Things to know this week - 21 January 2021

Posted on 21 January 2021

It's the Vice-Chancellor takeover week. Today: Things to know about accommodation and rent.

https://youtu.be/Md6_pfvehXU

1. We know you have lockdown rent concerns

We know the issue of accommodation and rents has emerged as one of the most pressing concerns for so many of you during this period of lockdown. It’s not fair if you are unable to access the accommodation you have paid for because you are following government lockdown guidance.

2. We’re giving rent credits for students in University accommodation

As a result of the national lockdown, we are offering a rent credit for any time you have not used your accommodation between 11 January (the start of Spring Term) and until the current national lockdown lifts.

Keep following advice from our accommodation team about what you need to do to claim your credit.

3. We’re lobbying Government to support accommodation costs

We’re pressing the Government to support students who rent privately. We know some of you are not returning to your term-time accommodation on the basis of public health advice, yet are still paying rent.

Together with our Student Unions, we have called on the UK Government to extend financial support to all students who have not been able to access their accommodation because they are following the lockdown guidance.

4. Get in touch if you’re facing financial hardship

Helping students with living and accommodation costs is one of the many reasons we have set up our Emergency Student Support Fund - to support you in times of need.

The current round opened yesterday and will close on Tuesday 26 January. If you are experiencing urgent financial hardship, please speak to a Student Adviser at the Student Hub as soon as possible.

5. We’re here to support if you’re self-isolating in your home

Earlier this week, we shared information about our package of support if you’re self-isolating in York, so fill in our self-isolation form and we’ll start making arrangements for you.

If you’re a full-time student, living in York, and will lose income from a job because you have to self-isolate, you can also apply for a payment from York’s Public Health Covid Outbreak Management Fund. Find out more and apply on the City of York Council website.

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.