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Things to know this week - 4 Nov 2024: How to find private housing

Posted on 4 November 2024

Welcome to your undergraduate student news summary of key things happening this week.

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Check-In feedback and developments
Following our first Check-In survey, we’ve analysed your responses and are working on an action plan to introduce updates based on your feedback. Find out what steps we are taking to help improve your experience.

Visit the Global Opportunities Fair this week
There’s still time to register your interest in our Global Opportunities Fair this week, and speak to stall holders about destinations, funding and support for an international adventure. From work, to studying, all the way to short term summer opportunities, why not see where your degree could take you?

1. How to find private housing

Consolidation Week is over, you’re finding your feet with the semester, and a new question is on everyone’s lips: “Have you started looking at houses for next year?”. Looking for private sector accommodation can feel both exciting and a little daunting but we’re here to help you every step of the way. With dedicated drop-in sessions, contract checking appointments, and informative talks from your college team, come along to housing advice events for help from expert staff. Not sure where to start? Come along to York SU’s Housing Fair on 15 November.

2. Be scam aware

Amidst the excitement of house hunting, it’s important to remain vigilant for signs of a scam. Action Fraud advises that rental fraud is one of the top five threats to students. Never agree to rent without seeing a property first, or feel pressured to transfer funds if you have any doubts. See our advice on how to recognise the tell-tale signs of a scam. If you think that you, or a friend, may have been targeted by scammers, please contact the Student Hub.

3. Talk Money Week: what can you afford?

Talking about money can sometimes feel awkward, but when you’re looking for properties as a group, being open and honest about your budget from the outset can save you stress and help you feel more in control of your finances. This Talk Money Week, why not check out our top money management tips and sign up for Blackbullion, our financial education platform, for free! From outlining ways to save, to helping in calculating a realistic budget or listing where to turn if things go wrong, we have you covered.

4. Finding housemates

Have a spare room you need to fill, or looking to meet others to live with? Come along to our series of Flatmate Finder events. Offering a chilled atmosphere for you to meet and chat to others in your position, college staff will also be on hand to support you and help ‘break the ice’ if you are feeling nervous. Find out more about the next session on Thursday (7 November).

5. Rate your landlord

What makes a good landlord? How have previous tenants found a certain property? Or have you had an experience you want to share? To help support your house hunting journey, Rate Your Landlord York provides an open, fair and balanced forum to find and leave reviews for properties and landlords. Learn about York’s rental market and feel safe, savvy and happy when renting.

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Things to know this week is produced and distributed by the University's Internal Communications Team. Please email any feedback to university-internal-comms@york.ac.uk.