Your laziest admin

Organising iQ life

Living at iQ might be the first time you’ve lived independently, where laundry, finances and cooking - or ‘life admin’ - become your responsibility. It can feel like a lot of new things to do, so we make sure to keep everything as easy as possible at iQ. In this blog, we’ll break down a few of these key tasks, so they become your laziest admin.

 

Laundry at iQ

Most iQ properties have their own laundry room, or access to one in a nearby iQ building. You’ll need to bring your own detergent and fabric softener, and please don’t use colour catchers as these block the machines. The washer-dryers are operated either by Circuit or Miele – here’s how to use each:

Circuit

Download the Circuit Go app to see which machines are available, pay for your wash using your phone and receive a notification when your laundry is ready to collect. If you prefer, you can also pay using the contactless payment point in the laundry room.

Meile

Download the appWash app to check which machines are available, reserve a machine and pay for your laundry directly through the app. This is the quickest way to manage your washing and drying.

 

Council tax at iQ

Not sure whether you need to pay council tax? Let’s make it simple. At iQ, you don’t need to because you’re a full-time student living with other students. However, you will need to provide us with your uni ID and an exemption document once you’re enrolled, to ensure you don’t have to pay. If you can’t find these, contact student services at your uni who’ll be able to help. If we don’t receive them, you could be charged council tax.

 

Induction hobs at iQ

All iQ kitchens have induction hobs, which use electromagnetic fields to heat pans without fire. Not all pans work on them; you need cookware that’s magnetic. Look for magnetic or induction-compatible pans, or test ones you already own by seeing if a magnet sticks to the bottom. If yes, you’re all set. 

Here’s how to use your induction hob:

  1. Turn on your oven using the switch on the wall
  2. Turn on your hob by pressing the on/off power button
  3. Select which cooking zone you want to use by pressing the button associated with it
  4. Use the + and - buttons to adjust the heat (+ means more heat, - means less)
  5. Put your induction-compatible pan on the cooking zone and start cooking
  6. When you’ve finished cooking, turn off the induction hob and avoid touching the cooking zone for a while until it cools down – they get hot
  7. To clean the hob, use a damp cloth (and some white vinegar, lemon juice or hob cleaner for removing tricky stains) – avoid using abrasive cleaning tools as these can scratch the surface

Check out our induction hob blog for more details, and head to your iQ’s building info page for guidance on how to use your other kitchen appliances.

 

The iQ app

For keeping on top of other life admin, the iQ app is your best friend. Read our breakdown of what you can do with it:

  • Pay rent
  • Request maintenance support
  • Receive parcel notifications
  • Ask the team a question
  • Book resources like vacuum cleaners, social spaces and more
  • Join and engage with iQ Clubs
  • Stay up to date with events and building updates on the noticeboard

 

Now your admin’s done…

Because admin at iQ is quick and easy, you’ll have more freedom to do other things. Here’s what you could do with all that extra time:

  • Spend longer in the study room on that essay you need to finish
  • Play one more round of pool, ping pong or your fave video game in the gaming area
  • Sing a few more songs in the karaoke room
  • Read BookClub’s book of the month
  • Cook something that takes a little more time
  • Go for a mindful walk

 

For more detail on all things admin and life at iQ, check your resident handbook. If you can’t find the answer to something, remember your iQ team are always happy to help.

iQ navy roundel
Rosie H

Hi! I’m Rosie, iQ’s Junior Copy and Content Writer. I studied Anthropology at Durham Uni and made some great memories. My best year yet? Backpacking Southeast Asia in 2024.