About the University of Lincoln Students' Union Accommodation Provider Star Scheme
The University of Lincoln Students’ Union Welfare and Academic Representation department has identified one of its key objectives is to ensure students get the best possible deal and service when it comes to housing in Lincoln.
We work with local accommodation providers, the University Accommodation Service and local council to ensure properties are accredited. With our colleagues we also organise events such as the Housing Fayre and Accommodation Talks to support students in looking for, and getting the best deal for accommodation in the city.
The union already supports the councils accreditation scheme. The scheme requires accommodation providers to reach a minimum standard so that we can ensure properties are safe and habitable for our students. However the scheme only goes so far.
To further improve services, your Students’ Union, with support from colleagues across the sector, have created a rating scheme that looks at a number of key services provided by accommodation providers and student opinions of them.
Ratings were based on over 600 responses from students. All the results gathered and final rating reflect this opinion 100%.
To present an accurate picture of what you thought, we needed a minimum number of responses which meant that some smaller accommodation providers were not covered. So if you provider isn’t rated, don’t worry too much as we aim to grow the survey over the coming years.
Survey question looked at the following keys areas of service:-
Once the results were processed, star rating between 1 and 4 were awarded as follows:-
|
|
APS |
Brayford Quay |
ClubEasy |
Lighthouse |
Junxion |
Pavillions |
UofL Courts |
Riseholme |
|
Signing up |
4
|
3 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
Services |
3
|
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
1 |
2 |
|
Moving in |
3 |
3 |
3
|
2 |
3 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
Problem resolution |
2
|
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
Quality of service |
3
|
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
Value for money |
3
|
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Overall score (average) |
3 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
We aim to work with accommodation providers to help improve there ratings and therefore the services and facilities they offer students.
We will be running the survey again and encourage people to respond, so we can build on the successes of this year and continue to support partners across the city to improve their services to our students.
For help and advice on accommodation issues contact the Accommodation Team 01522 886 051
Ratings are based on responses from individual students to a standardised questionnaire, and are not stating the opinion of the University of Lincoln Students’ Union (ULSU)
Further details about the scheme please email SU Reception - su@lincoln.ac.uk
Housing Fayre: Tuesday 17th January 2012 10am - 4pm in the Engine Shed
Lots of students are already living in different places across the city in halls style accommodation, big shared houses, small houses and flates. Ask them what different areas are like and what they wish someone had told them last January.
Talk to your parents or whoever will be your guarantor, do they have any concerns or advice?
Work out how much you can afford to pay in rent. It’s all well and good having the flashiest house in the best location but if you can’t afford to live you aren’t going to be a happy bunny! Work out realistically, how much you spend on food going out and other stuff each week. Don’t spend more than you have – worrying about debt isn’t funny.
It is really important that you can get on when it comes to living together, even the best of friends fall out over the washing up or paying the bills.
Think about their habits: do they smoke, are they early risers or night owls, are they tidy or messy, and most importantly can you live with that for a year. Don’t be pressured by the people you are going to be living with, and don’t pressure them either.
Come to the housing fayre. Look on www.studentpad.com. Have a look at different letting agencies’ websites or in their windows. Take a walk down some of the streets where you’ve seen houses you’re interested in.
Make sure you read your contract fully and preferably get it checked by someone else to make sure you haven’t missed anything.
If you’ve agreed anything with the landlord or their agent, such as decorating or repairs to be done, make sure you also have those in writing before you sign.
Never ever sign for something you haven’t seen. In the back of the Housing Book is a viewing checklist for you to use when viewing properties.
View more than one so that you have a better idea of what is available and what you can expect for your money.
Housing Fayre: Tuesday 17th January 2012 10am - 4pm in the Engine Shed
Take a look at a digital copy of the housing booklet.
