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Housing Week.
29 November - 3 December 2021
Housing is one of those issues that affects every single student that comes through our gates. From your first-year halls accommodation to the end of your time at uni, we want to ensure that you're getting the most out of your housing experience. After first year, it's likely that you'll move into private accommodation - that's where Housing Week comes in.
From our Housing Fair, where you can speak to local estate agents and landlords, to handy articles on your housing rights, Housing Week is all about making sure that you become a savvy tenant, whether that's by saving yourself a bit of money or avoiding common housing mistakes.
Read more about what we’re focusing on during Housing Week below, and find out how to get involved!
Know your rights
A housing contract is a long-term journey and it's important that you know your rights as a prospective tenant, from before you sign right through until the return of your deposit. We want to empower you to challenge unfair treatment and help you save money in the long run.
Check out our articles throughout the week covering top tips for the before, during, and at the end of your tenancy, and see our Looking, Living and Leaving advice pages for more information.
HOLD OFF ON HOUSING
Every year, as early as October, some landlords and agents start to ask their current tenants (who’ve just moved in) to decide whether or not they want to renew their contract for the following year. As students are not experienced renters, they often don’t challenge this request.
However, we're here to tell you that there is no need to panic. In fact, we'd encourage you to wait until after Christmas before you commit to a housing contract for the next academic year.
We know that housing plays a significant role in your university experience, which is why it's super important that you take your time and don't rush into any decisions that you may later regret. Leaving a contract after you’ve signed it is not straightforward, and can cause a lot of stress, so it’s best to wait until you’re sure before signing.
You can find out more on our Don’t Sign in Term One campaign page.
Know where to get help
Our Advice Centre is on hand to provide information and guidance about many common issues you might face as a first-time renter. You can get in touch with our advisors by emailing advice@su.rhul.ac.uk, or coming along to a drop-in.
We hold drop-ins on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday 13:30-15:30, and in person every Wednesday 13:30-15:30. You can find more information on our Events Calendar, and can join the virtual drop-ins using this zoom link.
News & Updates
Thu 27 Jan 2022
Renting in the private sector is full of potential pitfalls from the moment you become a prospective tenant. Our Advice Centre's contract checking service not only helps to make sure there’s nothing dodgy in your tenancy agreement but will also provide you with information about your rights, how to set up your utilities and what to do when things go wrong.
Fri 03 Dec 2021
Our Advice Centre supports students facing housing issues every day. There are a lot of common issues that many students will face during their tenancy that we can help you with. Some are easier to solve than others, but knowing when to seek help is important to make sure your time in a tenancy is as stress-free as possible. We’ve put together a guide to common issues that can come up and our advice for dealing with these.
Thu 02 Dec 2021
We know that being an international student comes with extra challenges, so at the SU we do our best to help you where we can. We have prepared this article full of key information to help you understand the complex process of private renting and to make sure you know your rights and keep safe.
Wed 01 Dec 2021
In celebration of Housing Week here at the Students’ Union, today we’ll be going through some of the costs that come when searching and signing for a house so that you know what to expect when you start house-hunting!
Tue 30 Nov 2021
It can be hard finding accessible housing and even harder securing it. To celebrate Housing Week, your VP Wellbeing & Diversity has put together this blog to try and help you understand your rights and how to access support if you need it.
Fri 26 Nov 2021
Our Advice Centre gives you all the information you need so you can start your search for accommodation with confidence. Get an idea of what to expect when you're looking for housing and attending viewings.
Events
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