This week is the launch of the Students Guild Accommodation Campaign. Hopefully by now, you have received an introduction email from us updating you on what will be happening. Take a look below to find out more:
Accommodation after my first year
There is always a hype around searching for accommodation for your second year and the hype seems to begin earlier each year. We know that looking for accommodation after your first year can be daunting, especially with rumours circulating that there is a shortage of accommodation in the city which is not the case. Please don’t worry as there are several options open to our returning students such as possibly remaining in University accommodation (subject to availability and priority), renting a room within a large private student accommodation provider, or living in private accommodation within the city.
What do I do?
We encourage you to take your time during the first term to consider where you want to live and who you want to live with. Remember that once you have signed an accommodation contract (and paid deposits where required) it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse the decision, so make sure you have thought everything through before making that commitment.
What do I consider?
The Students’ Guild have recently updated their website and are advising students that when you look for a place, consider the 4Ps: Price, Place, People and Paperwork. These 4 Ps are here to act as a checklist when you’re planning your move, and to consider when you are viewing a property.
- Price: Work out what your budget it.
- Place: Think about what type of accommodation you’d like and where you’d like it to be.
- People: Find some people you think you will live well with.
- Paperwork: Consider fees, check your documentation, and get your contract checked by the Guild Advice Unit.
Take a look at the Student Guild Website for further advice.
What support is available?
There are a number of events taking place over the next month including pop-up sessions in The Forum to be advised on all things accommodation, friend-finder events in order to meet new people and also our Accommodation Fair on 21 November in the Great Hall. This provides students with the opportunity to meet local landlords and letting agents. We will be updating you on information about this via email and our blog posts over the next few weeks. The first event is:
- People Pop-Up – Thursday 26 October – 9:00am-12:00pm – Forum Street
Here, you will be able to speak to Kat Karamani the VP Welfare & Diversity and the team of Students’ Guild Accommodation volunteers who can point you in the right direction.
Accommodation Catherine