Accommodation Costs Survey 2018 - released

06/12/2018

The 2018 NUS / Unipol is available to download here.

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The Student Living Experts

Aatiqah Khan

Finance Assistant Purchase Ledger

I make sure our suppliers are paid on time.

I have recently graduated from the University of Leeds and would like to study for a professional Accountancy qualification.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, going to the gym and spending time with my family.

Aimee Hart

Marketing and Engagement Coordinator

I am responsible for Unipol's digital and social media output, raising the profile of the organisation and its values, and developing student engagement.

I studied English and Linguistics at the University of Leeds and outside of work I love cycling in the countryside, watching live music, reading, and photography.

I'm also a proud (obsessed) cat mum to my kitten, Ruby.

Amy Lawson

Marketing Co-ordinator

My main role is to promote the services that Unipol offer to both students and landlords.

This includes promoting the Unipol Code, the accommodation search, and events.

I am always looking for new and creative ways to appeal to an audience in a continuously changing market.

I am an identical twin and in my spare time I enjoy travelling abroad, camping, and spending time with my husband and my Labrador Marshall.

Andrew Bulmer

Housing Management Officer

I am responsible for managing a mixture of properties from shared houses to larger developments for students with families. I enjoy the rewarding nature of my role and the challenge that each new day brings.

Before joining Unipol I worked for a landlord and property developer for 6 years.

Andy Fox

ICT Manager

I'm Andy Fox and I lead the IT team here at Unipol. Together, we look after all the Comptermabobs, Blinkenflasherlights, and Interwebs.

I'm dedicated to providing an outstanding service to our organisation, in all IT opportunities. I'm a music lover. I love both kinds of music, Rock and Roll, and I play the guitar.

Becky Harlow

Office Administrator and Homestay Coordinator

As Homestay Coordinator I work with the Language Centre at the University of Leeds to provide a Homestay programme, working with host families and international students arriving in Leeds, to provide Homestay accommodation for their stay.

In my daily role I also support the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive’s offices, with varied tasks from organising meetings to supporting human resource functions for Unipol.

I have an active interest in the arts, and worked in the cultural sector for many years. I love to make out of paper! I also volunteer in local community organisations and enjoy spending time outdoors.

Cameron Brown

Housing Management Assistant

A student of Leeds College of Music, I am a giant movie and comedy nerd. I’m looking forward to working at Unipol and meeting a load of new people.

I am always up for a chat, so don’t be shy!

Chris Moore

Maintenance Assistant

I carry out repairs in our properties. I went to the University of life meaning I've watched and learned off every trademan going. I can turn my hand to most things.

In my spare time I enjoy going on holidays, gardening & walking.

Christina Rygalska

Director of Finance

I am a Chartered Accountant with over 30 years experience in both the commercial sector and practice. I have worked in the HEI sector since 2004 moving to Unipol at the beginning of 2015.

I head the Finance team and am responsible for the management of Unipol's finances, working together with the Finance Manager to develop the team and financial systems and procedures to take on new challenges in a constantly changing environment.

I also work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Development Manager in reviewing future financial strategy and assessing the financial impact of future developments on the organisation.

I enjoy walking and attempting to run with my Labrador across the moors, taking trips to the theatre, and spending time with my family.

Dan Thomas

Housing Management Assistant

I assist students, landlords and the Unipol team as they deliver housing, help and advice.

I've recently graduated from the Pop course at Leeds College of Music and I'm a massive Man City fan!

David Bond

Housing Management Officer

My day to day duties mostly involves managing a first year halls of residence as well as a portfolio of houses.

Since coming to Leeds for university I have now made Yorkshire my home. In my spare time I enjoy anything outdoors - but am prone to a quiet night in with a movie or game.

Emily Copp

Lettings Assistant

As the Lettings Assistant I carry out viewings of properties in Leeds. I have recently graduated from the University of Leeds after studying Biology. I have worked at Unipol throughout my time at university.

I enjoy keeping active and in my spare time I play a lot of hockey.

Ewa Koska

Senior Finance Officer - Expenditure

I am currently on maternity leave.

At Unipol I deal with all the utility contracts and calculations for our properties.

I am studying towards the ACCA and in the future I would like to become a qualified accountant.

I enjoy spending my free time with my daughter and husband. I am currently on maternity leave.

Gaby Joy

Conferences, Events and Design Officer

I manage Unipol's training events and conferences, both in house and nationwide, as well as assisting the publications team on design projects. I studied Illustration at Leeds Arts University, so in my free time I continue my freelance work. Outside of work I enjoy film, music, and travelling.

George Hewitt

Housing Management Officer - Nottingham

My role is to manage housing at our Nottingham office. I studied International Business at Sheffield Hallam University.

In my spare time I enjoy watching Derby County FC, skateboarding, and playing piano.

Hannah Blades

Housing Management Assistant

As a Housing Management Assistant I help get your new property ready and looking beautiful for when you move in! I also help out other departments and members of staff when needed, you’ll most likely see me in the hub or at one of our properties!

I’m a singer songwriter studying at Leeds College of Music. I enjoy producing music and singing, travelling and running!

Harriet Holder

Housing Manager - Compliance and Logistics

I work within the Housing Team and verify that the necessary compliance and health and safety checks are made across Unipol's portfolio and in the Unipol offices.

I help to organise the summer turnaround of properties, with family accommodation, and plenty more.

In my free time I like catching up with friends and family, beer gardens, cooking, getting out and about, and generally making the most of the weekend.

Hollie O'Connor

Housing Hub Officer - Nottingham

I liaise with landlords and students, ensuring that they have a good experience when letting or renting houses and dealing with problems they may have.

I was the President of the Student Union at the University of Derby. I enjoy cooking and walking in the Peak District.

Andrew Livesey

Assistant Chief Executive - IT and Communications

I look after two areas in Unipol. The IT team which provides in house support for staff; maintaining an array of services & hardware, developing bespoke software. We also make sure our tenants are getting the best possible internet service.

The Communications team work to promote Unipol’s services and properties to different audiences in Leeds, Bradford and Nottingham. It also creates publications, designs and video / motion content.

Elizabeth Smith

Finance Manager

I am a qualified CIMA management accountant and a business graduate.

I like to spend my down time with my three children either on my allotment or walking Elvis the dog.

India Button

Housing Hub Assistant

I am currently studying at Leeds College of Music on the Popular Music course.

I am a singer/songwriter/pianist and am a first year student.

I am originally from a small town called Grimsby, so am loving the busy city life and all the chaos that comes with it.

Jakub Pietruszewski

Housing Team Leader

I manage a mix of family, first year and postgraduate properties. My responsibilities also include Health and Safety for Offices and Staff, Planned Preventative Maintenance and overseeing the out-of-hours operations.

I enjoy travelling around Europe, making sure that everywhere I visit, I try to collect a crayon or wooden pencil!

James Harrison

Information and Communications Officer

I ensure day to day end user support services are delivered efficiently and to a high standard.

Away from work I enjoying spending time with friends, gaming, Formula One, and anything technical.

Jan Hardy

Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator

I have worked within social care for over 20 years and have a strong background of providing support. I am responsible for supporting students with tenancy housing and personal issues.

I have two children who are grown up and a new grandson. I studied History at UCLAN and maintain a keen interest with the possibility of further study in the future.

I love reading, writing, music, arts and crafts. I am currently writiing a Victorian Gothic novel that can be totally absorbing.

Jess Carrier

National Codes Officer

My main role is assisting with administering and promoting the National Codes. This includes keeping the National Code website up to date, and maintaining links with external partners such as UUK.

I joined Unipol after being Welfare and Community Officer at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union for 2 years.

I studied Politics at Leeds Beckett, and outside of work I enjoy reading, going to gigs and watching rugby.

Jo MacNaughton

Accommodation Services Officer - Bradford

I run the Unipol services in Bradford and this includes assisting students to find accommodation in the private rented sector, running the Code and managing Doris Birdsall Hall.

Away from work I love to travel. I like heavy metal music but I don't like spiders.

Joanne Hayton

Rent Collection Officer

I manage the rent collection system, take payments over the phone, process contracts and return deposits after tenancies have ended.

Away from work I have been known to do a bit of fishing and I also enjoy swimming and walking and love to holiday as much as I can.

Joseph Vandenberg-Owens

Finance Clerk

My role as finance clerk is to assist and support the rest of the finance team within the office.

Outside of work I’m a 2nd year animation student with a passion for all things art related. In my spare time I enjoy the cinema, playing the latest games or keeping fit in the gym.

Katie Davies

Housing Management Assistant

Housing Management Assistant - Mill Street

I work as a Housing Management Assistant at One Mill Street. I help assist the housing manager and Unipol team in ensuring our tenants have a pleasant stay in their Unipol property.

I am studying Speech and Language Therapy at LBU and am really enjoying the course. I moved to Leeds for University and am enjoying living and working in the city. I love to socialise with friends and I have a keen interest in cooking and baking.

Kelly-anne Watson

Delivery and Development Officer

I joined Unipol after being Vice-President Welfare and Community 2016-2018 at Leeds Beckett University.

I'd describe myself as friendly and outgoing, and my favourite things are: glitter, live music, and cheese.

My job is to manage 25 Residents Assistants, head up our events program and undertaking local and national projects.

Laura Cryer

Housing Team Leader

I manage a portfolio of family and post graduate housing at Royal Park Road Flats and Grayson Heights.

My responsibilities also include Health & Safety for Offices and Staff and Planned Preventative Maintenance.

I have two young children who keep me occupied in my spare time but I also enjoy running and trying to keep fit.

Kirk Godber

Applications Developer

I maintain and where required, upgrade Unipol’s software systems as well as the creation of new systems.

In my spare time I fly model aeroplanes from RAF Acaster Malvis.

Love Ebeigbe

Resident's Assistant - Grayson Heights

I work as part of the Unipol team to assist residents in viewing properties and as well as reporting complains from residents to relevant department. I make sure properties are clean, accessible, and set and ready for moving in.

Outside of my work, I enjoy reading and interacting with people.

Lyndsey Gregory

Senior Housing Management Officer

I manage Mill Street and New York Street. I studied Classical Literature at the University of Leeds.

I enjoy cooking and visiting new restaurants, doing jigsaws and photography.

Lynne Wilson

Housing Hub Advisor

I am Lynne and I work as a Housing Hub Advisor. I work in the Hub assisting students, landlords and contractors with their queries face to face, on the phone and via web chat.

It is also my role to work closely with the Student Unions and Leeds City Council to ensure that students and landlords feel well supported. I am a qualified mediator and I have worked with students in Leeds for over 20 years.

Outside of work I love going to the theatre, visiting new places and going on long walks with my dog.

Margaret Thompson

Assistant to the Finance Manager

I provide administrative support to the Finance Manager and assist with the customer care role the team has.

In my time outside work I am an active member of the Friends of DalesRail walking group,whose routes include pathways along the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle railway.

Mat Ward

Senior Housing Management Officer

I moved from Grimsby to study Philosophy at the University of Leeds and have since adopted Leeds as my home.

In my spare time I enjoy climbing and live music.

Matt Allison

Unipol Codes Administrator

I am responsible for promoting, developing and administering the Unipol Codes, as well as verifying that required standards are being met.

I studied Music Technology at Leeds Beckett and outside of work you'll usually find me doing something musical, reading, or planning travels.

Martin Blakey

Chief Executive

I have worked in the student accommodation area for over 30 years and have extensive experience of all kinds of student housing, from off-street to purpose-built properties.

I have worked closely with HEIs, Local Authorities, Government, Sector Groups and major suppliers to raise housing standards and widen student choice and expectations.

As Chief Executive of Unipol I have helped develop a portfolio housing around 3,000 students (including over 210 student families) located in Leeds, 600 students in Nottingham and 59 students in Bradford, providing services to around 15 HEIs, accrediting just over 370,000 bed spaces and operating the main training programme for those involved in student accommodation. The mission continues.

Matthew Jackson

Finance Assistant Cash Book

I am responsible for the daily reconciliation of our cash book.

I studied Peace Studies at the University of Bradford a very long time ago.

Outside of work I enjoy going to gigs, reading, drawing and gaming, along with the odd bit of weight lifting. I also listen to an unhealthy amount of true crime podcasts.

Mofwe Kapulu

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Shay and Holborn

I am in my second year studying Civil Engineering at University of Leeds and my first year working as a Resident Assistant at Unipol.

Outside of my work, I spend time and enjoy watching soccer, taking walks and reading.

Morrison Jusu

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Royal Park Flats

I am a postgraduate student at the University of Leeds and work as a Residents’ Assistant at Royal Park Flats, to support the smooth running of the facility. I liaise with the Housing Management Officer, other team members and residents to maintain the buildings and ensure high quality service delivery.

I also assist the warden to address any student welfare issues, help organize events, and to create and maintain a positive community at the residence.

In my leisure time, I like to engage in sporting activities and football is my favorite sport.

Naeem Ahmed

Housing Management Assistant

This is my first summer working as a Housing Management Assistant, but my usual job during the academic year is a Resident's Assistant at Doris Birdsall Hall. I'm hoping to make all your new university homes looking showroom ready for when you move in!

I study Clinical Sciences at the University of Bradford and I love to travel to different countries, play the piano (badly!), watch Disney movies and most importantly… EAT!

Nikki Verity

Deputy Chief Executive

I have responsibility for the operational oversight, the co-ordination of all Unipol’s services and important aspects of the charity’s governance.

I work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure that Unipol offers a high quality service to all of its users and delivers on its values, commitments, operational efficiency and strategic plans.

I have worked in a senior leadership role since 2003, most recently as the Chief Executive Officer of a leading Leeds based charity supporting people with learning disabilities and autism, where I worked with many partners, including the Local Authority, the Care Quality Commission and the National Health Service.

When I’m not at work you will probably find me having fun with my children, we love being outdoors enjoying wonderful Yorkshire.

Paul Laing

Senior Finance Officer - Income

I control the flow of information between our Housing Team and Finance Office, ensuring contracts and sales items are managed, deposits are protected, managed owner payments are correctly reconciled and financial accounting information is accurate.

I have one young daughter who's into dancing and acting and this takes up most of any spare time I have.

Nicola Brown

Assistant Chief Executive - Hub Services

I am responsible for leading, developing and delivering an efficient and consumer friendly service in Unipol's Hub facilities including Leeds, Bradford and Nottingham. This involves working closely with Unipol's stakeholders in each city to ensure we deliver the best possible advice and choice for their students when it comes to choosing their accommodation and supporting them during their stay.

Furthermore I enjoy developing and expanding Unipol's relationships with the accommodation providers who use our services; the communities in which our students live and working with other equally important stakeholders such as local government and landlord associations.

I am a vegetarian and enjoy live music, trekking, yoga and running. I love skiing.

Peter Hughes

Housing Hub Assistant

Housing Management Officer

As Housing Management Officer, I look after a number of off street properties and the Royal Park Road flats.

I studied English Literature at the University of Leeds, and liked the city enough to stay right here after.

Rachel Campey

Assistant Chief Executive - Housing

I am a key member of the Senior Management Team, responsible for setting and delivering the managerial and operational housing strategy and the operation of the housing management systems in Leeds, Nottingham & Bradford. My role involves leading, co-ordinating, supervising, guiding and monitoring the whole housing management team, including our marketing and lettings policy and overseeing its implementation and decides on the deployment of resources within Unipol's housing portfolio.

Outside of work, I play the flute in a jazz band, enjoy the arts, live music, the great outdoors and escaping to the wilds in my campervan.

Ryan Geach

Housing Management Assistant

I provide clerical support to one of the team leaders particularly in health and safety inspection coordination and filing.

I'm at Leeds College of Music studying music production and I play piano, guitar and saxophone.

Simon Kemp

National Code Administrator

I administer the two National Codes that set benchmark standards for the management of student halls of residence.

This entails ensuring that the National Codes website is up to date, servicing the committee that oversees the day-to-day operations of the codes and making sure that members comply with the requirements of the Code.

I am also a campanologist which I do all over the country.

Sophie Smith

Senior Finance Officer - Balance Sheet

After graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Ancient History, I made the obvious move into accounts…?

At Unipol I support the senior members of the finance team and ensure that we are accurately accounting for our income and expenditure throughout our portfolio.

I am a big foodie. Outside of work you’ll find me watching cookery shows and recreating recipes or trying out new bars and restaurants. To balance this out I try to stay relatively active and I love to go walking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

Suraj Rahmon

Resident's Assistant - Shay and Holborn

I live on site and help residents with queries, repairs and other issues.

Thom Woodroff

Housing Team Leader

I am responsible for the purchasing of Unipol's furniture and appliances. I also arrange the routine servicing of the gas and electricity supplies as well as general health and safety inspections that take place in our properties.

I manage a portfolio of family housing at Woodsley Terrace and Mount Preston Street. Outside of work my main interests are films, music and sport.

Tom Taylor

Senior Housing Management Officer

I am originally from Leeds and studied film and television at Staffordshire University.

I'm a season ticket holder for Nottingham Forest and enjoying running, however I don't like being too hot - two things that don't always go hand in hand.

Tony Vyse

Assistant Chief Executive - Development

I project manage full and part property refurbishments as well as offering technical advice to developers and architects nationwide, to provide top quality purpose built student accommodation. I also support the Housing team advising them on any technical issues throughout the portfolio.

In my spare time, I enjoy watching football, boxing, and all motorsports. I also enjoy running, going on long distance hikes, and weight training, escaping to the countryside on my motorbike and more importantly, spending quality time with my boys.

Veronika Ortegel

Housing Manager - Operations

I am responsible for coordinating and undertaking a number of key tasks within the Unipol housing team including staffing, staff training, lettings, licensing, and partners’ relations.

I also deal with complaints about the delivery of Unipol's housing management service and oversee the allocations made by the educational institutions in to Unipol developments through nomination arrangements.

Away from work, I enjoy hiking and travelling.

Victoria Tolmie - Loverseed

Assistant Chief Executive - Standards and Company Secretary

My role involves improving the standard and management of student housing across the UK through two areas of our work: Unipol Training and accreditation under the Unipol Codes. I am involved in some leasing and property acquisitions, and am a surveyor by training. I am also the Company Secretary with responsibility for governance arrangements. Before joining Unipol in 2005, I was the Welfare Officer at Leeds University Union.

My spare time is taken up looking after my two young sons and picking Lego up off the carpet, but in a previous life I enjoyed playing tennis, dancing and going to gigs.

Victoria Peckitt

Code Complaints Officer

I help students who are experiencing problems with their tenancy. I can assist with the formal complaints procedure and carry out Code Inspections to make sure Landlords comply fully with the terms of the Code.

I also assist the Tenancy Support and Wellbeing Coordinator, helping with a wide range of issues. I studied Architecture, English and Philosophy. Out of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, listening to music, DIY and gardening.

Viktor Grushetskyi

Utilities Officer

At Unipol I deal with all the utility contracts and calculations for our properties.

Outside of my work, I enjoy reading, playing chess, sporting activities, travelling, spending time with friends.

Vinka Maharani

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Grayson Heights

I work at Unipol to help and assist residents to settle in.

I love knitting and crocheting in my spare time. Going to Yarn Festival is also my favourite thing to do.

Zoe Brown

Assistant to the Housing Team Leader

I provide support to one of the Housing Team Leaders and assist in the forward facing customer care role the team has.

Since I had a baby in 2013, I decided to return to work part time. I enjoy working with students as the they keep the city alive with energy and ambition.

Meet the Team

Accommodation Costs Survey 2018 - released

The 2018 NUS / Unipol is available to download here.

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