Housing is one of those issues that affect 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 what to expect
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 avoid common mistakes.
We also know things might be a bit tight right now, and moving into a new house can pose a significant financial challenge. We want to make sure you know what to expect in terms of expected housing costs, what landlords are and aren’t allowed to charge you, and some top tips for saving money along the way.
Check out our articles throughout the week covering everything you need to know for before, during, and at the end of your tenancy, and see our Looking, Living, and Leaving advice pages for more information.
Watch Out for scams
For one reason or another, there has been a noticeable rise in online scams. We want to make sure you don't fall victim to any scam, so the Advice Centre has put together some tips on what to look out for when it comes to renting housing. If you're ever unsure about what you're getting into, speak to a Student Advisor who can put your mind at ease.
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. The best way to get in touch with our advisors is by emailing advice@su.rhul.ac.uk with a summary of your issue, and any relevant documents (e.g. housing contract), and we'll be in touch with some guidance ASAP!
In response to the cost of living crisis, this year's Housing Week campaign will give you information and resources to ensure you're able to make the most of your time at Royal Holloway during this difficult time.
Outrageously, rent for student accommodation has increased by an average of 14.6% over the past two academic years, according to a new report from Unipol and the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi). Despite the rise, maintenance loans have only increased by 2.8%. With such high rates, rent now swallows up almost all of the average maintenance loan. Back in June, Hepi found that 55% of students are now relying on paid work, compared with 45% in the previous year.
The impact on students is clearly huge and we believe you deserve more support during this crisis at a government and university level. From lobbying the University to working with the local community to running our own initiatives, we've devised an action plan to improve life for students. Head to the Cost of Living Hub to find out more!
Cost of Living Support
Events
News
Wed 30 Nov 2022
At the Advice Centre, we support students facing housing issues every day. 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.
Wed 29 Nov 2023
It's safe to say, we're all spending more on goods and services than we would have done two years ago. The good news is that all hope is not lost. The Advice Centre has collated information from a wide variety of sources to help you not just save but make money!
Tue 14 Nov 2023
Unfortunately, homelessness is an issue that impacts university students. We've put together some resources so you know what to do if you're ever facing a housing crisis.
Tue 12 Sep 2023
We want you to have the best experience possible when searching for housing so it's important to look out for scams. We've put together some top tips on how to stay alert, avoid scammers and ensure the property you are looking to rent is genuine.