at UCL webpage.

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    Complaints

    The best way for us to make improvements is to hear what you have to say. If you wish to make a complaint about your experience within UCL Accommodation, you should take the following steps:

    1. Try to resolve the matter informally in consultation with the person who has caused the complaint. 
    2. If you are unable to resolve the matter you should put your complaint in writing to the Accommodation Manager via askUCL; complaints logged in writing will be acknowledged within three working days and responded to within seven working days. Complaints must be submitted within 14 calendar days of the event giving rise to the complaint.
    3. If you are unhappy with the response, you have the right to escalate your complaint through the department.

    The full process is contained can be found on the Feedback and Complaints webpage.

    Computer room

    There are computer cluster rooms in some Halls. You can log on using your UCL user ID and password. If you have any issues, you can contact the Information Services Division (ISD).

    Contract

    You an access your contract at any time by logging on to the UCL Accommodation Portal.

    Council tax

    Generally, as a student, you do not have to pay Council Tax. Your UCL Accommodation is exempt from Council Tax.

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    Damage

    If you come across any damage, please report it to your Hall Team as soon as possible.

    Decorating

    You can hang posters on non-painted surfaces such as pinboards, wardrobe and shelves. Please be aware that candles and mains-powered fairy lights are not permitted as they’re serious fire hazards. 

    UniKitOut is a great place to pick up individual items including clocks, laundry baskets and battery-powered fairy lights. Save 10% when using the code UCL10 when checking out.

     
    Disability

    At UCL we have an inclusive learning and teaching environment, allowing all students to access the same opportunities. You can find out more information regarding the support available to students with additional needs on the following webpages:

    Disciplinary offences

    Triggering the fire alarm, smoking in prohibited areas, using cooking equipment in a non-designated room and misuse of fire extinguishers are all finable offences. Please read through General Regulations to know more about Fire Safety Policy.

    Discrimination and personal harassment

    We want all residents to feel safe and at home in UCL Accommodation. Harassment at UCL is not tolerated. Any incidents should, be reported to your Hall team or your Student Residence Advisers (SRAs) in the first instance.

    Doctor (registering with a GP)

    It is important that all students register with a GP (General Practitioner - a generalist doctor) within the first few weeks of beginning your programme.

    Registering as soon as you arrive will help ensure your GP can process your registration in time, so you can access healthcare when needed. 

    Your GP should always be your first point of contact for all health concerns (physical health or mental health) throughout your time at UCL.

    You can find information about how to register with a doctor on the ‘register with a doctor’ page.

    Drinking water

    All kitchen taps provide drinking water, unless labelled otherwise.

    Drugs

    At UCL, we want to ensure a safe and healthy living environment for everyone. Therefore, the use of illegal drugs and the misuse of prescription drugs is strictly prohibited in our accommodation. We take a particularly serious view of anyone involved in the manufacture and/ or supply of illegal drugs. For more detailed information, please refer to the UCL Accommodation General Regulations.

    We recognise that some students might use or try drugs during university and have therefore adopted a Harm Reduction approach to encourage students to seek help and advice. Details of the policy can be found on the Student Support and Wellbeing Policies webpage, while information about the support and resources available for UCL students can be found on our Support for alcohol, drugs and other addictive behaviours webpage. 

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    Electrical appliances

    All electrical appliances in UCL accommodation undergo annual safety checks, including FAT (Fixed Appliance Testing) and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing). These tests are carried out throughout the year across all accommodation buildings to ensure compliance with safety standards.

    We don’t allow the use of cubed-style adaptors, so please use only trailing-style, fused, multi-socket adaptors. Any personal equipment must be in a good state of repair, suitably fused, checked for safety (casing, wire and plug) and comply with the UK voltage supply (230v). The electrical equipment from some countries (especially those outside of the EU) may not be suitable for use in the UK. If you use lower-voltage equipment (110v) in the UK, it’s likely to cause damage to your equipment, even though it may connect to the electrical supply with an adaptor.

    Emergency

    If you have an emergency, call 999 for the Police, Ambulance Service or Fire Brigade. This is a free service.  If you need medical help, but it's not an emergency, you can ring 111.

    For support in your Halls you can use the SafeZone app to contact UCL security or ring them on +44 (0)20 7679 2108. If you are not able to use your phone, you can always receive 24-hour support from the security lodge at the main entrance on Gower Street.

    Electoral registration

    If you are eligible, it is up to you to register to vote. You can register online, being sure to include your room number. If requested by the local authority, UCL will provide details of all residents for purposes of voter registration.

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    Financial aid

    Looking after your own money and living on a student budget is not always easy. If you ever find yourself under financial strain or need to find help, there is information available on the UCL Student Funding website. 

    Please speak to your Hall Team directly if you have difficulty paying your Accommodation fees.

    First aid
    • If you need first aid, the Hall team or SRA team can help you, 24-hours a day.
    • If it's an emergency, you can dial 999 to call an ambulance in the UK. If it is not an emergency, you can dial 111.
    • The nearest hospital to UCL’s Bloomsbury campus with a 24-hour A&E department is University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU.
    • The nearest hospital to UCL's East campus with a 24-hour A&E Department is Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR.
    Fire alarms

    Routine fire alarms tests are carried out every week. You will be advised on fire safety when moving in to Halls.

    Food delivery

    All food deliveries (including groceries) delivered to your hall must be collected in person by you. Deliveries cannot be made to your room, nor can reception collect your food delivery for you. 

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    General Regulations 

    Read the General Regulations for more information about living in UCL Accommodation.

    Guests

    All guests must be signed in and out with the Hall Team. Overnight guests are only allowed to stay up to 7 nights in a calendar month. In a twin room, your roommate must agree to visitors in advance.

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    Hall Community Officer

    Hall Community Officers are student leaders in halls, helping to build strong communities and ensuring that all students have a positive living and learning experience in their accommodation. Hall Community Officers work with the SRAs to help to develop vibrant and inclusive communities in halls by organising and participating in events and activities. They are elected as part of the Students' Union UCL Rep Elections and are a resident in the hall they are an officer for. For more information about the role, visit the Hall Community Officers Hub on the SU website.

    Health and Safety

    Our health and safety provisions at UCL ensure all the necessary precautions are taken to provide you with a safe and secure environment. If you have any concerns about health and safety, you should send an email to your Hall Team and review UCL’s Health and Safety Policy.

    Health and medical arrangements
    • If you feel unwell, you should make an appointment to see your doctor. If you need help, contact your Hall Team during the day or, out of hours, the SRA team.
    • If you’re diagnosed with a serious infectious disease which may pose a risk to other students, for example, meningitis, mumps, pandemic flu etc., please notify your Hall Team right away or, out of hours, your SRA team.
    • If you have an emergency and need an ambulance call 999. The nearest hospital to UCL’s Bloomsbury campus with a 24-hour A&E department is University College Hospital, 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU. The nearest hospital to UCL's East campus with a 24-hour A&E Department is Homerton University Hospital, Homerton Row, London E9 6SR.
    • For non-emergencies you’ll find a reliable source of health and dental information available from NHS 111 Direct. You can call them on 111 from any landline or mobile phone free of charge or visit the NHS 111 website.
    • If you still require assistance, you can contact UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing Services. You should report any accident, injury or emergency you have in halls to your Hall team as soon as possible.
      Homelessness 

      If you are an enrolled student, and you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless please contact the Students’ Union UCL via their Advice Service Contact Form for support. The Advice Service can meet with you to explore your housing options and signpost you to relevant sources of support.

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      ID

      Your UCL ID card gives you full access to buildings across our campuses and enables you to borrow books from UCL libraries. Once you have received email confirmation with the subject line Confirmation of enrolment to UCL you will be able to collect your ID card.

      You can collect your ID card from Bloomsbury or UCL East. Remember:

      • To bring your 'confirmation of enrolment' email. 
      • Have a Valid ID document e.g. passport, UK driving license, EU identity card or BRP.
      • Your photo will be taken for your ID card when you collect it. 

      For more information about collecting your student ID card, visit the Your journey to joining UCL webpage. 

      If you live in the following UCL Halls, your UCL ID will be used as your Hall Access Card:

      • 109 Camden Road
      • Astor College
      • Bernard Johnson
      • Endsleigh Gardens
      • Goldsmid House
      • James Lighthill House
      • New Hall
      • One Pool Street
      • Prankerd House
      • Ramsay Hall & Ian Baker House
      • Schafer House

      There is more information about UCL ID cards available on the website.

      Insurance

      We provide a basic contents insurance policy for students’ possessions while they are in UCL Accommodation.

      At UCL Halls, the insurance coverage is provided by Gallagher.
      We advise you to visit the Gallagher UCL Hub to find out more about what is included in your free insurance.
      From the Hub, you can: download documents, add them to your Apple/ Google wallet for quick access, find out what is covered and add to your cover.

      At Unite and urbanest Halls, the insurance coverage is provided by Endsleigh Insurance.
      We advise you to confirm your cover with Endsleigh on their website or through their app.

      If your valuables are damaged while outside your hall, you will not be able to make a claim as the policy applies only to damage that occurs to your valuables inside halls. Therefore, you may want to consider insuring valuable items that you are taking outside of halls such as your laptop or mobile phone.

      Internet access

      Your internet connection cost is included in your rent. Log on to Wi-Fi (Eduroam) using your UCL user ID (ucluserid@ucl.ac.uk) and password.
      Prior to enrolment, students can use the The Cloud network to access the internet in halls. If you have any problems with Eduroam, contact the Information Services Division (ISD).

      For residents living in One Pool Street, a new service – Halls WiFi is available now for students to connect their devices with Internet.

      Inventory

      You should fill out your room inventory within 48 hours of arriving to your room. For UCL Halls, you can find your room inventory on the UCL Accommodation Portal under the heading 'Room Condition'.

      Information for international students
      • The UCL International Student Support website provides information and guidance to all non-UK students. If you have any queries, you can contact the International Student Support Team by submitting an enquiry via askUCL.
      • The UCL Immigration Advice team can help you with queries relating to visas and immigration advice.
      • For medical suggestion, you can find out about NHS services available to you on the NHS site.
      • There are a number of external organisations that also offer advice and guidance to international students. The UKCISA website provides a series of guidance notes available for download which will help you prepare for living and studying in the UK. The British Council website includes a useful section entitled ‘Study in the UK’.

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      Keys

      It is your responsibility to keep your keys safe at all times.  Your keys cannot be duplicated, except by the Hall Team. 

      You will need to return your keys to the Hall Team at the end of your occupation. If you lose your keys, you should call the Hall Team or Student Residence Advisers team right away. For new keys, you will be asked to show ID and charges may apply.

      Kitchen

      Food preparation areas, storage and cooking facilities are provided in every kitchen. Cooking should only be done inside the kitchen. Cooking should never be left unattended. Maintaining a good standard of hygiene in shared kitchens is important and will minimise food hygiene risks, avoid pests and help the Cleaning Team:

      • Keep all food in sealable containers 
      • Personal items and food should be stored in cupboards
      • Surfaces and sinks should be left clear 

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      Laundry

      You have access to laundry facilities on-site. For UCL Halls, with a smartphone, you can pay via the Circuit Laundry Plus app. The app is available to download for free from Google Play and the Apple App Store by searching 'Circuit Laundry Plus'. Laundry machines are regularly maintained, with routine service visits from Circuit engineers and an annual service to ensure optimal performance.

      Leaving instructions

      On your day of departure, you need to return your keys, swipe/ access card and electronic key fob to reception by 10am. Your Accommodation (including bathroom, if ensuite) and kitchen should be left clean and empty. 

      Items left in study bedrooms, kitchens or bathrooms after you have left your all and returned your keys will be assumed to be unwanted and will be disposed of. It is not possible to forward post to you after your departure so please ensure that you change your address. Post and deliveries for residents who have left will be refused or returned to sender.

      Luggage

      If your luggage is shipped from abroad, it must arrive on or after the start date of your License Agreement. UCL is unable to store any items that arrive before the start of the license period from your License Agreement, and cannot take responsibility for its security. 

      If you need to store your luggage before you arrive, we recommend using LOVESPACE or another company of your choice that can arrange collection and storage of your items. 

      Once you arrive, all your belongings must be kept in your room with the exception of bicycles, which should be stored in designated bike storage areas on-site. 

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      Maintenance

      In UCL Halls, to report a repair please:

      1. Log in to the UCL Accommodation Portal
      2. Choose 'Report a problem' from the top menu
      3. Select the correct category and item fields, and add further information about the situation to the ticket
      4. Click submit 
      Mental wellbeing

      Living in student accommodation may well be the first experience you have of living independently, and whilst this is mostly exciting, it can also be stressful at times. It can be especially difficult for international students who often have limited opportunities to return home during the academic year.

      If you feel lonely, homesick, depressed, stressed-out, or you have a specific personal problem then you can talk to your SRA or Warden in the first instance who will arrange a suitable time and location to discuss your concerns. Should the problem(s) persist then the SRA/Warden will signpost you to the appropriate UCL services or support you to submit an enquiry via askUCL.

      In addition, the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing website has a range of self-help resources and useful information available to you. Details about the UCL 24/7 Student Support Line can be found online.

      If you are diagnosed with a mental health condition or disability, we recommend you register with the Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing service by submitting an enquiry via askUCL. 

      If you feel that someone you live with is behaving differently, isolating themselves from other people, becoming very emotional, or tearful, then do not ignore it.  Try to encourage them to speak to a member of the Hall Team or SRA/Warden team or see their doctor; if the student is not registered with a doctor, or in a crisis, they can attend an Accident and Emergency department.  

      The nearest hospital to UCL with a 24-hour A & E department is University College Hospital (UCH), 235 Euston Road, London NW1 2BU. Telephone: 0845 155 5000.  

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      Noise

      Other students may want to study or sleep at different times than you do, so please respect their need for quiet time. This is particularly important in twin rooms.

      Please keep noise to a minimum between 11pm and 8am on weekdays, and between midnight and 8am on weekends – especially during exam time, when we don’t allow parties in Halls.

      If you bring a DAB radio, MP3 player or other personal entertainment device, please also bring headphones. Excessive noise is a disciplinary offence. You are responsible for the behaviour of your guest(s).

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      Parking

      Parking is very limited and often very expensive in London. UCL Accommodation does not offer residential parking to residents on any of our sites as a part of the accommodation contract. We would recommend that you do not bring your car to London if you choose to stay in UCL Accommodation.

      Any vehicles parked on UCL property, including residential buildings, need to be authorised before arrival and charges will apply in line with UCL Parking.

      Parties 

      You’re welcome to hold small parties and get-togethers. We just ask that you make an email request, giving the Hall Team two weeks’ notice. Once your party is approved, you’ll receive permission by email. 

      The Student Residence Advisers (SRAs) also organise parties and events in your Halls as part of the Flourish programme. Please check the Flourish calendar to see the events taking place in your Hall this month.

      Personal Problems

      The Hall Team and SRA/Warden will try to assist you with any personal problems and will respect confidentiality where possible.  Should you experience personal problems you may also consult: 

      • Your Personal or Departmental Tutor
         
      • Student Union Advice Service
        Location: 1st Floor, 25 Gordon Street
        Email: su.advice@ucl.ac.uk
         
      • Student Support and Wellbeing Services
        Location: Floor 1, Student Centre
        Submit an enquiry via askUCL
         
      • Crime Prevention and Personal Safety Adviser – Sophie Bimson
        Tel: 020 7679 152
        Email: s.bimson@ucl.ac.uk 

      Your doctor can also help with a wide range of health, personal, social and emotional problems.  There are also a number of external sources of help, some of which are listed below:

      Pest control

      It’s unlikely, but if you spot any unwanted pests, please email the Hall Team right away. We have pest controllers contracted to UCL Accommodation, and they will respond appropriately.

      Pets

      Pets are not allowed. However, assistance dogs are welcome on UCL premises at all times provided the Assistance Dogs on Campus - Guidance is followed.

      Prepayment (deposit)

      Your UCL Accommodation prepayment (deposit) will be offset against the first instalment of your accommodation fees. To find out more, including how to pay your prepayment, please visit our Fees, Guidance and Payment webpage.

      Privately rented accommodation

      If you need advice on moving from Halls into the private sector please visit our Alternative Accommodation page.

      Prohibited areas

      You must not access prohibited areas in UCL Accommodation, this includes all roof areas, balconies, parapets and ledges. Please observe all safety notices.

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        Room inspection

        Once a term, we carry out room inspections. The simple checks take five minutes to make sure everything is working properly and acceptable cleanliness is being maintained. You will get an email a few days before to let you know when it’s going to happen. Your room can also be accessed by the Hall Team, as well as contractors who carry out repairs. You will usually be given 24 hours’ notice unless it’s an emergency. All of the Hall Team, including contractors, will show ID when requesting access to your room.

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        Security

        You should always lock your door and close your windows when you leave your room. Please also make sure that all outside doors are locked behind you as you enter or leave and be mindful of tailgaters. If you think you have spotted an intruder, or may have had something stolen, in the first instance please contact your Hall Team or UCL Security through the SafeZone app. There is additional information on the Security at UCL webpage.

        Smoking

        UCL is a smoke free campus.

        Smoking, including E-Cigarettes and vape pens, is not permitted anywhere in UCL Accommodation. Smoking is also prohibited immediately outside the entrances or open windows of Halls. 

        Snow and Ice

        The Hall Team will arrange for snow and ice to be cleared and paths gritted around the Halls during office hours; this will include fire exit routes.  Residents should remain vigilant during cold weather for snow and ice hazards.

        Student Residence Advisers (SRAs)

        We have Student Residence Advisers (SRAs), who are living in the same Hall with you and available to provide pastoral support, signpost residents to UCL support services, and help students settle into university life.

        Student of Concern

        UCL is committed to the wellbeing and safety of our students. There are many sources of support for students who are having difficulties whether they are academic, emotional, financial or physical, however sometimes it is hard to know how to help a student who appears to be struggling, particularly if you feel they are unwilling or unable to seek the help they need.
         
        If you are concerned about the behaviour of a student and do not want to discuss this with the Warden or SRA you can submit a Student of Concern Form or email studentofconcern@ucl.ac.uk.  You can also submit an enquiry through askUCL as a student. 

        The Student of Concern Form and email account are monitored between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Friday. Within these hours, we aim to respond to any concerns as soon as possible within a 48-hour timeframe. The form is not monitored during weekends, bank holidays and the University’s closure periods.

        For full details and the process, visit Student of Concern. 

        Student support

        If you are experiencing difficulties – academic or personal – you can talk in confidence to the Hall Team or the SRA team. They are here to help you. You may also think about talking to your personal or departmental tutor. Your doctor can also help with a wide range of health, personal, social and emotional issues.

        For external support, visit: 

        Summer accommodation

        As a student, UCL has a range of summer accommodation available for students over the summer from June to September.

        Sustainability

        UCL is aware of its environmental impact and how we can work together for sustainable change. There are many ways to be more sustainable at UCL and how to move out from UCL Accommodation in a sustainable way. 

         

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        Tidying and cleaning

        Communal areas are cleaned once per week. Outside of this time, residents are responsible for keeping shared spaces clean, including the removal of waste/ rubbish.

        A mop, bucket, dustpan and brush are provided in each kitchen and a vacuum cleaner is available from the reception.

        You are responsible for the cleanliness of your own room, and for cleaning shared or communal facilities after you have used them. This includes showers, toilets and kitchen facilities. If your room is ensuite, you’re expected to keep your own bathroom clean too. If you live in a studio or flat, the kitchen, bathroom and living areas should also be kept clean.

        TV Licensing

        If you want to bring a TV or use streaming services like BBC iPlayer or Netflix, then you will need your own TV licence. You won’t be covered by the licence in your Hall, or by a licence held at your home address, if you are viewing in your room. Learn more about TV licensing in the UK.

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        Vaccination

        All first year undergraduate students younger than 25 years old are recommended to have the Meningitis ACWY vaccine before attending university.

        If you have not had this vaccine, we can provide it to eligible students. Ideally it should be given during the first two weeks of term as the vaccine takes time to become effective.

        Students are also recommended to ensure they have received two doses of the MMR [mumps, measles and rubella] vaccine and this is usually given to children worldwide as part of the routine immunisation schedule. Your doctor can provide this immunisation if eligible.

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        Window restrictors

        For safety and security reasons, some windows are fitted with restrictors. You are not permitted to tamper with or remove window restrictors in your Accommodation. Tampering with or removing window restrictions in your Accommodation is a breach of your Licence Agreement and may lead to its termination.

        It is a disciplinary offence, under the Disciplinary Code, to take action likely to cause injury or impair the safety of others. You may be charged for the cost of repair or reinstatement of the damaged or missing window restrictors.

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