ELEANOR FELTHAM
Student Accommodation Advocate, University of St Andrews
- What does your job involve?
- What are the benefits of living at home whilst at university or college?
- What different types of Halls of Residence are there? What support is available? Do I have to share a room?
- What are the benefits of living in a Hall of Residence? And in a flat?
- I’m a bit concerned about how I will pay for my accommodation- what advice do you have?
- What is the social life in Halls like?
- What happens if I move into Halls and don’t like it ?
- In your opinion, what are the top three things about going to college or university?
1. What does your job involve?
I help students who are looking for accommodation find available rooms, as well as helping with things like looking over leases and checking that there are no problems with their accommodation. I also help with any problems they might have while they are living in rented accommodation, from breakages to bad neighbours!
Finally, I represent students to the University Accommodation Appeals committee (for students who have problems in Halls of Residence) and act as a mediator between student tenants and landlords if any problems arise.
2. What are the benefits of living at home whilst at university or college ?
The big benefit is the cost factor: it’s cheaper to live at home, as your family are likely to charge you less rent! Also, it’s important that you feel settled in your living environment when you are at college or university.
3. What different types of Halls of Residence are there? What support is available? Do students have to share a room?
There are lots of different types of Halls of Residence, so there is something out there for everyone. You start off with the standard, self-catered accommodation, right up to en-suite, fully catered rooms. Of course, the difference in cost of these rooms reflects the difference in facilities. There are shared rooms, but there are a lot more single rooms. There is lots of support available, from the people working in the Hall of Residence, other students in your year and students in the years above you who are living in the Hall for their second, third or fourth year.
4. What are the benefits of living in a Hall of Residence? And in a flat?
Living in a Hall of Residence provides a form of security. You pay your rent a term in advance, so you know that is taken care of right from the outset. Bills, and sometimes food, are already paid for too, so you don’t have to worry about budgeting for those. Halls are great as a first step between living at home and living on your own, or with friends, towards independent living.
Living in a flat is total independence. Living with a group of friends can be a life-changing experience, and many students have lots of fun doing so. It also encourages students to take on more responsibility for themselves.
5. I’m a bit concerned about how I will pay for my accommodation- what advice do you have?
BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET! It is so important that you keep an eye on your finances whilst at college or university, and know where your money is coming from and where it is going. Remember, the necessities are shelter (accommodation), food and bills. Make sure you have these covered first. Then you can look at allotting money for travel, entertainment (social life) and clothes. If you think you are running into difficulty, seek out help early. There are Hardship Funds available if you are in trouble financially. Remember, the earlier you act makes it easier to solve a problem.
6. What is the social life in Halls like?
Great! Halls are full of students, all with similar ideas. In St Andrews the Hall Committee has a budget to run social activities within the Hall for the residents, such as Freshers’ Parties, themed nights, and an end of year Hall Ball. They also organise sporting events, and other competitions against other Halls of Residence. Hall is an excellent place to meet new friends, especially in first year, and it gives you that family-like structure that you need during this important time.
7. What happens if I move into Halls and don’t like it ?
The first question you have to look at is what it is that you don’t like. Is it the Hall? Is it the people around you? Is it being away from home? You need to work this out before going any further. If it is the Hall, or the people around you, it may be possible to request a different Hall of Residence. A contract with the university or college accommodation service is like that of a private landlord, in that fees will apply if you break the contract. You are likely to be liable for 10 weeks of rent and additional fees for cancelling the contract. Therefore, it is important to take all reasonable steps to find a solution, before moving out.
8. In your opinion, what are the top three things about going to college or university?
1. Independence. Going to college or university is a great way to get more independence, and, well, to grow up. You are out on your own, having to take responsibility for yourself, your accommodation, your food, your bills, and so on. But there is loads of support and advice out there to help.
2. The social life of a student is excellent. There are lots of people in a similar situation, with lots of social activities designed especially for them. There is lots of fun to be had.
3. And, of course, the education. You are taking a life-changing step to improving your education, knowledge, qualifications and self-development. This can lead to a whole host of career options that would not be there if you had not gone to college or university. And, of course, getting a better job means earning more money, which can’t be bad.
