Can Residents Make Changes to Their Student Accommodation Policy?
Student Accommodation Policy
With a vibrant cultural scene, buzzing nightlife and friendly community-focussed atmosphere Bristol is a great place to study. Known for its music and art scenes, as well as the iconic M Shed museum, there’s always something new to discover and explore. But with student housing prices rising, some students may be unable to secure their ideal place to live.
The city centre remains in principle an acceptable location for Bristol student accommodation provided that it can be demonstrated to make a positive contribution to the mix of uses within the city centre and is not likely to result in harmful impacts on residential amenity. The city centre policies include detailed criteria for this.
Students who choose to stay in Bristol’s private student housing will find a variety of options available. The latest developments feature communal spaces for studying, relaxing and socialising, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi, furniture packs and contents insurance. Many student properties also offer bills included in the rental price, with electricity, gas and water all covered. For the ultimate peace of mind, you can also search for student houses in Bristol with anti-COVID-19 measures such as hand sanitiser stations and temperature checks using the Unilodgers Pandemic Shield filter.
But a lack of affordable accommodation has left some students feeling they’ve been left out in the cold. Dami Areola, 19, missed out on her first choice university on results day but managed to get a place at UWE Bristol through their clearing hotline. She said: “I had to reject the offer of the master’s degree in Volcanology because I wouldn’t be able to afford to live in Bristol.”
Can Residents Make Changes to Their Student Accommodation Policy?
She says she could have found affordable accommodation outside of the city but was put off by the prospect of a long commute. Other students are being forced to accept a different course, move back home with their parents or even give up their studies altogether because they can’t afford the high rents.
UWE is not the only university facing criticism for their Bristol student accommodation policy. The University of Bath recently faced calls to relocate students from its London campus to Bath due to high rents in Bristol. But universities can only control the environment in which they operate, and not external factors such as record-high numbers of applicants or landlords buying up homes to convert into HMOs.
As students embark on their educational journey, one of the most significant decisions they face is finding suitable accommodation. Student accommodation plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall university experience, impacting academic performance, personal growth, and overall well-being. This comprehensive guide explores the importance of student accommodation, the various types available, factors to consider when making a choice, and tips for a successful and fulfilling stay.
A cross-party motion backed by opposition councillors Anthony Negus and Clive Stevens aims to change the way the council approaches student housing in Bristol. It would require developers to apply for planning permission in areas where housing is most scarce – including Clifton, Redland and Lawrence Hill – if they want to turn existing properties into HMOs. The motion is expected to be debated by the full council next week. Negus has argued that a large proportion of a community being given over to student housing creates an imbalance in lifestyles and has the potential to push up house prices, making it harder for young people to own their own homes.