This year it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re making the right decisions about your housing and accommodation for next year. The University and Students’ Union are advising students to wait until the Spring Semester before they sign up for the next academic year’s accommodation, for a number of reasons:
- Due to social distancing restrictions, students are telling us it’s not been as easy to build the friendship groups that would naturally lead to housemate groups. Give yourself a bit more time to let these friendships develop.
- Currently, restrictions are making it harder to view properties in person. Even with virtual viewings, you may not get the full picture about a property.
- There is uncertainty about what teaching and learning will look like for the next academic year, which may influence your decision. Private-rented contracts aren’t anything to do with the University, so whatever decisions are made about your teaching and learning have no bearing on tenancy agreements.
- We’d encourage you to talk to your loved ones over the University winter break, so you are making the right decision for you.
- You’ll be legally liable for the contract once you’ve signed it, so if you change your mind and there’s no break clause (there very rarely is) you will still be liable even if you change your mind.
Some housing providers start advertising accommodation for the following academic year as early as November. However, we would encourage you not to feel pressured into signing up, or re-signing, for accommodation too early.
Find out more on the UoN SU House Hunting advice website:
https://su.nottingham.ac.uk/househunting