The SU's Housing Fair has ‘everything’ you need to know about renting

By James Lewis, co Editor-in-Chief

November’s dragging on, the nights are closing in, and temperatures are dropping faster than students with that cold going round. All students want to do is curl up in the ASS and check off those days until exams are over. Sadly, the reality of being a student in Bristol means that if you need a house for next year, you’re already looking.

It’s a minefield. You won’t need to ask around for long before coming across students with housing nightmares. Broken boilers, difficult neighbours, and mushrooms growing in showers are problems you’d hope were avoidable, but seem to come as standard in student homes.

Luckily, the Students’ Union is hosting their Housing Fair tomorrow, November 20 between 12:00 and 16:00, in the Anson Rooms at the Richmond Building. The Fair will help students navigate the labyrinthine structure of Bristol’s housing market and make sure your Minotaur of a landlord does their job.

Lucy Pears, the SU Student Living Officer, told Epigram:

‘As a student, I know how daunting finding the right home can feel, it’s such an important part of your university experience. That’s why I’m so passionate about making sure you have the advice and support you need. The Housing Fair brings everything you need into one room, from expert advice and trusted providers to talks on your rights as a student renter.’

At the Fair, students will be able to meet the Students’ Union’s Housing Advice Service. This new SU team gives students ‘free, independent and confidential housing advice.’ You can ask for their advice on tenancy agreements, emergencies, how to manage your bills, and how to deal with maintenance requests. If you can’t make it to the fair, you can arrange an in-person or online meeting with one of their team by filling in this form.

You’ll also meet representatives from letting agencies, housing charities, and the local authorities, who are eager to answer any questions you might have. Talks explaining your renting rights are only half an hour and start at 12:45, 13:45, and 14:45. Don’t forget to bring your U-card, otherwise you won’t be allowed in.  

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Students looking for people to live with can join Lucy Pears in the Balloon Bar shortly after the Housing Fair at 16:15. This ‘Find a Flatmate’ event will include a traditional pub quiz. You’ll also get to quiz Lucy Pears on Bristol’s housing market. 

The housing market is flawed and often puts unwarranted pressure on already stressed students. But The Housing Fair is an opportunity for anyone – intimidated first years leaving halls or seasoned final years going on to a master’s – to get a proper understanding of the housing market so they can make informed decisions. 

Featured image: Epigram / James Lewis

Have you got any housing horror stories? Message us on Instagram (@epigrampaper_) or email us on editor.epigram@gmail.com.