The University’s Housing Services team and the Students’ Union have worked together to develop a new pilot scheme for undergraduate students due to start their second year who are concerned about having a guarantor to secure accommodation.
Following some great work undertaken by elected officers at the Students' Union, the pilot scheme has now been rubber stamped by the Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell.
The scheme has been set up to allow the University to act as a guarantor for 20 students who may not have a UK homeowner able to provide this service for them. It is launched at today’s Housing Fair, being held in Falmer House Common Room from 10am-3pm. The scheme will be most applicable for international students, care leavers or students who identify as estranged from their family.
Under the scheme, the student remains responsible for payment of all rent, but it will help those unable to secure a guarantor. Without a guarantor students often have to pay six months or a year’s rent up front or choose a house where a UK guarantor is not needed, which often leaves students with a much smaller choice of houses that are not always the best quality.
Sarah Gibbons, Students' Union Society and Citizenship Officer, spoke about what a great step forward this is for the University and the way in which they support students: “I'm really excited to see that this scheme is going ahead this year. Finding a guarantor can be a huge barrier to students being able to secure good quality affordable accommodation in Brighton. This pilot has come after years of lobbying from officers so huge congratulations to everyone who's been involved and hope to see it expand in the future."
Oscar Barker-Phelps, from the University’s Housing Services team, also commented: “We’re constantly looking at new ways we can support students in looking for housing and navigating some of the complexities. I’m really pleased to be offering this scheme, which has come about through really understanding issues raised by the Students’ Union, and working with colleagues from across the University, including Student Services and Finance. We’re thankful to the Students’ Union for originally shaping this idea and helping us get to this in place today.”
Following the pilot year, the University will review the scheme and make recommendations about the future. In the pilot year 20 places will be offered on a first-come first-served basis and subject to eligibility criteria.
For further information, including the eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit our rent guarantor pages on our Housing pages of the website.