By Lianne Ponferrada, Deputy Comment Editor
Spending the majority of first year in an agoraphobic rut, I couldn’t imagine anything worse than attending a house viewing, where I’d have little to no escape if a panic attack crept up onto me. Moreover, my agoraphobic tendencies meant that spending time with friends was difficult. The end of my first year was looming, and I had no plans for second year accommodation nor flatmates to share the struggle with.
Luckily, things worked out and I ended up staying at some decently priced private halls separate from the university. But, my journey towards not worrying about doing my coursework on the streets of Bristol wasn’t easy. I was riddled with anxiety up until the summer holidays and felt completely lost. I didn’t know a thing about viewings or finding places to live. House-hunting alone was a daunting process, which is why I present to you a concise guide to finding second year housing.
University halls
Firstly, staying at university accommodation is an option. I had originally planned to go for this option, but I had no idea I was eligible for priority consideration and I missed all the deadlines. Here is what I ought to have known:
Anyone, including returning students, can apply for university accommodation. You’re more likely to get it if you’re under eighteen, have care experience, are estranged from your parents, a refugee, and/or have a disability/health condition that limits your private renting abilities.
If any of the above apply to you, pop student-accommodation@bristol.ac.uk ASAP. If they consider your case a ‘significant housing need’ then you’ll be invited to apply for accommodation in March, and you’ll receive an offer in April. The applications for everyone else opens in June.
For more information, check out the university’s webpage on ‘Returner Accommodation.’
‘Find a flatmate’ events
If you’re struggling to find people to live with, I’d recommend going to the Bristol Student Union (SU) ‘Find a flatmate’ events. These are usually organised in November by the Student Living Officer, who is Elliot Green this year.
If you have any other queries about housing, it’s well worth sending them through that link! Finding flatmates, especially those who are more familiar with the process, sooner rather than later will ensure you’ll have support early on.
Bristol SU Lettings
If your situation isn’t a ‘significant housing need’ and you’re struggling with finding private accommodation or people to live with, I’d recommend seeking help from the Bristol SU. Second-year English Literature and History student, Milla, paid the Bristol SU Lettings Office (near the Arts and Social Sciences Library) a visit:
'Around February, I walked into the Bristol SU Lettings office (without booking an appointment). A lettings agent sat me down and asked what kind of properties I was interested in. I told them what I was willing to pay per month and that I wanted a place within walking distance.
Then, my lettings agent talked me through a few options, but I only had to go to one viewing as I actually ended up choosing the first one as it suited all my needs. We maintained contact [via emails] until everything was finalised by April, and I was happy with my place. Everyone was really friendly and the whole process wasn’t as stressful as I thought it would be.
Though my tenancy started on the 4th [of September], I wasn’t in Bristol until the 12th, but they found a way to make sure I could move in on a day that suited me best. I faced a couple issues here and there throughout this process, and when I moved in, but the SU Letting Team always responded to my emails quickly and provided me sound advice.’
Private Halls
Without housing arranged well into May, I finally mustered up the courage to attend viewings. Unsure of where to start, I had a look at private halls for students that weren’t with the university. In Bristol, these include:
These are fairly similar to the ones we had in first year, with bills included and various communal spaces.
Although I shouldn’t have left my housing situation up-in-the-air for so long, I’m unduly grateful with how things turned out. Living in student accommodation, without university affiliation, means I get to live with so many different people, including masters students. I even live with students from the Bristol Institute of Music and School of Acting!
Katie Jones
Every year, students at Bristol and beyond worry about their second year living situation. And, if my ever-so-slightly unconventional situation has taught me anything, it’s that there is really no need to worry! As my former personal tutor (side note: your personal tutors are also great people to seek housing advice from, remember, they’ve had to deal with this too). Dr Joan Passey said:
‘Nobody is left without a house in second-year!’
Featured Image: 'Watching TV at home' | Epigram / Lianne Ponferadda
Has this article relieved your anxieties surrounding your second-year living situation?
