#short term student Accommodation in Bristol

[flexible-student-accommodation]

Student City Guide: Bristol 2024

Bristol, a vibrant city in the southwest of England, has traditionally been sought after by students for its plethora of options in terms of culture, history, and study. In the last year, we have seen the growing trend of Bristol students moving abroad and international students coming to study in this city. Moreover, the student population is expected to increase in the following years. It was ranked among England's top universities in the Union 200 (Study and Work in the UK Europe) Baccano 2023.

Academic Excellence

Bristol is home to two world-renowned universities:

1. University of Bristol: Ranked 15th in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2024)

2. University of the West of England (UWE Bristol): Known for its strong industry connections

The city of Bristol is the envy of every college town, having a population of more than 50,000 students. Intellectual activity and innovation abound in the city.

A City of Culture and Creativity

Bristol is known worldwide for its unique cultural mosaics representing a wide range of styles and influences during the last forty years which are extinct in other cities undergoing intense urban renewals. The uniqueness of the city is worth pointing out as attracts new residents to the city each year.

Youth education in the vicinity of the city wears enthusiasm for learning and an inquiring mind, gets from the best-rated summer educational programs around the globe where parents including the taxpayers from the respective countries are investing in them to maintain their youth's competitive capacity compared to those from abroad, at reasonably high levels.

Green Spaces and Sustainability

Bristol was the European Green Capital in 2015 and retained its leading position in sustainability:

- 34% of the city is blue or green space

- Over 90 parks and green spaces

- Aims to be carbon neutral by 2030

The variety of leisure activities that students can undertake includes having a picnic at Brandon Hill, taking boat trips in the harbor, or cycling along the Bristol and Bath Railway Path.

Innovation and Employment Opportunities

One of the main sectors driving Bristol's economy is the creative, tech, and aerospace industries:

- Home to the largest silicon design cluster outside Silicon Valley

- Key companies from Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and the BBC also operate here

- Has been ranked the best city for start-ups in the UK (Startup Genom 2023)

This busy recruitment market represents a great scope for internships and post-graduation employment.

Cost of Living

While not being the cheapest city in the UK, Bristol can still be an economical alternative to London:

- Average student rent: £500-£700 per month

- Monthly travel pass: £50 (with student discount)

- Pint of beer: £4-£5

Thrifty students who want to have fun in and around the city can make use of bargain deals that are available to them.

Getting Around

The compact size of Bristol is one of the factors that make it a place that almost everyone can navigate easily:

- Extensive bus network with real-time tracking

- The city's bike lane system has seen an increase in recent years, with Bristol distinguishing itself as England's premier cyclist-friendly city as early as 2008

- Two main train stations connecting to major UK cities

Food and Drink Scene

Bristol's culinary scene is unconventional and fast-paced. The following are some of the best eating things that the city has to offer:

- St Nicholas Market: On the market, you will be able to find more than 60 different stalls stacked with food from all over the world, giving everything from traditional British food to African and Caribbean food

- Gloucester Road: This is the longest street in Europe that has only independent shops

- Brew scene: Over 20 microbreweries can be found here

Do not forget to have a go at the renowned Bristolian cider at The Apple, which belonged to a former Dutch barge on the quayside.

Student Life and Entertainment

For example, the nightlife scene in Bristol is very lively and centered mostly in areas such as Park Street and the Harbourside. A variety of different student drink promotions, from a trivia night to a $2 drink night, may be found in those establishments. While the students watch movies from the independent cinema Watershed, one other place like this for them would be Arnolfini Contemporary Art Gallery

Safety and Community

For out-of-towners who are considering studying in Bristol, the city is generally dubbed as a safe city:

- Crime rates are relatively low compared to other major British cities

- The large number of student-run projects and giving opportunities, as well as the strong spirit of community, are some of the benefits of the place

- You can contact the university's counseling services at any time of the day to seek help, so you can benefit from these

Looking Ahead: Bristol in 2024

There is continuous development in Bristol as we are presently amid the year 2024:

- The project in the Temple Quarter will inter alia house the new campus for the University of Bristol

- Green investments will be made as well, with the expansion of the bike network being among the main focuses of the city

- The town of Bristol is fast becoming very famous for AI and Robotics

Accommodation Options

The first and foremost thing about any student who is in Bristol is to get a place of abode. Bristol has the choice of several student living spaces:

- University halls of residence- Private student accommodation- Shared houses in popular student areas like Clifton, Redland, and Gloucester RoadTo all those people who are tired of all the fuss of finding decent housing, Uninist gives an amazing service. Their options are numerous and scattered throughout the Bristol real-estate area, meaning they can deal with all students, no matter whether they are high or low on the budget. Uninist enables learners to concentrate on their education and city life while any living issue is the company's responsibility.

Summing up, Bristol in 2024, certainly, remains a vivid, diverse, and welcoming city among students. The combination of the university's famous quality of education, the city's richness of culture, and the promising career opportunities that the city presents will make it the first-choice place you spend your university years. Besides, you can find almost everything here, including art, music, cutting-edge technology, and the process of eating a delicious specialty called cider by the harbor. One should take the initiative to explore, participate, and gain benefits in Bristol.

[anniecamb]

Short-Term, Long-Term Awesome: The Uninist Magic with best in student accommodation in Bristol

Hey, hellooo famuni!  Just to inform, if you are interested in short term student accommodations in Bristol, do not worry, I just received interesting information which will make your day. The Malthouse Building has been provided by the great guys at Uninist.

Here it goes: Whether you're going on a short exchange trip or staying in a new place for an extended period, Malthouse is always there for you. With an 18-year background, Uninist is primarily focused on student living and so they understand the needs of students in the best way.

Where is it situated? Right on the prime spot. It's only a stone's throw away from the campus of Bristol University. Want to take a rest from studying? Just head over to the Bristol Shopping Quarter and shop all day long. Your late-night cram session energy booster? Tesco Express and Greytone Coffee will be your best friends. But there is something to it. - The Malthouse is the place of your dream. The whole atmosphere. Working out in the gym, having a cinema evening, and being with your new crew on the rooftop are some of the experiences you can enjoy.

Moreover, with the flexible leases, students have the option of booking space for short stays or even choosing it as their second home. The world is yours, they are simply renting you your own space. Thus, whether you are at UWE, Bristol Uni, or any other place for the discerning, the Malthouse is what it takes to be your launching pad for a fabulous Bristol adventure. Be it short-term or long-term, the coolness is guaranteed! 

[architectnews]

BDP Architecture Practice Information + News

BDP Architects Offices, Building Design Partnership News, Studio Designs, UK Practice

BDP Architecture Office

International Architects Practice – Buildings + Designs: Office News Updates

BDP Projects Information

BDP : main page with current news

BDP Architects : recent information on Building Design Partnership

Older Projects by BDP – Building Design Partnership

Recent BDP News

7 Oct 2021 BDP returns to Edinburgh with Pattern acquisition photo courtesy of architects office BDP returns to Edinburgh with Pattern acquisition BDP’s recent acquisition of the specialist sports and stadia architecture firm, Pattern Design – the practice delivering Everton FC’s new £500 million waterfront stadium – results in BDP’s return to Edinburgh. Previously, BDP held an Edinburgh office from 2008 to 2011. The new Edinburgh studio expands BDP’s presence in Scotland and coincides with BDP’s successful completion of the £1bn St James Quarter development.

photo © Isabelle Lomholt

2012 BDP is again top in Western Europe

BDP has again come top – by fee income – of the Western Europe chart of the WA100 2012 survey of the world’s largest architecture practices, a position the practice has held for over 10 consecutive years.

The UK is still the firm’s largest market but China and India are growing substantially and for the practice, many of its key projects are to be found in Asia, including: the masterplanning of a sustainable city of 160,000 people in Hua’an China; two masterplans in Kerala, India; one for the Indian Institute of Technology in Mandi; and one in Suzhou, China.

Peter Drummond, BDP’s Chief Executive said “These are the most extraordinary times that we have experienced at any time in our 50 year history. There is an enormous contrast in dealing with economic uncertainty and lower investment in social infrastructure in the west with massive investment in markets such as India and China. But we believe that our distinctive humanistic approach to architecture and placemaking creates a strong position for BDP in both circumstances.”

15 Oct 2011 BDP’s Shanghai studio moves to larger premises

As part of a long term strategy for continuing to work in China and accommodate a larger design team BDP has moved into larger premises, still in Shanghai.

image from BDP Architects

BDP has been involved in China since 2007 and opened a studio at the end of 2010 to support this work and win further projects across the sectors.

Since then, the practice has successfully won a number of major developments ranging from urban regeneration masterplans through higher education, cultural and leisure facilities to retail and housing right across China including Beijing, Foshan, Hangzhou, Lanzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai and Suzhou.

The head of BDP’s Shanghai Studio, Stephen Gillham, said “To support BDP’s vision for China, our expanding portfolio and our growing design team, we are moving from premises which we had already outgrown to a brand new building nearby in Shanghai’s Luwan District from where we will be able to provide even stronger solutions for our clients.“

BDP’s new address: 17 Urban City Centre, 45 Nanchang Road, Luwan District, Shanghai, 200020, China Tel +86 (0)21-61962500 Fax +86 (0)21-61962501

11 Jul 2011 BDP – Appointment Architect Scott Mackenzie has been appointed to BDP’s board of directors. Scott has significant experience in the education sector and his appointment will strengthen the leadership in the Glasgow studio. He is currently working on new build facilities for both Inverness and Kilmarnock Colleges and the University of Strathclyde’s Technology Innovation Centre. He is also project director for the Robert Gordon University Garthdee Campus, which involves the consolidation of the University’s estate at a stunning campus on the banks of the River Dee. Scott joined BDP in 1999 and has been a director since 2006.

Placebook As BDP is 50 this year they have created a blog to celebrate all the lovely projects created over the last 50 years. BDP are asking people to nominate their favourite BDP project on their Placebook blog. The blog encourages people to discuss, vote on, and nominate their favourite BDP buildings and projects. Placebook started out as a simple idea to introduce current BDP designers to the history and diversity of work over the first 50 years. Such was the reaction to the idea, BDP have opened it up to former colleagues, friends, clients, contractors, journalists or anyone who may ever have enjoyed spending time in one of their buildings.

6 May 2011 BDP Cyclists set off in Aid of UK Charities At 9.20am this morning more than 30 cyclists set out from BDP’s London studio in Clerkenwell aiming for the studio in the Netherlands via Harwich on the first leg of the relay cycle ride which will involve over 200 riders from BDP on a tour around all of its studios in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

BDP Cycle for Jo London Send off: pictures : Sanna Fisher-Payne, BDP

They were given a huge send off preceded by short speeches by Martin Houghton-Brown Chief Executive of charity Missing People and BDP Chief Executive Peter Drummond.

BDP – the UK’s leading interdisciplinary design practice – launched ‘Cycle for Jo’ a fundraising challenge in honour of the landscape architect from BDP’s Bristol studio, Jo Yeates, who went missing and was tragically found dead on Christmas Day.

The first team left BDP’s Clerkenwell studio in London today and the last team will arrive back in London on 25 May. Members from BDP studios in Abu Dhabi and India have also joined by cycling in their local areas.

In his speech BDP’s CEO Peter Drummond said, “Cycle for Jo is our way of marking and remembering (Jo’s) too short a life with us. And it is so fitting that the idea of a tour de BDP should come from a group of young people in the firm – the decision to dedicate it to Jo and raise money for causes that she believed in and the charity Missing People was a no-brainer.”

As part of a series marking BDP’s 50th anniversary, “Cycle for Jo” will raise funds for the charities Missing People, the British Red Cross and RSPCA.

11 Feb 2011 BDP wins Kuwait Masterplan

BDP has successfully bid for a transport and planning framework masterplan for the Salmiya district of Kuwait City; the formal signing of the 14 month contract, with a value in excess of £2m, took place in January. Salmiya district is an existing urbanised area on the Gulf Coast of approximately 20 sq km. Growing congestion, pressures for redevelopment and a recognition of the existing poor quality of place have led the Kuwait Municipality to commission this work which will set in place the infrastructure, planning and design guidelines to enable the transformation of the district over the next 15 years.

BDP has been challenged to create a sustainable masterplan for Salmiya district to keep it car-friendly, but also flexible for future growth. This will include more strategic siting of any new public works such as schools, universities and hospitals in relation to residential zones, plans for improved public transport provision, and better all-round pedestrian access to Salmiya’s shops and civic amenities.

In addition the BDP-led Salmiya masterplan will work in harmony with the third Kuwait masterplan known as 3KMP. The 3KMP is an umbrella development strategy for the whole of Kuwait which is designed to help cope with the intensive economic and population growth anticipated in the region over the next 20 years.

Francis Glare, BDP’s head of urbanism said “We would like to acknowledge the importance of the collaboration with our local consultants OBD and their contribution to the winning of this project. We believe this will be a growing area of work for us, as a new place-making approach starts to be applied to first generation Middle Eastern cities. The BDP approach is particularly relevant to the cities and societies of the Middle East as they move on from North American driven models of city planning dominated by traffic engineering.”

3 Feb 2011 Remembering Jo Statement from Keith Pavey, Head of BDP’s Bristol Studio

“It is now over seven weeks since Jo was so tragically taken from us and it is still difficult to come to terms with her untimely and unnecessary death.

We have been overwhelmed by the many messages of condolence and sympathy we have received from our clients and colleagues in the construction industry. We are certain that there will be many lasting tributes to Jo from many directions but for our part at BDP we have concluded that we will progress the following:

• The creation of a small garden of remembrance at our Bristol studio. • The sponsorship of an annual Landscape Design prize in Jo’s memory for students at the University of Gloucestershire School of Landscape and Environment. • The creation of a Book of Remembrance to include an anthology of Jo’s work. • The dedication to Jo of a cycle ride between BDP offices, planned to take place in late spring as one of several events to mark BDP’s 50th anniversary, with the proceeds from sponsorship going to charities of Jo’s parents’ and Greg’s(Reardon, Jo’s boyfriend) choice. We will not forget Jo and we hope the above will collectively become a lasting tribute to her.”

11 Oct 2010 BCO Awards BDP won twice at this year’s British Council for Offices Awards in London. The fit-out for PricewaterhouseCoopers at 141 Bothwell Street, Glasgow was national winner of the Fit-out of Workplace Award, and West Lothian Civic Centre, Livingston was winner of the National Innovation Award. Presented by actor and trained designer Ronni Ancona, the awards are considered to be one of the most prestigious events in the corporate real estate calendar attracting over 1,000 key players in the office industry sector.

Of the PwC project the judges said: “This year’s national winner of the Fit-out of Workplace Award is a quality fit-out that betrays no signs of opulence or financial exuberance and outstanding value for money.

Fundamental to any successful fit-out is the new environment’s ability to contribute to the well-being and productivity of the workforce. It was clear to the judges that BDP’s fit-out fully met these criteria. PwCs’ fit-out illustrates a keen understanding of its corporate and staff needs and displays its sophistication as a client. The accurate delivery of the client’s brief by the professional team has brought the entire project together.”

Awarding West Lothian Civic Centre the National Innovation Award, the judges said: “This new home for public sector services in West Lothian accomplishes two significant achievements: providing an impressive and aesthetically pleasing building that betrays none of the traditional dourness or conformity of the customary public sector edifice, and innovatively combining a number of hitherto separate public services in one dynamic modern and efficient building.” All entries are considered automatically for the Innovation Award as part of the assessment process with the regional judges nominating entries from their region to be put forward.

BDP Abu Dhabi BDP Abu Dhabi

RIBA Hat Trick for BDP BDP collected three prizes in the RIBA Awards. BDP’s northern studios featured strongly with wins for the masterplan for the regeneration of Liverpool city centre, known as Liverpool One, for its own studio in Manchester’s Ducie Street and also for a new five storey office building in Sheffield – 1 Northbank, the top floor of which is, coincidentally, also the home of BDP’s own Sheffield studio. 21 May 2009

New Environment and Sustainability Institute, Cornwall, England Tremough Campus Building. 13 Aug 2009

Liverpool One Award, UK : BCSC Award photo © David Barbour/BDP Liverpool One Masterplan. 3 Dec 2009 Stirling Prize Nominee

Civic Trust Awards 2009 The Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton and Victoria Square in Belfast both received top awards : BDP Triumphs At Civic Trust Awards

Location: London, England, UK

Building Design Partnership : main page arranged chronologically

London Architects

Building Design Partnership Projects – No Images

Aintree racecourse – Grandstand, nr Liverpool, England 2007

Archway Masterplan, north London 2007-

Bournemouth Library, Dorset, England 2003

Buchanan Galleries Atrium building – proposal, Glasgow, Scotland 2007- Buchanan Galleries

Cardonald College, Glasgow, Scotland Cardonald College

City College, Brighton, East Sussex, England 2007

Fingal County Offices, Swords, County Dublin, Ireland 2002 Bucholz McEvoy with BDP Dublin £9m

Hale redevelopment, Tottenham Hale, Haringey, northeast London, UK 2007 Mixed -use development: residential; commercial; retail; hotel; student accommodation; primary school; health centre

Leamouth school, east London, UK 2008- For Ballymore Properties: within six lower floors of tower building

Manchester Piccadilly Station Refurbishment, England –

The Marlowe Academy, Ramsgate, Kent, England –

National Maritime College of Ireland, Cork, Ireland 2004 BDP Dublin

Roche Head Office, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England –

Sao Gabriel towers – Vasco da Gama centre, Lisbon, Portugal –

Swansea masterplan, Wales Welsh proposal

Überseequartier, Hamburg, Germany 2007-09 110,000 sqm office / retail development

Union Square masterplan, Aberdeen, Scotland 2007- Shopping centre

University of Wales campus, Newport, Wales 2008-

University of Worcester – New Campus, England 2006-

Waterfront City, Melbourne, Australia –

More projects by Building Design Partnership online soon King’s Buildings – South Range: Smirke Building, King’s College London 1830s Robert Smirke Grade I Listed, Strand Campus – restoration: 2006 – Building Design Partnership

Architectural Designs

London Architect

London Architecture

English Architects

Architecture Studios

Buildings / photos for the BDP Architecture – Building Design Partnership page welcome

Website: www.bdp.com

The post BDP Architecture Practice Information + News appeared first on e-architect.

[gotounivercity-blog]

Study Computer Science in The United Kingdom

Why study computer science?

To be in the business of computers is to be into every business: almost every business – not just the e-commerce companies – is powered by computers. On top of that, individual identity itself is shaped by networked computers in this age of smartphones and omnipresent internet; that creates jobs for software developers who don’t serve any corporation. In short, if you can acquire marketable expertise in the field of computer science, and almost all kinds of expertise in this field are highly marketable, you are not going to lack employment opportunities and you can work on a job no matter where you are. You can work from the whole year round: an advantage that everyone noticed during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Last but not the least, the business of computers is yet to get saturated. The people yet to attain computer literacy – or smart phone literacy – still number in billions. As the developing countries move their businesses online even further and underdeveloped countries begin to digitalize, the need for computer/smart devices will grow further. Both the manufacture of hardware and production of software will multiply in volume, creating even more opportunities for experts in the field.

Why study computer science in the UK?

The United States of America is the place where the modern computer – originally with valves in lieu of microchips – was born. The first organization (outside the academia) to actually use a general purpose computers was the US army which developed the ENIAC in 1945. Since the world was sharply divided in opposing politico-military camps during as well as in the aftermath of WWII, computing technology developed in America got shared with the USA’s closest ally, the UK, very early. Another reason why the study of computing took off in UK varsities was that the earliest software languages and interfaces – thanks to the American influence – were aligned with English. Today, many UK universities are at the forefront of CS, many of the CS departments conducting research for the world's top companies – in addition to doing research on their own.

Another factor that attracts international students to undergo CS programs in the UK is that it allows many of them to obtain a work visa once the course is done. The UK is notoriously hard to immigrate to for people in almost every profession other than nursing and computer science. The burgeoning software as well as hardware industry in the country offers the CS graduates good jobs, with starting salary upward of 25,000 pounds, and that job offer qualifies the candidate for a work permit, which – in turn – might lead to permanent residency.

Entry requirements

Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points. Typical A-levels requirements: ABB, with good grades in maths and computing. Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall in IELTS Academic, with no lower than 6.0 in any of the 4 sections. If you haven’t studied in an IB or A levels school, you have to convert your scores to those scales in order to prove that you match the level.

Cost of doing the course

Tuition fees range from 12000 pounds per annum to 37000 pounds per annum. Cost of living will exceed 5000 pounds per annum.

Top universities to study Computer Science in the UK

University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL (University College London), University of Edinburgh, King's College London (KCL), University of Manchester, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), University of Warwick and University of Bristol are currently considered the top colleges where to study CS in the UK. However, there are plenty of other choices.

Top Computer Science courses in the UK

BA in Computer Science, BSc in Biology and Computer Science, BSc in Computer Science and Economics, BSc in Computer Science and Management, BSc or BEng in Computer Science and Mathematics, BSc in Computer Science and Statistics, BSc in Computer Science and Psychology, BEng in Computing, BSc in AI, BSc in Human Computer Interaction, BEng in Computer Systems, BEng in Robotics and BSc in Robotics are some of the popular courses in Computer Science in UK universities.

Work while you study

As it is in most other western countries, foreign students are allowed to work part-time in the UK. An international student can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holiday breaks. But there are many restrictions and conditions one must fulfill in order to be allowed to work. Some of these conditions are set by the government and the rest are by the university where you will study. There are many universities which allow you to work only on campus and neither the university nor the government allows any student to work on any job if the student is less than 16 years of age. This puts the child prodigies who reach college very early at a slight disadvantage.

Most of the restrictions imposed by the government will be stated in the visa stamped on your Tier 4 passport (student visa for people above 16). So there is little chance that you will experience doubt while considering whether you should take up a certain opportunity or not.

Healthcare benefits for international students

International students are neither required nor actually need private medical insurance when studying in the UK. If you are applying for student visa, it costs just an extra £470 per year to gain access to the NHS, which is arguably the best nationwide healthcare system in the world. You pay this fee during your visa application and it covers free medical treatment (including emergency or hospital care, should you need it) and dental care at a reduced price at any NHS dentistry.

It is always a good idea to register with a GP (general practitioner) as soon as you have settled down. A GP is a doctor who deals with most general health problems. Most GP surgeries offer patients a choice of whether they see a male or female doctor. So female students need not see a male doctor.

Internships and placement opportunity

You will not be short of opportunities to intern in the UK itself while you study. Most of the internship opportunities are in the private sector though the government offers internship as well. Among the different sectors of industry that offer many internship opportunities to international students are media and communication, banking and finance, online marketing, market research and information technology.

In areas like information technology and online marketing, it is possible to get a remote assignment in another country, especially in another English speaking one. However, some lucky students might secure an internship to be undergone in person in the US or Canada.

Postgraduate study opportunity

Postgraduate opportunities galore, especially for science students who want to build a career in research.

How We Help

Our experienced consultants will guide you throughout your journey in pursuit of higher education and admissions into your dream universities/colleges. In specific but not limited to, following areas of assistance is provided by our consultants:

Complete Profile Evaluation

Guidance on curriculum and subject selection for high school (A levels, IB, IGCSE etc)

STEM Coaching - Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Business, Maths, Economics, English and many other subjects

Preparation of different standardized tests - Undergraduate and Postgraduate

Helping you to build your profile by guiding you on leadership skills, co-curricular activities, internship, online courses etc.

Shortlist and finalize the best-fit college / university

Research the right programs / courses for students

Craft academic CV

Brainstorm ideas for essays and personal statements

Draft pointers for recommendation letters

Scholarship and Financial Aid guidance

MMI and Panel Interview Preparation

Submission of the application form

Follow up with the universities and updating the status of the applications

Visa assistance and guidance

Assistance on safe accommodation options

Pre-Departure Guidance

Gotouniversity is the best study abroad consultants. We have been providing free admission counselling, application services and consultancy services all over world for career counseling and admission guidance. If you are looking for University Of Leeds, visit our site.

[jaigeddes]

Student halls developer Empiric restarts stalled schemes

Developer Empiric Student Property is restarting  work on two accommodation schemes which were mothballed during the Covid pandemic.

The firm confirmed to the city today that work would recommence on schemes in Southampton and Bristol to create a  total of 385 student beds.

A decision on restarting a third stalled scheme in Canterbury will be made later this year.

Empiric said: “After a detailed review of the associated costs and benefits, we have recommenced development work on the Southampton and Bristol developments.

“We will review the Canterbury development in October 2020 once we have gained planning on a second phase of the build and have greater certainty around our income for the 2020/21 academic year.”

The announcement came as Empiric posted a pre-tax loss of £14.4m for first half of 2020 compared to a £28.8m profit last time.

Chairman Mark Pain said: “We are confident that we have a business which will be able to work through the current pandemic and provide a platform for growth moving forward.

“The attractive fundamentals of increasing structural demand from both domestic and international students for premium, responsibly managed student accommodation focused in high demand UK towns and cities remains strong, whilst the supply of such accommodation continues to be restricted.

“Combined with the Company’s robust balance sheet, differentiated well located portfolio focused on premium studio-led and smaller buildings with rooms predominantly direct-let, and the benefits of our operational transformation continuing to strengthen, we see significant opportunities for the Group to grow and deliver value to our stakeholders despite the short-term uncertainty.”

[ebenalconstruct]

Student halls developer Empiric restarts stalled schemes

Developer Empiric Student Property is restarting  work on two student schemes which were mothballed during the Covid pandemic.

The firm confirmed to the city today that work would recommence on schemes in Southampton and Bristol to create a  total of 385 student beds.

A decision on restarting a third stalled scheme in Canterbury will be made later this year.

Empiric said: “After a detailed review of the associated costs and benefits, we have recommenced development work on the Southampton and Bristol developments.

“We will review the Canterbury development in October 2020 once we have gained planning on a second phase of the build and have greater certainty around our income for the 2020/21 academic year.”

The announcement came as Empiric posted a pre-tax loss of £14.4m for first half of 2020 compared to a £28.8m profit last time.

Chairman Mark Pain said: “We are confident that we have a business which will be able to work through the current pandemic and provide a platform for growth moving forward.

“The attractive fundamentals of increasing structural demand from both domestic and international students for premium, responsibly managed student accommodation focused in high demand UK towns and cities remains strong, whilst the supply of such accommodation continues to be restricted.

“Combined with the Company’s robust balance sheet, differentiated well located portfolio focused on premium studio-led and smaller buildings with rooms predominantly direct-let, and the benefits of our operational transformation continuing to strengthen, we see significant opportunities for the Group to grow and deliver value to our stakeholders despite the short-term uncertainty.”

from https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2020/08/13/student-halls-developer-empiric-restarts-stalled-schemes/

[abujaihs-blog]

How Universities are Maximising Revenue from Real Estate

At weekends and especially during holidays, campuses tend to empty out but the buildings still incur operating costs and require maintenance work to keep them in top condition. Underutilized space is a valuable asset when marketed and positioned correctly in the market, says Shaun Johnson, business development manager at Integral UK, JLL’s UK facilities and engineering services firm. “The way campus buildings and facilities are used is slowly changing to generate more revenue all-year round,” he says. “Whether they’re hosting external conferences in lecture halls or opening up sports facilities for local teams to use, universities are collaborating more with businesses and the local community.”

Making the most of facilities Universities across the UK and U.S. often have state-of-the-art facilities which have significant construction and running costs. Indeed, the UK’s higher education sector has started £8.8 billion-worth of capital projects since 2014, according to industry tracker Glenigan. In the U.S., universities from New York’s Columbia to California’s Stanford have been pursuing a range of options within their real estate in recent years, explains Julia Georgules, senior research director at JLL U.S. “We’ve seen straightforward divestment of real estate, the repurposing of campus buildings and creating portfolios of real estate – as well as a combination of all three,” she says. “There are more options on the table for those universities who are on sound financial footing.” Privately-held Massachusetts Institute of Technology has a dedicated real estate management team tasked with the rotation and redevelopment of assets, as well as a ‘capital projects’ website – highlighting its investment in refurbishing and expanding its own real estate portfolio. However, less-affluent institutions across the U.S face a shortfall between revenue and upkeep costs at a time of decreased further study and tuition discounts to lure students. In the consequent search for revenue and book-balancing, there’s been some impressive leveraging of real estate by U.S. universities, says Georgules. “Some of that has been reactive and driven by need, while more prosperous establishments have innovated and collaborated with the outside world,” she says, pointing to California’s Stanford University. Its Research Park in Silicon Valley forms part of a wider drive to collaborate in the world of tech. Such partnerships between universities and the innovation economy will become more common in years to come, and will work to the benefit of both parties, she adds. Growing collaboration In the UK, third party use of university real estate is in its early days. Local, national, and even international organisations, are frequently looking for high-quality facilities in easily accessible locations to host events, says Johnson. The University of West England in Bristol, for example, regularly hosts events at its exhibition and conference centre for the UK’s Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management body. “A university with a top-class conference hall is hugely appealing to businesses or trade bodies looking for a venue,” says Johnson. “Universities are already set up to accommodate and cater for hundreds, or even thousands of short-term visitors, in a way that few hotels can match.” Sports facilities – such as football, hockey and rugby pitches, are also in demand, says Johnson. Players from Welsh football team Newport County, for example, train on University of South Wales pitches. “It’s often a two-way thing,” says Johnson, who points to the way the football club is working with the university to offer sports degrees and courses. “Students in return get the chance to gain real time sports science experience.” New relationships between campus theatres and the wider community are being established. Last year, the University of Southampton opened a second theatre in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, over 50 years after the construction of its first on-campus venue. Also in Southampton, the university’s data centre is used by businesses as well as the establishment’s own staff. Meanwhile other universities are turning to tourists; the University of London, for example, rents out rooms in its student halls located in prime areas of the city outside of term-time at prices to rival those of cheaper hotels.

Keeping facilities in top form As universities come up with new ways to generate revenue from their real estate, it’s not just their events teams that are growing. More maintenance workers will also be needed. “When wear and tear rises, there’s a point where having a full-time maintenance team on site to respond to new needs becomes worthwhile,” he says. “Standard visits and checks which may have sufficed in the past may not be enough.” Indeed, while a university’s reputation may help to attract interest from conference and events planners, ultimately, it’s the quality of the facilities themselves that will ensure repeat business. And this can make a valuable contribution to a university’s longer-term finances. “The extent to which UK universities think more openly about their real estate could help to generate revenue and define how financially effective they are in the future,” concludes Johnson. Source: jllrealviews Read the full article

[holytheoristtastemaker]

The scale of change has overtaken the methodologies not just the forecasts

“There are decades when nothing happens and weeks when decades happen” – Lenin

The Covid lockdown has demonstrated the potential of Educational Technology to support remote learning and workplace training but the focus on “free” access threatens to destroy the revenue streams of most on-line course and content providers.

We have learned much about what does and what does not work, from:

re-learning old lessons about working at home  (as opposed to “from” home), to

the organisation and support of education in the home, and

why home-work clubs and safe study centres are so important for so many children.

So how could/should we help a near bankrupt education and training sector reskill that quarter of the current workforce now furloughed or unemployed?

at the same time as helping the next generation (whose education has been disrupted) to acquire the skills needed to rebuild the economy,

at a time of global economic collapse, unemployment and starvation,

while previous forecasts  of the skills in long term demand have been overtaken by the scale of change now in prospect

Contents

The Potential for short term responses to get in the way of sustainable “solutions”

What should be the role of Government: centrally driven planning/leadership or support frameworks for local initiative?

The structure of Education, Training and Skills Markets is changing

Your Action Plan

Background Analysis

Possible Actions include

1) The Potential for short term responses to get in the way of sustainable “solutions”

We have seen schools, colleges, universities and commercial/professional training providers accelerate the provision of on-line courses and content on-line, leading to variations in access  to learning which threaten to dramatically increased social inequality.  The limitations of purely on-line delivery have also been demonstrated at the same as its potential to help overcome resource constraints in transforming educational experiences.

The Department for Education has brought forward action to help schools and pupils with access to technology including via the Education Technology programme  supported by London Grid for Learning . But the accompanying focus on “free” tools threatens to undermine the economic viability of the UK educational technology sector. The initiatives promoted via trade associations, professional bodies and others to make introductory entrepreneurial, digital and cybersecurity courses “freely” available are welcome. But these endanger the commercial viability of those innovative training providers who moved their technical and professional  courses on-line for remote access, only to find that their customers have furloughed their training staff, after postponing delivery and/or cancelling contracts and freezing plans and budgets. The backlog, let alone the new demand from those with no job to go back to, will require targeted vocational training on a scale not seen since the early days of World War2 1939. But in what skills? Most current forecasts are no longer valid. Nor are most current forecasting methodologies.

2) What should be the role of Government: centrally driven planning/leadership or support frameworks for local initiative?

Wartime analogies leading to comparisons with post war nationalisation, planning and debt repayment are put forward by those who forget that rationing was more severe in 1946/7 than in 1942/3. Centralised planning was such a success that rationing continued until 1953 and currency controls continued for another 25 years.  Public sector finances were not balanced until 1997. The incoming Labour Government then changed the policy and returned to a belief in top down planning from the centre. There are many ideas about how to address the problems/opportunities, from:

changing apprentice funding rules (to enable employers to use their own funds to bring forward on-line training for furloughed staff), through

targeted public procurement (using social values legislation), to

reviving individual learning accounts, (this time tied to vouchers for accredited courses, with employer driven quality control of both course and provider).

But which are worth working up into policy proposals for central and/or local government?

3) The structure of Education, Training and Skills Markets is changing

 The fragmentation of global supply chains, sharp reductions in physical travel and the hassle of getting those educated/trained elsewhere through immigration/quarantine will change the “market” for world-class skills. The focus will shift from moving people round the world to acquire and practice skills> employers will come under increasing pressure to, instead, train the “locals” to international standards to work, increasingly on- line, with “experts” who may be anywhere in the world. Central Government and its Agencies will therefore need to give priority to ensuring that UK employers, trade associations, unions, technical/professional bodies and education/training providers help lead the consortia setting those standards – ensuring not only that they meet our needs but are piloted in the UK and rolled out faster here than there. That will be a challenge to those whose mind sets have been constrained by the creeping extension of the Haldane Principle. This was originally intended only for University-based research but has come to dominate the UK education and training system. We should not throw the baby out with the bathwater – but until the economy has recovered we have to better balance our priorities. Those serving on our hierarchies of funding and approval committees should be re-tasked to improve information sharing on who is doing what, with what success. They should no longer tasked to try to agree what is best and should be done by all, whether or not in receipt of public funds. One size does not fit all. By the time the committees have agreed on a compromise, it will almost certainly no longer be suitable for most, if it ever was. Local skills partnerships (bringing together Private and Public Sector employers, employment agencies and training providers alongside Universities, Colleges and Schools) are likely to be very much more successful in getting large numbers of school-leavers and unemployed into the jobs of the future than nationally planned, co-ordinated, standardised initiatives.  Those partnerships are likely, however, to be very different given the variety of local  socio-political and economic structures, including but not “just” metropolitan, urban, rural. The population of Plymouth is similar to that of Salford . Both have strong traditions of local partnership. But the similarities probably stop there.  The Plymouth tradition of local and global partnerships puts it in a very different place to Salford, which is part of the Greater Manchester regional metropolis. Given such variety, the promotion of locally led partnerships will require changing the role of Central Government and national agencies from setting targets, standards and mandating compliance to facilitating and supporting local participation in national and international consortia, with priorities and provision tailored to local travel to fit work/training areas. Those “areas” will increasingly be determined by access to broadband rather than physical accommodation or public transport. That could lead to painful transitions for Towns and Cities whose economies have come to depend on large numbers of resident students or inflows of commuters. Some (like Bristol) are already using the University data centre and educational networks and facilities as hubs for smart city pilots in partnership with local industry. Others have been working with players like City Fibre to pull forward the creation of dark fibre infrastructures to compete with the proprietary networks of BT and Virgin. Meanwhile the Joint Academic Network, linking UK Universities, Research Centres, Science Parks, Colleges and the schools served by members of  the National Education Network  provides the UK with a unique “future proof” communications utility which already supports the protocols of the future, like IPV6 and the test beds for 5G. The pieces are in place for the UK to leapfrog into the future, with local initiatives having easy access to partners and resources around the world as well as to joined-up local and national markets, giving them the necessary critical mass to achieve scale for their own offerings. Of course  they will need support, including preferential purchasing using social values legislation, to protect them from the predatory behaviour of dominant players and those supported by their own governments. But the biggest need will probably be protection from the howls in the media about “post code lotteries”, alias local variations to meet local needs.

4) Your Action Plan

 Join and Support one or more of the groups organising co-operation to not only produce ideas to put to Central and Local Government, but also to pilot and test them, locally and/or nationally. Those understood to working on proposals and/or events at the time of this blog include: (I intend to assemble and update the list to be inserted here over time. Please e-mail virgo.philip@outlook.com with details of those who you think should be added)

5) Background Analysis

5.1) Education and training have moved on-line, opening up a gulf between those with supported on-line access and those without.

A report by the Sutton Trust indicated both the speed with which schools went on-line and the gaps that opened up. They found that only a third of children were signed up to on-line learning. Pupils at independent schools were twice as likely to do so. There was another gap between schools in affluent area and the rest. When it came to parental support there was a similar gap between those with higher level qualifications  and those without.  There was also the gap between those with laptops and bedrooms of their own and those who had to share with siblings and/or parents. Since that report was published it is apparent that the gaps have widened, not narrowed, with many parents finding it ever harder to help educate their children. Those with specials needs have  suffered particularly badly. The Department for Education brought forward action to help schools and pupils with technology including via the Education Technology programme  supported by London Grid for Learning (which had upgraded broadband connections to over a thousand schools in the six months before the outbreak) and Sheffield Hallam University. Such actions help address the immediate problem but highlight the longer term divide between schools with and without full fibre broadband connections, including for remote access by teachers and pupils. There is also the problem of pupils who will still not have access to safe study areas after their school has re-opened. Until all these issues are addressed we will see a growing gulf between digital haves and have-nots:

schools where teachers can focus on education (including social behaviour and interaction) with pupils using technology to acquire/demonstrate knowledge/competence at their own pace

and

schools where teachers struggle to keep order and achieve basic literacy/numeracy for all, unable to use technology to help occupy/educate those outside the mainstream.

The closure of home-work clubs and support activities for those excluded from mainstream education further increases problems of isolation and deprivation and increases the risk of outbreaks of disorder/violence among those with neither jobs nor education opportunities.

5.2 The new normal also be very different for Colleges and Universities

Colleges and Universities face similar problems with the added risk of financial implosion among those unable/unwilling to move their students and courses on-line .  Those already in difficulty will face the stresses of re-opening and “getting back to normal” after the lock down lifts. These  problems will be exacerbated by falls in the number of new students   from home and abroad. If the joys of “undistanced” social life will not form part of the “new normal” we can expect many more potential students to prefer less expensive, local, access to higher education, including on-line via the Open University and/or graduate apprenticeships, to incurring debts they may never repay.  The fall in full-time student numbers, predicted as evidence began to emerge that Graduate Apprenticeships were a better financial option for most, has been expedited. So how can the resultant “spare capacity” be “redeployed” to help prevent the return of mass unemployment (including those in with no job to go back to) by providing flexible, innovative, blended learning programmes? How do we avoid the need to make large numbers of academic and support staff redundant by redeploying them to help run the education and training programmes of the future?. How do we enable Colleges and Universities to respond to the opportunity to instead help employers move staff from dead and dying jobs to growing industries requiring skills that (even before Covid) were changing faster than the timescales for academic funding agencies to agree a new course or curriculum? The headline answer is “to build on what some are them were already doing”. We can expect an acceleration of the pursuit of other income sources, from

training and consultancy for local employers, (including to upgrade and renew the skills of former graduates and professionals), through

the off-the-job component of graduate- and post graduate- apprenticeships to

learning for leisure – e.g. residential culture courses for pensioners no longer willing to risk a cruise or overseas tour.

We have also seen what can be done as Universities worked with Local Enterprise Partnerships and Resilience Forums , to respond to the needs of the Hospitals and Care homes that serve their communities, at the same time as working with global consortia, looking collectively to find better ways of addressing similar challenges around the world. The issue is to give the Universities, Colleges, Schools, Employers, Trades Unions and Local Government the freedom and motivation to organize similarly positive and constructive responses to the longer term challenges ahead. Here the role of groups like the Committee for the Defence of British Universities will be critical. I would like to think their priority will be to defend the Universities from attempts to constrain their freedom to experiment with new ways of surviving as hubs of independent learning and creativity into the decade after next (not just the year after next).     

5.3 Importing skills instead of retraining the local unemployed will be politically unacceptable.

The importation of skills in short supply around the world will no longer be politically unacceptable. Those calling for visas and quarantine bypasses risk seriously adverse publicity unless they provide evidence as to how these will open up jobs and training opportunities for the new UK unemployed. We need, instead, to rapidly expand the frameworks for organising short order programmes to retrain large numbers made redundant as whole sectors, from hospitality to aerospace, shrink. That should include learning from past exercises when Trades Union learning representatives and Recruitment and Employment agencies worked together to organize retraining and placement programmes after major employers have had to “retrench” to avoid going down completely. This time the problems are on a larger scale, in parallel, across many industries and employers. But the principles are the same.

5.4  We should begin with those whose skills are atrophying in furlough or will no longer be needed when they emerge.

UK economic recovery after lockdown will require remotivating and reskilling several million shell-shocked and/or angry unemployed/furloughed men and women whose brains have atrophied except for decorating, gardening and binge-watching box sets, or become frazzled looking after children and vulnerable relatives.   According to Ipsos Mori barely 9% have been using their new found leisure to acquire new skills and 6% to acquire new languages. The free sites and services from Future Learn (part of the Open University,   Google Digital Training, Microsoft Digital Literacy, BT (Skills for Tomorrow), the Huawei Academy, Lloyds Bank Academy, Natwest Dream Bigger , Good Things Learn My Way   and others are invaluable in helping get those in furlough onto the first rungs of a new career. But the focus on what is available “at no charge “risks undermining the economics of those programmes that lead further up the careers ladder. Most of the providers of higher level, on-line, technical and professional content and courses have seen a collapse in revenues as in-house and external corporate training has collapsed. Those working from home are too busy while the HR and training departments, which might have been organising training for those in furlough, are overloaded – supporting home-based workers, or are themselves in furlough. The government guidance states that furloughed employees can take part in volunteer work or training.  Other articles (e.g. here and here) reference Government advice that “Furloughed employees can engage in training, as long as an undertaking the training the employee does not provide services or generate revenue for, or on behalf of their organisation.  Furloughed employees should be encouraged to undertake training”. An unfortunate side effect of such advice  is that the corporate e-mails addresses giving access to on-house programmes have commonly been suspended for those in furlough, lest they be used to   “provide services or generate revenue” and the employer be accused of fraud.

5.5 Many of the  building blocks are already in place

In London, providers like Digital Skills Solutions  (the digital arm of Newham College which also runs  apprenticeship programmes for player O2) , not only moved their apprenticeship programmes on-line but have also moved other, previously classroom-based courses, on-line. Further west, Bluescreen IT  (which runs the cyberskills incubator in Plymouth) not only put its entire course  portfolio online, with any unbooked places on offer free to those living locally (Devon and Somerset only) it has begun running on-line careers events with Comptia for target audiences  for whom Government funding is available e.g.  Veterans . Government should start building on such initiatives now, i.e. before lockdown is over, to help get some of the eight million now unemployed or in furlough on the path back to gainful employment, not just living on benefits and/or volunteering, as soon as we begin to come out of lockdown, however hesitant, partial and drawn out the process.

5.6 The needs go far wider than Digital

Such initiatives should not be confined to Digital or Cyber Skills. Apparently over 50,000 of those stuck at home, educating their children, have enquired about careers in teaching . Where are the programmes to recruit them as apprentice teachers – beginning by helping with the socially distanced summer schools, overflowing into village halls and community centres, that will be needed to help “recover” the education of our children? Relying on immigrants for the NHS and care sectors will soon be politically unacceptable if large numbers of Britons, some with high level skills whose employer or industry has imploded, are out of work. Apparently over 26,000 student nurse, doctors and other NHS staff have been redeployed to front line roles to help cope with Covid. After the lockdown there will be a massive waiting list for non-Covid medical treatment, some of it increasingly urgent. Programmes like the NHS Nursing apprenticeships will need rapid overhaul, e.g. making use of on-the-job blended learning in place of the unpopular academic off-the-job modules, to help overcome the known recruitment and retention problems. The pressures to revive local production (from agriculture and food to automotive and pharmaceutical, let alone medical equipment and supplies) and reduce reliance on vulnerable supply chains will similarly require expansion of vocational training capacity across the UK. Once again we should be looking to use technology-assisted blended learning to make best use of scarce teaching skills and get students productive and/or revenue earning as soon as practical. A particular need will be to rapidly expand the UK supply of the construction skills to build and maintain full fibre and wireless communications. In this context it is good to see that some network maintenance and construction training providers, like CNET Training, have already re-opened their training operations. This links to the need to open up a massive expansion of UK construction industry skills in general as we can no longer rely on importing these through across immigration and quarantine barriers, even if this was politically acceptable at a time of mass unemployment. There will not be time to allow such programmes to grind though Haldane-like research programme, curriculum planning, funding approval and other committees. Short-order, Industry strength market research should take the place of lengthy consultation processes. This will be much easier if we, once again, build in what already exists. Many of the former Sector Skills Councils joined forces with the National Skills Academies to form FISSS, a collective of employer funded quality control consortia, organising and accrediting programmes. Another  employer led consortium, TP Degrees rescued the ITMB, now offered by a dozen Universities. This consortium also accredits undergraduate degree level apprenticeships with two dozen Universities and post-graduate apprenticeships with a dozen. Meanwhile somewhere over 10% of SMEs are in the supply/distribution chains of large employers or are in franchises which include training and support as part of the package. Before the Covid lockdown the necessary employer-driven frameworks were evolving alongside those driven by trade associations and professional bodies. The need is to recognise them and require anyone bidding for public funding to have their support and/or that of an equivalent critical mass of employers, public and/or private sector. There is also a need to engage with the Trades Unions and their learning officers, including to help provide pastoral care and support for apprentices, particularly those in organisations too small to have effective in-house processes.

6) Possible Actions include

1) A furlough training voucher programme which makes it easier for employers to ensure their employees are following courses with reputable providers (e.g. those already used by the organization or accredited for existing government programmes) without running the risk of being accused of fraud if the access is organized via corporate e-mails. 2) Require ALL those planning public sector procurements to use UK  Social Values legislation to include local employment, job creation and reskilling/training in their OJEU notices – not just nominal lowest price. It is the failure to do so which has led, inter alia, to our dependence on high risk pan-EU, let alone global, supply chains for PPE etc. 3) Enable/encourage Universities, Colleges and Local Authorities to “co-host” local skills partnerships (in partnership with LEPs, Local Resilience Forums etc.) which bring together commercial training providers, recruitment and employment agencies, trades unions and employers (public and private, large and small) to provide the furloughed and unemployed, as well as school leavers and NEETs, with skills needed locally – beginning by offering existing international, employer-recognised, qualifications for skills already in short supply around the world. 4) Devolve the implementation of an “apprenticeship guarantee programme” to such partnerships, with joined up guidance on the support available to  businesses  and to education providers and children’s social care . This needs to include how to identify whether the training has been procured under Policy Note 02/20 , which can  limit further Government support to the provider(s). 5) Put full-fibre broadband before roads and railways in infrastructure investment. Add a programme to enable networked community access to the skills of future via community learning centres (local schools, libraries, pubs and clubs) for those who cannot readily learn at home or workplace – because they have to share their bedroom, let alone kitchen/diner with parents and siblings. 6) Use JANET, the Open University and the Grids for Learning (which provide broadband and content to schools) to create the world’s largest seamless, on-line market for world-class education and training content, skills/aptitude assessment and careers advice driven by skills “vouchers” for the newly unemployed. 7) Adopt in full the House of Lords recommendations for the reform of IR35, particularly its restrictions on offsetting training to acquire new skills against current tax,  to facilitate recovery around flexible and portfolio employment. 8) Abolish VAT on property improvement and update the relevant building regulations as necessary to encourage renovation and conversion programmes, large and small, linked to construction industry apprenticeships, instead of current rip-down and replace programmes.

[anniecamb]

Hey Bristol uni crowd! Ready to level up your student life? The Malthouse is calling your name!

Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee from nearby Greytone Coffee. Need to grab essentials? Tesco Express is your 24/7 buddy. Feeling under the weather? Strokes Croft Pharmacy is just a 3-minute walk away. And when you need to de-stress, Bristol Shopping Quarter is your retail therapy haven! But here's the cherry on top - Uninist offers flexible leases at The Malthouse. Whether you need short-term student accommodation in Bristol or a year-long nest, they've got you covered. You're just a mile from UoB, and public transport is a breeze with the bus stop right there. These student apartments in Bristol aren't just a place to crash - they're your launchpad to an epic uni adventure! Ready to make The Malthouse your home? Let's go!

[bristoluni-acs]

Money Management

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfXaKIG3j-shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfXaKIG3j-shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfXaKIG3j-s***PLEASE NOTE***: This particular post will continue to be updated when new sources of funding are found. Please do let us know if you find anything of use!

_______________________________________________________________________

Student loans dropped 1 month, 14 days, 19 hours and 0 mins ago (and counting). And in that time, you were probably living your best life, not realising (or ignoring the fact) that the next student loan will drop in over 2 months?

In this week’s post, we’ll be focusing on the importance of staying afloat, how to manage your funds and where to get help if needed.

Money tends to be the main source/trigger of a mental health issue. Trying to avoid dealing with it would only just exacerbate your problems., esepcially if you’re stuggling to stay afloat in other aspects of your life. Being a university student, theres a huge debt looming over your head, but it doesnt mean you cant find ways to make things easeier for yourself. 

You may have now noticed that Bristol is acautlly an expensive place to live in, especially with the amount of funding the governemnt gives to students who dont live in London. So, having a good budget and extra sources of income will come along way!

Budgets

Creating a weekly/monthly budget can go a long way. Yes, it may be long and boring, but its not by force to continue a lifestyle of just indomie (I mean indomie bangs, just not for a daily meal for 3 months straight). Heres an example.

Having a budget has many benefits, such as:

·     You’ll have greater control of what comes out of your account

·     You can see where your money is going (them £5 here and there for lunches really do add up)

One of the key issues that many students face is their finances. Having very low income can play a significant part in your overall wellbeing. Therefore, it is very important to keep track of such.

Amending rent plan

Most of you will be in halls and would’ve set up a payment plan with the accommodation office for your rent. You would have noticed that the first payment is significantly higher than the last two payments. This can be amended. If you have already paid the first instalment, but feel that you still need to amend it, you can contact the student funding office and get it sorted. This can be quite helpful as your last student loan payment tends to be the highest out of all three.

Unidays, Totem (NUS extra), Student beans etc.

Make use of these student discounts, they are designed to make student life easier!

Health/Medication

If you know you have to get prescriptions often, there are two options for you. Either get a Pre-Payment certificate (PPC) or “Help with NHS Costs” HC1. PPC is paid for, but in the long run, you’ll save more money if you have to get two or more prescriptions a month. The HC1 form entitles you to free NHS treatment i.e. prescriptions, glasses, dentist etc. The process takes up to 8 weeks but can be very helpful!

Funding your studies:

Getting a Job

You really thought I wasn’t going to mention getting job in a money related post. Obviously, this is good if your contact hours aren’t intense and you can manage, you’re time efficiently (click here for tips). The university has a “temporary staffing service” that is essentially the best for students. They have suitable term time positions if you want to get a job. Have a look at the stores/restaurants Bristol, a lot are looking for staff especially for the Christmas period.

Make SMART use of your student overdraft

This doesn’t mean that go neck deep in overdraft to get those Balenciaga’s...

University bursary

By now you should have received notification on whether you’re entitle to the bursary and how much. you can check on MyBristol>Fees and Funding> Bursary and payments. If not. And you believe you’re are entitled, you can contact the student funding office. On most occasions, if you’re entitled but and haven’t received notification/not showing up in bursary and payments is because you told SFE that they shouldn’t share info about your application with the university. This is how the university assesses if you’re entitled to further funding or not

University loan

The university has set up a scheme where any student can get a loan of up to 350. They are there to help in instances of falling short, but you’ll DEFINITLY have money coming in SOON to help pay back. This should be a last resort, as its money that you HAVE pay back within 30 days. Failure to do so can result interest being added. The first 200 can be given without questions asked, the last 150 or asking for 350 in one go, you’ll have to explain what its for and how you plan to pay it back. Bear in mind, the university can prevent you from sitting your exams if you owe them money. So, like I said before, only do so if you know you’re going to get enough money to cover that and survive i.e. bursary/student loan

Financial assistance fund

This is another scheme the university has set up to help those in need. They aren’t guaranteed and they do assess your outgoing (as in they will like at your bank statements to see where your money is going). The process can take up to 6-8 weeks, but if you’re successful its very helpful!

Sponsors

I’ve heard about stories where students were able to secure funding from firms. But obviously this is if you have solid connections/managed to network effectively

Scholarships/Grants/Bursaries from the university: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/search/

Local authority bursaries and the likes

There are few charities and local councils that offer extra funding for a variety of reasons.  I’ll try to keep this page updated as soon as I find any new sources of funding that may be of help

Londoners!

This section is for you. The list mainly consists of opportunities for students who live in the relevant boroughs.

Barking and Dagenham

https://www.lbbd.gov.uk/financial-support-for-pupils-and-students

Croydon

https://www.croydon.gov.uk/education/adult/financial-support

Greenwhich

https://www.thedrapers.co.uk/Charities/Grant-making-trusts/Sir-William-Boremans-Foundation.aspx

Lewisham

https://www.thedrapers.co.uk/Charities/Grant-making-trusts/Sir-William-Boremans-Foundation.aspx

Southwark

https://www.southwark.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/southwark-scholarship-scheme

http://localoffer.southwark.gov.uk/youth-offer/money/19-25-education-money/

Scholarships/Grants/Bursarys based on degree

Computer Science

Google: https://www.employ-ability.org.uk/internships/google-europe-scholarship-for-students-with-disabilities-2019/712/

Medicine

NHS student Bursary: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/816.aspx

Law

Denise Coates Scholaship: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/fees-funding/awards/denise-coates/

Other Scholarships/Grants/Bursarys

The Vegetarian Society: http://www.vegetariancharity.org.uk

Graham Trust Bursary Scheme: https://www.foundationscotland.org.uk/programmes/graham-trust/

Leverhulme Charity: https://www.leverhulme-trade.org.uk/grants-undergraduate-study

Yellow Jersey University Triathlon Scholarship: https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/yellow-jersey-university-triathlon-scholarship/

Scholarships/Grants/Bursaries for International Students

Australia

The Australia Day Foundation UK Trust: https://www.theaustraliadayfoundationuktrust.co.uk/

Canada:

https://www.scotland.org/study/saltire-scholarships

Mackenzie King Memorial Scholarships:

http://www.mkingscholarships.ca/index-e.html

US students:

Those that are here for a semester/short period: https://www.internationalstudentloan.com/study_abroad/

For those who are/will be here for full time: https://www.internationalstudentloan.com/foreign_enrolled/

Saltire Scholarship: https://www.scotland.org/study/saltire-scholarships

Marshall Scholarships: http://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Fulbright Commission: http://www.fulbright.org.uk/going-to-the-uk/postgraduate-student-awards/awards-available

Non Country Specific

(THIS ONE IS TIME SPECIFIC. DEADLINE IS TOMORROW): http://www.chevening.org

Commonwealth scholarship: http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk

That’s all for this week lovelies.

Remember, a wise man once said “STAY IN YOUR FINANCIAL LANE”. 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfXaKIG3j-s)

Sandra x

_______________________________________________________________________

List of available services at University of Bristol, around Bristol and online services. All those with the asterisk (*), means that they have a long waiting list for treatment:

Uni:

Student Wellbeing Service* - they offer counselling, CBT and other services http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/services/student-wellbeing-service/

Bristol Nightline - a free helpline you can call between 8pm and 8am. If there’s a time you really need to speak to someone, and you’re not comfortable with speaking to a friend, family etc. This service is only over the phone, and it’s for free. They are similar to Samaritans. They are 100% confidential and are run by students.

http://bristol.nightline.ac.uk or 01179 266 266

BigWhiteWall Free service (through the uni)

“It is a digital support and recovery service for people who are stressed, anxious, low or not coping. It provides an anonymous online community who share troubles and support each other.”

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/services/big-white-wall/

SHERPa - They offer emotional regulation classes i.e. help you find ways to understand and deal with your emotions. However, they are only accessible via the GP

More help, that is provided by the uni, can be found here:

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/wellbeing/services/

Around Bristol:

IAPt* – a directory of NHS backed services in the UK. The link below should take you to all the services available in Bristol

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/Psychological-therapies-(IAPT)/Bristol/Results/1068/-2.588/51.455/10008/2909?distance=25

Online:

Headspace

With headspace, there are several ways to access it:

•    The have a Free version/trial if you don’t want to commit yet

•    The fully paid versions

•    The fully paid version, for free, if you have Spotify premium on the student discount

https://www.spotify.com/uk/headspace/student/

[cllrnat]

Chapter 2

Major Wolfe however had other ideas for all the secondees; she had arranged a military transport and medical plane which was waiting at Bristol Airport.

Start as they mean to go on she thought, giving herself an inward chuckle, these NHS dignitaries want to learn about trauma, well ok then, let’s begin right now.

Bernie was humming happily to herself as she finished for the weekend, changed out of her military attire, got in her Jeep and drove off the base and down into Na’ama Bay to relax.

When she was working she lived in the base’s military accommodation, but as soon as she had time off to herself she was out of there, into the bay to dive and relax, and also staying at her own property. A place all of her own where she felt safe, relaxed and had utter peace and quiet from the hectic lifestyle of a soldier and Officer.

Bernie was not an isolationist, she liked people but on her terms and in her time. For one of the first times in her life Bernie Wolfe was able to do things exactly as she wanted and was happy, well sort of.

When she thinks ‘sort of’, this is because she has almost everything she wants here, apart from someone to share her life with. Enjoy relaxing nights on the veranda, lie in the desert and watch the stars, sit and sip wine while having a ‘cuddle’. Yes, Major Berenice Wolfe loves cuddles and cwtches (sorry for those who don’t use the word cwtch or cwtchy babas, but it’s a Welshism, a bit like using the word daps/dappers instead of trainers. It sounds warm and snuggly and safe - cwtchy).

However, she has had to reign in her desires. She is living in a Muslim controlled Country where her desires could get her imprisoned. She is also, still a serving officer in Her Majesty’s Forces and despite recent changes in equality and diversity she has kept her private life exactly that. They have known her for 30+ years as a married woman with 2 children and didn’t wish to become the centre of gossip here.

She was miles away when she pulled into her parking space behind the Dive Centre, went into the centre and began her meeting with Akram and Amani. She was really looking forward to a few days off from Surgery and spending time with her friends and relaxing by going diving.

Serena’s smile drops and she is cursing all the plagues from the bible onto whosoever arranged this “fiasco”, and she is quite clear it is a fiasco to treat all these highly qualified NHS medical professionals as if they were …. what? Ordinary? Normal people? Nothing special? OK, she thought, point taken. Somewhere inside there was a tiny twinkle of admiration for this ‘Major person’.

Serena did what she always did best and that was to smile, flirt, break the ice and network; she introduced herself to the other medical staff who were ‘fortunate or was it unfortunate’ enough to get a 3 month break in the Desert. Most of them were Operating Department Practitioners, nurses or theatre assistants from various hospitals around the UK and the other forces, there was only one other Surgeon from London and he didn’t seem impressed to be here. Conversation was stilted and almost like pulling teeth for Serena, so she went back to her area and got her iPad out and went back to her reading.

4 hours later they landed at the MFO’s private airstrip just at the edge of the base, Serena was excited now, she had never been to Egypt and had 3 whole months to relax, learn, enjoy and hopefully sightsee. Deep down she was really thankful to Henrik for forcing her to have this rest and recuperation whilst still maintaining her dignity, after all the distressing times she has recently endured; Edward - the Drunk, Elinor - the Brat, she loved her daughter immensely but she was so like Edward she found she really didn’t like her, then Mummy dearest - how she missed her mother, but she had missed her for far longer than just since her death and bore the scars of the trials and tribulations. Serena believed Henrik sent her here for some Serena time, and she bloody well intended to experience everything on offer. Smirking to herself as she walked off the cargo plane into the stifling heat of the Sinai, let’s see what’s on offer then.

they were all assigned a driver to take them off the base, unless they wishes to stay and have quarters assigned. Serena knew that Henrik had chosen a really exquisite Hotel actually within walking distance to the base with all facilities, and to Serena’s delight a Dive Centre.

Serena had been determined she was going to learn to Scuba Dive in this wonder of the world, she had read up on all the dive sites, dive centres, fish, live-aboard boats and had even bought herself a mask, fins and snorkel ready for learning. She had pre-booked diving lessons before leaving the UK but had made some stipulations in her email to Akram at the dive centre. She had explained she was there for a while and would like to get trained during her days off. However, she did have the first few days free and wondered what they could do for her in regards to training. As she had a disruptive timetable she also asked if she could have 1-2-1 training. She had already received downloads of video’s and her training manual, so she could begin studying and not have to waste the exquisite sun by sitting in a classroom.

She had deposited her suitcases etc in her Hotel room and went in search of something, some piece of mind, something to distract her,  she wasn’t sure what until she noticed the Dive Centre she was booked in with, so decided to go and introduce herself and possibly get a schedule of events that didn’t clash with her primary role of learning Trauma. She advise the receptionist she may have to alter at short notice if her sessions clashed and was assured this was no problem, her tutor was extremely flexible and would cater to her directly as she was paying for 1-2-1 treatment. Serena smiled inwardly, looking around she was very aware that most of those working here were young and they all wore the same diving instructor uniform of shorts, t-shirt and caps. Serena thought to herself they were all a tad young and wasn’t a Cougar or cradle snatcher thank you very much.

Just when she was going to walk away for the evening, Akram asked whether she would like to meet her Diving Instructor before they started lessons tomorrow? Thinking it would be one of the young boys lolling outside she resignedly mutters ‘I suppose so’.

‘Hey Bernie, you back there?’ Akram shouts. ‘Come meet your new student’.

Grumbling, chair scraping and muttering was heard from the back room, when out walked Bernie.

Serena’s jaw almost hit the floor; Bernie was not a man but a bloody gorgeous leggy blonde. Leggy being an understatement, those legs, phew, they went all the way up to ……. christ what an arse.

Hellooooo, Serena thought to herself. What the hell is up with you Campbell? you have never, ever, ever perved over a woman. I know but look at this goddess in short shorts, clinging vest top, ray bans pushed up on her forehead and a bandana tying her loose blonde hair out of her eyes, she was shoeless and Serena’s eyes were drawn from the toe ring right up to those lips and deep brown staring eyes, that were looking at Serena with huge amusement and something else, she felt exposed and naked like Bernie was staring deep into her soul and could read exactly what was on Serena’s mind.

Serena gulped loudly, which brought an amused smirk from Akram and Amani. They had never seen Bernie stop dead in her tracks like that. She stood still for a moment like she was poleaxed, her fringe flopping over her eyes, mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water, she pulled her glasses down to cover her eyes, mumbled ‘nice to meet you, see you tomorrow 0900 hrs sharp’ and almost ran from the place.

Serena just stood there watching this exquisite woman run from her. A broad smile spread across her face and the smile actually reached her eyes, something that hadn’t occurred for such a long time. Her hand went to her chest and throat, and asked ‘was it something I said?’.

‘Don’t worry about Bernie’, Amani mumbled close to her ear, ‘she’s not very people oriented, until she gets to know you and comes across as rude and abrupt, but I can assure you after that display, she sure as hell wants to get to know you’.

As Serena left the dive centre and continued to roam and explore Na’ama Bay, she saw a silhouette at the farthest point of the bay and wondered whether she should interrupt the woman or just leave it until tomorrow. Serena not being the sort to leave things lie strode determinedly but casually in that direction.

[dietergreenham-blog]

What Tiles Is Right For Your Shower room?

Whether you have actually simply begun your look for brand new flooring or you have been actually checking out for very some time, that doesn't have lengthy before you notice the factors that have an effect on flooring prices. At Grimebusters our experts make use of several different grades of cord woollen depending upon the request, as well as Caselli wax for marble flooring polishing ... as well as our company don't weaken this making that go more! Specific cleaning agents available available could be made use of for this purpose as the area of marble is smooth and any sort of discolorations on it are taken out quickly. On top of that, many individuals choose ornamental or even vibrant floor tiles for a home kitchen wall due to the fact that it is actually usually a little space that should be covered and also, in a lot of cases, they function as decoration or even are corresponding to the design from the space. 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Make use of a really felt pad and also a mild neutral pH particle facial cleanser or blob from cleaning agent to remove, rubbing merely along the grain from the marble in an upright collection. Crushed marble development (for accumulation and industrial make uses of) in 2006 was actually 11.8 million tons valued at $116 thousand, of which 6.5 thousand tons was actually carefully ground calcium mineral carbonate and the rest was construction aggregate For contrast, 2005 smashed marble production was 7.76 thousand lots valued at $58.7 thousand, of which 4.8 thousand heaps was actually finely ground calcium mineral carbonate et cetera was actually building accumulation. Genuine marble is actually tough and also may endure pressure for a long period of time just before you need to reseal and also re-polish this. Whatever remedy that you use if it is actually not an authentic marble, after that you can easily not hide the splits. 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[webuddy4studycom-blog]

6 Scholarships to Simplify Access to International Education

Education is most basic and one of the most essential rights of every individual. While we agree on that, there is no denying that travelling, when combined with education, is the best teaching anyone can ever receive.

Every year, more and more students are opting for international courses from universities worldwide. While applicants enrolling in colleges overseas find the experience exciting, there are several challenges that these students face.  

Top challenges that students face while applying to study abroad:

Language barrier: Communication is the heart of exchange of thoughts & knowledge. But, during the formative years the emphasis is laid on either English or the country’s native language. This lack of lingual knowledge often refrains eligible candidates from placing candidature for a suitable programme.

Visa problems: Some countries are privileged to be able to get visas to other countries in a swift manner. However, that is not the case everywhere. Some countries have stringent rules & regulations for allowing foreign students in for short term course. To avoid having difficulties with the visa process, it is advisable that the applicants must follow all the rules and stay ahead of deadlines to avoid last minute rush.

Finances: With the exponential boom in creation of courses and educational alliances amongst nations, there has been a rise in the demand for financial support to sponsor education overseas. Many deserving and eligible students miss out on incredible opportunities due to restricted finances and family problems. This problem has been in the light for a considerable amount of time now and crucial steps are being taken to make best quality education available to students worldwide.

Check out the 6 most beneficial scholarships that enable you to individually support your education abroad:

1.  University of Bristol- International office scholarship 2017 This scholarship is for the students who already hold an offer for a full-time graduation or post-graduation program in the University of Bristol. The program will award 6 scholarships up to 12,000 Pounds. Award: Tuition fee worth USD 45,000 per annum, travel and accommodation Deadline: May 31, 2017

2.  Fulbright Nehru Masters Fellowships 2017 A scholarship for outstanding candidates to pursue Master Degree program from American Colleges and Universities. The fellowships are for one to two years in the Arts and Culture Management. Award: Visa support, air fare, tuition fee, living cost, accident and sickness coverage Deadline: Jun 15, 2017

3.  Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship 2017 An incredible opportunity to the Post Graduate Women of India to study Macquarie University. The program focusses on Engineering, Environment, Human Science, Media, Linguistics, and Education. Award: Tuition fee waiver upto USD 11,000 Deadline: Jun 30, 2017

4.  Campus France- Charpak master's program 2017 An opportunity to pursue courses for all streams and field of study in France. Knowledge of French language is not mandatory, but can add value. Award: Visa fee waiver upto INR 16,500, living allowance 615 euro, medical insurance 300 euros per academic year among other benefits. Deadline: May 19, 2017

5.  Rajiv Poddar Kingston University Scholarships India 2017 2 academic merit based scholarships open to prospective full-time graduates in any subject area. The applicants must have an offer (conditional or unconditional) of a place on a graduate course at Kingston University for September 2017 intake. Award: Scholarship worth 4,000 pounds Deadline: May 31, 2017

6.  Harvard University-Boustany Foundation Scholarship 2017 Scholarship for a two-year MBA course at Harvard Business School. The Foundation grants various scholarships across a range of academic disciplines with plans to expand the scholarship programme progressively in the coming years. Scholarships are awarded to outstandingly talented applicants and those who show exceptional promise. Award: Tuition fee worth USD 45,000 per annum, travel and accommodation Deadline: May 31, 2017

This might seem like a challenge to begin with, but once you overcome this hurdle, a bright future will be waiting for you and everything will work out.

[flexible-student-accommodation]

Where are the best student accommodations in Bristol?

As soon as her peers asked me, a horrible but interested Beth walked into a place and my capacious bands were used up at once. As with many students, my initial excitement was cooled by the overwhelming task of discovering the right living place. The objective I set was, after coming down the cobblestone streets, finding my way to the housing destinations and checking all the accommodation facilities, to bring you up to date with the student housing scene.

Bristol: A Student Refuge

To start, the numbers speak first. There are two big universities in Bristol - the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE) - that together house more than 50,000 students. The huge student community of which it is has been affected by this place a lot and made it a place that is absolutely wonderful for people to pursue their studies and their life.

Per a 2023 survey conducted by The Times Higher Education, Bristol is the 4th top-ranked town in the UK in terms of student living, among other things, the most essential factor in the preference for accommodation.

Top Areas for Student Living

1. Clifton

I was in Clifton in my freshman year and I would say that I had an excellent start in Bristol. This elegant district holds several students of the University of Bristol and along with them is famous for the wonderful classic Georgian style buildings, popular cafes, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and a lot of historical buildings.

Key Facts:

· Average rent: £500-£700/month

· Proximity to University of Bristol: 10-15 min walk or easy access to the area via public transportation

· Notable feature: Clifton Village, a picturesque shopping area

2. Redland and Cotham

These nearby districts, in my second year, became my place of residence, which despite its being located in the city's heart, it managed to strike that crucial balance between the student life and the relative peace of the residents. This is mainly because of the tree-lined streets, the spacious flats resulting from the conversion of Victorian houses and the good transport system. It, therefore, gives students more than enough reasons to make it a priority place to live in.

Key Facts:·

Average rent: £400-£600 per month· Proximity to University of Bristol: 20-25 minute walk· Notable feature: Gloucester Road, Bristol's independent shopping haven

3. City Center

To marvel at the energy of the city, the home is the best place to be. Bristol city center is considered the best place to live for those who will never get tired of the city that never sleeps. The vibrant center with more people and faster life suits me better. Apart from teaching, I spend most of the rest of the evening having a good time with my friends in Park Street and Baldwin Street.

Key Facts:·

Average rent: £550-£750 Town· Proximity to both universities: Varies but mostly one bus· Notable features: Bristol Shopping Quarter and St. Nicholas Market

4. Fishponds

UWE students, those who can't afford to spend more at first place, find Fishponds the best deal to save money without giving up the full experience they get from other places. I didn't have a chance to live there myself, but I had many friends at UWE who were thrilled with the area's strong sense of community and green surroundings.

Key Facts:

· Average rent: £350-£500 per month

· Proximity to UWE Frenchay Campus: 10-15 minute bus ride

· Notable feature: Eastville Park, perfect for summer barbecues and relaxation

Top Accommodation Provider

Next, let's investigate the most welcoming living arrangements providers in Bristol:

Uninist

A relatively new entrant in the student living sector of Bristol, Uninist has quickly become the city's main attraction for its growing student population. Since its arrival, the organization has achieved a lot by making sure they are the most popular suppliers of the highest quality living spaces that are just what students need for an amazing time.

The Uninist’s fast rise is a product of various elements:

1. Modern Design: They deliver spaces that draw students’ attention due to their modern looks and layouts. Uninist is known for its sleek furniture and intelligently designed common spaces, which are the main reasons why these places are perfect for students’ lives. They are also mostly aesthetically pleasing and can be used efficiently.

2. Well-Equipped Facilities: Every property by Uninist is equipped with amenities that suit the academic and social needs of the students. These mostly include high-speed internet, study corners, gym, and some places where the students can hang out and interact with each other.

3. PRIME LOCATIONS: Uninist achieved the goal of locating its amenities near the main student passages. Proximity to the university grounds, colleges, bus stops, and the main center for the students was a significant advantage towards them.

4. Safety and Security: Provide students and their parents with the certainty that you have their safety in mind with measures, e.g. 24/7 security and electronic door access systems, which Uninist has in place for them.

5. Community Focus: The company wants to create a sense of community among residents through community events and openly shared spaces that will help students meet new friends and get over any home sickness they have.

Even though I stayed in a residence that was not a part of the Uninist during my years in Bristol, I had the chance to visit friends who got their rentals there.These trips made a big impact on me in terms of the quality of living spaces Uninist provides.

The units I had to see were highly spacious and well lit, having very organized layouts which made the most of the available space. The detail was payed to perfection through the interior design, for example, the use of strong and beautiful furnishing was a great choice, and the storage issues of the residents were easily solved in the most advanced ways.

The shared areas of the Uninist properties were similarly impressive, since they offered spaces suitable for the various needs of the students. From silent corner study spaces to lively common venues, it was as if these spaces had been uniquely designed to cater to the wide range of student needs and preferences.

It is also another thing to think about for those who are thinking about moving into Uninist while their rooms have got a lot of good reviews. Still, on the research side, things like the prices, the location of the apartments, and the specific needs of the buyer should be taken into account when selecting the student housing facility.

Just like with any other newcomer in the student housing business, Uninist will be an exciting experiment to see it develops its standards and meets the changing expectations of the students over the next few years Their current trajectory, however, suggests they are well-positioned to remain a significant player in Bristol's student accommodation landscape.

[flexible-student-accommodation]

Challenges of Finding Accommodation for International Students in the UK

The UK is considered by many international students to be a place of treasured academic journeys, thus choosing the country for their studies is always a dream come true. The fact that students will live in a country where the universities have a good reputation, the culture is quite different, and there is a possibility to gain knowledge in academic fields that may not exist in their home countries are among the driving factors for these students. Nevertheless, the moving itself is a mere book cover of the problematic situation that most of the international students are subjected to and in the midst of it all is the hitherto unresolved problem of finding a suitable accommodation. It may look like a slight logistics matter, but in practice, it is a challenge-ridden procedure. But why do so? We are to unveil the main obstacles and discuss the effects that these barriers have on students.

The Supply and Demand Dilemma

It has been observed that there has been a significant increase in the number of international students in the United Kingdom over the last ten years. 680,000 students from outside the UK were already studying in English in the 2022-2023 academic year. This presented a 32% upsurge in comparison to the last year. Such a rise in demand causes a deficit in student accommodation. Major cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are living examples of such migration where the rental market has become overheated on the back of the arrival of students. As a result, the quality of housing facilities provided has been reduced.

Even though in-campus accommodation is among what universities offer, they are still short of that provision for all students. A study by the National Union of Students (NUS) gave a figure of about 20% of the international students who got university accommodation from their universities. The other 80% remain tangled in the messy private rental industry, which is indecipherable. The lack of unity of supply and demand leads to inflation; thus, the students cannot avoid the financial pain.

Rising Rental Costs and a Limited Budget

Absolutely one of the most dramatic financial predicaments experienced by international students is the very high cost of rent in the UK. London tops the list and is known globally for having extremely high property rates, with the average rent for a student room reaching £1,000 per month. Even in less costly areas like Bristol or Brighton, their rents can still be unattainably expensive for students hailing from countries with backbone currencies. The majority of international students come from regions with unfavorable exchange rates which means that their financial belongings, their purchasing power, dwindle more quickly than they had anticipated.

This undertaking is not confined to just larger cities. Escalating price levels across the UK are prompting students in the smaller cities and towns to suffer as well. A case in point: a recent survey conducted by the Save the Student organization revealed that more than 70% of international students said that they were experiencing a “shortfall” in their housing costs by the end of the term. While scholarships and financial aid handouts are the two available options, they rarely manage to cover the entire cost of living, thus making the students take a double workload of studies and work, which is a further obstacle in an already demanding academic environment.

Language Barriers and Navigating the Rental Market

Different countries, especially in foreign countries, bring about a sense of ambiguity concerning rental and housing markets. Jargon such as legal ones, rental contracts, and negotiation with the landlord can cause students a lot of trouble, particularly so when they are not fluent in English. While the majority of universities render students to help, such as providing legal advice and assisting in the housing search, students are still so scared to feel overloaded.

Imagine a student from China studying in Manchester as an example. She is from China, where rental agreements are easy to understand, Manchester becomes harder for her—she faces run-ins with the law and is bewildered by not getting her rights as a tenant right. For some students, with no local support networks to aid them, this problem even becomes more serious. In addition, international students often face difficulties in getting a place to live. Some landlords are cautious about giving rent to such students, intimidated by visa issues, guarantor demands, and linguistic barriers.

Guarantor Issues and Upfront Costs

One particular difficulty consists in the use of UK-based guarantors. Most of the time landlords prefer a UK-based guarantor, the one who promises to take a loan for a tenant when he is unable to pay. International students are commonly separated from their families in the UK and, hence, they do not have a person to vouch for their tenancy. So they are misfits. Consequently, some of them have to pay six to twelve months’ rent which can be up to thousands of pounds.

The Housing Hand firm is one of the companies that can be used as a guarantor, but there is also a fee for the service which is already another significant financial burden. Some students have been lucky to short-circuit the requirements through more permissive landlords or by opting for special student accommodations, but the latter is quite expensive and not so easily accessible as private rentals.

Cultural Differences and Expectations

Lodging is the only thing that the students could be worried about. The way that people rent in foreign lands is intensely affected by the local expectations and customs, which can change a lot even in the nearby countries. In many Asian countries, one has to live with the whole family while, in some cases, students stay in the dormitories. On the other hand, the UK rental market usually gives more liberties to the individuals sharing an apartment, which is seen as a step to confusion in the event of disputes related to communal areas, privacy, or shared household duties.

Just like, Muslims, who might be paranoid about living with people of the opposite sex which is very unfamiliar in the UK many students who come from the Middle East face the same problem. Their situation is worsened tenfold when new peers and academic stress get combined, and a sense of detachment or homesickness is usually more pronounced.

Accommodation Quality and Safety

One of the things to watch for is the quality and safety of the students' housing. The UK housing system is well-regulated, but many students, mainly those in the private housing rental sector, often end up living in low conditions. Dampness, mold, inadequate heating, and broken appliances are the common complaints. Students who do not know much about their rights as tenants sometimes find it hard to be assertive when landlords are not addressing those issues.

A case worth noting is in 2021 when a group of students rented a house in Birmingham from private landlords and reported living in a house that had fire safety hazards and inadequate insulation. The landlord, though, after multiple complaints, did not fix the situation and this, in the end, left the students hanging in the balance. These incidents demonstrate the vulnerability of foreign students who often lack the resources or knowledge to confront the landlords and thus, face difficulties in the UK housing market.

Potential Solutions and Future Outlook

The obstacles must be solved in a versatile manner. Universities are increasingly aware of the housing difficulties international students face and have started to expand their on-campus accommodation. Some institutions have done so through their partnerships with private developers to develop student housing which is specially oriented completing student purposes at the cheapest price. Nevertheless, this act by itself is not likely to be the solution.

Moreover, there are petitions for stricter government supervision of student housing, mainly in the private rental sector. Some of the measures such as the addition of more affordable student-specific rental properties, better protection for tenants and the right to tenant rent, and the introduction of more support services for international students may be potentially influential.

But will these solutions be enough to meet the growing demand? There is a good chance that the number of foreign students will rise in the future because UK education is recognized globally. Students are likely to encounter more and more difficulties in finding lodging if some policies are unchangeable. In the next few years, universities and governments will have to work together to ensure that accommodation does not become a problem in the UK which is known for its top-quality educational services.

A Challenge Worth Solving

The issue of looking for accommodation in the UK as a foreign student is a highly complex problem that is difficult to solve. A lot of factors related to ever-diminishing rental spaces in some locations, the language barrier, a completely different culture, and extremely poor housing conditions are contributory to the problem of students in finding a place to live.

Meanwhile, online platforms such as Uninist are doing what they are meant to be doing. By the way, Uninist is a student housing provider that seeks to facilitate the search for dwellings by international students, its list of what is available includes apartments catering to those looking for different price options, and the like. It represents a step toward the right direction, but there is still quite a way to go in the journey towards truly affordable student accommodation in the UK.