Our New Year’s Resolutions: 7 key priorities for 2021

From looking back, to looking forward: what will the new year bring? 2021 marks the 30^th anniversary of Unite Students, and an opportunity to reflect on our three decades of experience – but, more importantly, to continue driving ourselves and the wider sector forward. Here are some of our key priorities for the year ahead.

Eligible students will receive a 50% rent discount for a total of 4 weeks, beginning on Monday 18th January. This offer is open to students who are not in residence in their Unite Students property between 18 January and 14 February, and will be credited to their accounts in March. To be eligible, students must have paid their account in full (to January 31st), but those who are currently struggling to keep up with rent payments are urged to contact Unite Students, as well as their university student services team for support. Further information about the discount is available here.

We are also pleased to offer a four-week rent-free contract extension over the summer to eligible students with a contract end date prior to 1 August 2021. This will allow students to take advantage of social, cultural or learning opportunities they may have missed out on this year.

Our top priority has always been the safety and wellbeing of students who live with us. We recognise that this is a very challenging time for students, and we are pleased to be in a position to offer a rent discount for those of our residents who are eligible and unable to return to their student accommodation at this time. At the same time, we are redoubling our efforts to maintain a safe and supportive environment for the thousands of students who continue to live with us. This includes key workers in training, international students who are unable to travel home and, indeed, students who call our accommodation their main residence.

Rent paid this term allows us to continue operating the building for students who are still in residence, providing a safe environment and welfare support, and security to keep students’ belongings safe for as long as they are unable to return to their accommodation.

Further information for students about this rent discount offer is available here.

Higher Education blog

Five things we learned from the Student Accommodation 2021 Conference

Jenny Shaw, our Higher Education External Engagement Director, attended and spoke at this year’s Property Week Student Accommodation Conference. Here are her key takeaways from the event – as well as three insights we shared.

How the pandemic has changed ResLife

Rebecca O'Hare of the University of Leeds shares her insights on the Residence Life sector, some of the revelations that have emerged from the pandemic, and how it might shape it going forwards.