Over 100 Durham freshers searching for housing after missing out on college accommodation

Incoming students are now looking for private accommodation just 18 days before term

3 months ago | UPDATED 1 month ago

Ben Green | News

Over 100 incoming Durham students are said to be without accommodation for the 2024/25 academic year and have just 18 days to secure their own accommodation in the city.

Durham University guarantees college accommodation to first year students who apply within the accommodation deadline, yet many students who missed this deadline are now forced to seek alternative private accommodation.

An email sent from Durham University to incoming freshers

The university is currently assisting students without accommodation, including providing information and guidance on renting in the private sector.

However, one incoming first year student who did not receive college accommodation was unable to access support over the phone. Her mum, Lucy*, said: “Having failed to get through to anyone on the phone, other than a helpful switchboard operator who passed on the standard advice to email, she emailed to ask about waiting/appeals lists and accommodation in other colleges.”

Durham University is also hosting webinars on the 18th and 19th September to help students find private accommodation, yet Lucy believes this is too late: “Given that this must have been a known issue, at least the first webinar could have been held yesterday, 13th. As it is, stressed, upset and hence vulnerable students (and parents) are scrabbling around, trying to find private accommodation, without proper support or guidance.”

Part of the university’s support package includes financial support (up to £1,000) should private accommodation cost more than a standard room in college accommodation, and support in the integration of college activities for students staying in private accommodation.

Some prospective students have taken matters into their own hands and have already travelled up to Durham to look for accommodation.

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One student, Charlie*, told The Tab on Sunday 15th September that he had “found a couple of places that look good”. He said: “I’m on the train up to Durham tonight to look at the places first thing tomorrow.”

Referring to Natasha Abrahart, a University of Bristol student who wasn’t able to access adequate mental health support whilst at university, Lucy said: “In the aftermath of the Abrahart case, and in view of the number of students that appear to be homeless two weeks before they are due to arrive, the very least the university could have done was to have set up a helpdesk, with a phone number, manned by people.”

While Durham University has offered students without accommodation a guarantee of college rooms in their second year of study, the reality is that very few students remain in college after their first year, with most choosing to live in privately rented houses across the city.

A spokesperson from Durham University told The Tab: “All new undergraduate students who met the conditions of their academic offer and confirmed their place with us will have received an offer of accommodation, providing they met the accommodation guarantee. To meet this guarantee students were regularly notified that they needed to submit their accommodation form to us by the deadline of Friday 12 July 2024.

“Regrettably, there are currently a small number of new undergraduate students who have not met the accommodation guarantee for a variety of reasons. Some of these students indicated that they would still like university accommodation if any was available. We have worked hard to make an offer of university accommodation to as many of this group as possible. We have been able to prioritise an offer of accommodation for all students in this group who declared a disability. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have not been able to make an offer of university accommodation to everyone in this group at this late stage.

“We have been in regular contact with this group, and have put a comprehensive support package in place to help these students manage the next steps in finding accommodation. Students have been offered individual advice and guidance via their colleges.

“Based on information available (as at September 16th) there is still plenty of private student accommodation available in Durham City. We are continuing to monitor this closely. We will do our utmost to support all our students in securing accommodation in Durham.

“Many students have already signed up to a webinar which will be led by University staff with in-depth knowledge of the private rental market in Durham. We encourage students who are experiencing difficulties to reach out to us for support. Students have been encouraged to phone their college or email the Accommodation and Allocations team. We will not leave students without help and guidance.”

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