York SU announces applications have opened for the largest ever rent support package

York SU has announced the largest rent support package in the form of the University of York’s “Off Campus Rent Grant”.

The grant was announced in June and has been funded through the pay withheld during this year’s strike period, which will rightly all be going back into students’ pockets. Applications have now opened and you can click here to apply.

YUSU and the University of York have worked together to put in place this grant as a direct response to the rising prices of private rental accommodation in York. The Off Campus Rent Grant helps students in their second or subsequent years in 2023/24 to get support towards their rent costs by giving students a one off payment of at least £100 to eligible students.

Notably, the university has said that the total amount available for the fund is limited. The process is first come, first serve, so an award cannot necessarily be guaranteed for all eligible students.

The university has declared that eligible students must meet all of the following criteria:

• Students living independently in private accommodation within the City of York boundary or within a radius of 40 miles of the University for full-time students and 60 miles for part-time students
• Students who can evidence an 8 per cent or more increase in weekly rent in the 2023/24 academic year compared to 2022/23
• Must be a current and active student
• Must be a continuing student (not in their first year of study at the University of York)
• Household income is below £42,875 or your family is in an economic crisis due to war (a period of fighting or conflict between countries or states) or you are a refugee/asylum seeker

Part time students will be awarded on a prorated basis and students need to be studying at least 25 per cent of a full-time equivalent course.

Postgraduate researchers who are eligible may receive a prorated payment based on their enrolment date for the 2023/24 academic year.

If you are looking to apply, applications are via the Off Campus Rent Grant form and all applicants will be asked to provide forms of evidence in support of their application.

This evidence will be in the form of your tenancy agreement for 2023/24, your tenancy agreement for 2022/23, and evidence of household income or evidence of refugee/asylum seeker status. Evidence of household income can include, means tested through Student Loan Company, statement from savings account prior to beginning of academic year, wage slips, or scholarships/stipends.

Click here to find out more.

If you have any questions, drop an email to the Student Financial Support Team: [email protected].

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• YUSU’s Board of Trustees has decided against re-ratifying York Nightline

• York Nightline closure will leave ‘a significant gap in student support’ say ex-volunteers

• Uni of York ranks 15th in the Times’ Good University Guide 2024