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.

Ahmed Tannira

Residents' Assistant Grayson Heights

I assist with supporting tenants at Grayson Heights and ensuring their stay is pleasant and trouble free.

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 enjoy contemporary dance, reading, live music and photography.

Amy Lawson

Marketing Co-ordinator

My main responsibility is to promote Unipol’s accreditation scheme and encourage both students and landlords to value higher housing standards. I am an identical twin and enjoy baking and travelling in my spare time.

Andy Fox

ICT Manager.

I'm Andy Fox and I hail from a long background in Hands on IT for many and varied organisations across the globe.

I lead of the IT team here at Unipol for all Day to Day IT, and together, we look after the entire Unipol IT Infrastructure, from our Website to the Desktop environment and everything in between.

I'm dedicated to providing an outstanding service to our organisation, for all IT opportunities.

Often heard around the Unipol offices singing the last thing I heard, from radio adverts to 70s Disco (dreadful)

A music lover I like two kinds of music, Rock and Roll and am a really bad Guitar player and I play video games better than anyone I know.

Carly Genders

Lettings Assistant

I work in a team to show students around Unipol's properties during House Hunting and try to make sure you have a stress free enjoyable time looking for somewhere to live.
I am a student at Leeds Beckett University studying Criminology & Psychology.
I love dogs.

Chioma Nganwuchu

Housing Hub Assistant Bradford

I am the first point of contact with both landlords and students. I help landlords advertise their properties and assist students in finding that perfect home!

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 30 years experience in both the commercial sector and practice. I have spent the last 11 years' in the HEI sector 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 Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Development Manager in reviewing future financial strategy and assessing the financial impact of future developments on the organisation. I enjoy walking and training my Labrador, taking trips to the theatre and baking.

Dan Thomas

Housing Management Assistant

I'm doing the pop course at LCoM and I'm a massive Man City fan!

Daniel Chew

Residents' Assistant Shay and Holborn

My role is to assist the Housing Management Officer in making a comfortable living environment for everyone at Holborn Terrace and Shay Street. I am the first point of contact for residents who have queries or concerns. In my free time, I like to read history, which I have studied previously and I relax by watching something good on tv! Coming from the tropics, I'm enjoying the cool weather here in Leeds.

Daryl Atienza

Housing Hub Assistant Bradford

I work to assist both students and landlords with their housing queries, guiding them in the right direction and providing the appropriate information, in order to meet their housing needs. I'm a third year Clinical Engineer at Bradford University. I also teach dance in my spare time, as well as boxing, basketball and love playing instruments

David Bond

Residents' Assistant Blenheim Properties

I undertake a range of duties to assist the Housing Management Officer with pastoral care of students, dealing with student's enquiries at specific times and providing out-of-hours support in emergency situations. I'm a third year architecture student at Leeds Beckett University. I like food and Christmas is my favourite time of the year.

Ewa Koska

Utilities Officer

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.

Frances Ogueri

Residents' Assistant Doris Birdsall

Bradford. My job role is centred on assisting the Housing Management Officer with pastoral care of students. I ensure the building is kept clean and safe and the needs of the tenants are met. Also, I assist in organising events for the tenants. You can find me on the Ground Floor in the first block of the accommodation if you have any issues or queries. I am currently in my third year studying Chemistry with Pharmaceutical Science and forensics in University of Bradford.

George Ellis

Housing Hub Assistant

I am part of a team of Hub Assistants that work hard to provide essential information to new and current students about accommodation and housing queries. As a Housing Hub Assistant part of my job is promoting the Unipol code to students and perspective landlords, showing the benefits it brings to the student housing market.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking and travelling to various European cities.

George Hattersley

Housing Hub Assistant

I work as part of a team, with other Hub Assistants to assist students and landlords with queries regarding accommodation, as well as directing more specific queries to relevant departments. I'm a second year Music Production student. In my spare time, I love being out in nature but also writing and producing music as well as playing with my band.

George Hewitt

Assistant Housing Management Officer Nottingham

My role is to assist Tom with the management of housing. I studied International Business at Sheffield Hallam University. In my spare time I enjoy watching Derby County FC, skateboarding and playing piano.

Hannah Blades

Residents' Assistant Mill Street

As a resident assistant I help students with any queries they have as well as reporting to my Housing Manager about any issues/repairs.

I love music (obviously) and also love travelling the world! I’m a happy-go-lucky and a people person so I am looking forward to a fun filled, exciting first year!

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

Nottingham Services Manager.

I am currently on maternity leave.

I manage the Nottingham Service. 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 oversee the IT services at Unipol providing help and support to staff, students and landlords as well as hosting our own servers, websites and applications. I also produce publications along with a student designer like the tabloid. Outside of work I produce, write and draw comics and create too many pots in the kitchen trying out new recipes.

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

Residents' Assistant Mill Street

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.

Iqra Anwar

Finance Assistant Cash Book

My main responsibility is to reconcile bank and cashbook transactions.

I have just finished an Accounting and Finance degree.

In my spare time I love to spend time with family and friends.

I enjoy seeing new places, trying new foods and keeping fit.

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 anyting 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 am also the housing manager for Alexander Court.

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 carfts. I am currently writiing a Victorian Gothic novel that can be totally absorbing.

Jessie Phillips

Residents' Assistant Garden House

I'm here to assist the Housing Management Officer with teh pastoral support of students and general maintenance of the buildin.

In addition to this, I'm currently studying for a MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds and love to spend my spare time playing my keyboard and exploring Leeds.

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 Ramsden

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.

Jose Bocarejo

Residents' Assistant Royal Park Road

I am part of the housing management team who undertake a range of duties to assist postgraduate students residing at Royal Park Flats in Leeds.

After 10 years of professional experience as a consultant in Transport Planning and Civil Engineering, for the state and multilateral development banks in Latin America, I have challenged myself to study a Master in Transport Planning at The University of Leeds.

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. My hobbies include reading, ping-pong, puzzles, cycling and cooking.

Joseph Vandenberg-Owens

Residents' Assistant Carlton Hill

I am currently a first year animation studetn at Leeds Arts University with the goal in mind to work for Disney/Pixar in the future.

Outside of education I love to engage in sports and new activities such as rock climbing (indoor and outdoor) weight lifting and anything else to get my adreneline rush.

If you see me in the office or around the accommodation feel free to say hi, or if you have any ideas/event you want to see happen especially sport related come find me and we'll see if we can organise something.

Katie Powdrill

Housing Hub Assistant Leeds

My role is to assist with any queries student may have about house huntingand guide them in the right direction.

I'm passionate about helping all students have the best experience at Uni.

I am a third year music student. I sing and write songs. In my spare time I lover exploring new places. I would say I am caring and always up for a laugh. I am determined to make my final year at Uni count.

Kelly Anne Watson

Delivery Officer.

I recently joined Unipol after being Vice-President Welfare and Community at Leeds Beckett for two years. I'd describe myself as friendly and outgoing, and my favourite things are; glitter, live music and cheese.

I undertake a number of project-related duties such as; assisting the Housing team on Tenancy Change-Over, which means I get to work on cool stuff for students but also ensure that when they move in, everything goes as smoothly as possible. Another part of the role is, implementing the outcomes from the Family housing review and working nationally on an important piece of research called NUS/Unipol Accommodation Cost Survey, which collaborates with Universities Accommodations, The Private Housing Sector and Student Leaders from across the UK looking at affordability

Laura Cryer

Complaints and Code Investigator

I am responsible for all complaints under Unipol’s landlord accreditation Codes, making sure the complaints process is simple, clear and fair to both students and landlords.
I have two young children so most of my spare time is spent doing activities with them. When I do get some quiet time I love to bake, go swimming and have meals out with friends.

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.

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.

Margaret Thompson

Assistant to the Housing Team Leader

I provide logistical and clerical support to the Housing Team Leader 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. I have over 6 years' experience working in lettings and property maintenance in Leeds. As Maintenance Coordinator I oversee the maintenance of Unipol properties and ensure they are maintained to our high standard. 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

Matthew Dudley

Housing Management Assistant

I work to maintain Unipol properties so that your experience living with us is as good as you would want it to be.
I study music production at Leeds College of Music.

Maud Mabhara

Housing Hub Assistant

I’m here to assist students and landlords with housing queries. I strive to ensure students are well informed about housing and try to make it as stress free as I can. I’m a student studying Chemical Engineering at Bradford University. I enjoy spicy food, music, books and play for the universities basketball and netball teams in my free-time.

Martin Blakey

Chief Executive.

I have worked in the student accommodation area for over 20 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 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 3,000 students in Leeds, providing services to around 15 HEIs, accrediting just over 220,000 bed spaces and operating the main training programme for those involved in student accommodation. The mission continues.

Megan Corbridge

Publications Assistant

I am going into my first year of studying illustration at Leeds Arts Universityafter doing an art foundation course in Manchester.

I am looking forward to discovering more abotu teh culture in Leeds and immersing myself in all things arty.

I love dogs, live music, Sheffield Wednesday and I play the steel pan.

Molly Royle

Residents' Assistant Carlton Hill

I will be studying English and Creative Writing at Leeds Beckett University. I hope one day i can become a published author (although if not I'd setlle for "English Teacher").

I am a vegetarian and have a passion for animals - I've left my black labrador, jenny, at home and I miss her more than anything.

I love signing and acting and in my free time I like to draw or play Pokemon.

I'm a bubbly, enthusiastic member of the community and am always up for a cup of tea and a chat.

I am so excited about my role at Carlton Hill. I'm very approachable so please feel free to dro[p me any suggestions on how to improve your experience here. Have a great year and I will see you around.

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.

I have studied, worked and lived in Leeds since 1998 and am proud to call Leeds my home.

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 and Expenditure.

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.My two children keep me fully occupied in spare time I have.

Nicola Brown

Assistant Chief Executive - Hub Services.

I oversee all our Hub service operations in Leeds and Bradford. This involves working closely with Unipol's stakeholders in each city to ensure we deliver the best possible service to all of our users. I am a vegetarian and enjoy live music, trekking, yoga and running. I love skiing.

Rachel Campey

Assistant Chief Executive - Housing.
I supervise the day-to-day operation of the team of Housing Management Officers. I'm involved in lettings, marketing, staffing, logistics, Health & Safety and enjoy making operational improvements to hopefully provide a better service to students. I studied English and History at Leeds Beckett (formerly Met) and in my spare time I love listening to live music as well as playing it. I also really enjoy arts and spend as much time as I can in the wonderful Yorkshire outdoors.

Ramsey Ronalds

Residents' Assistant Blenheims

I carry out a range of duties alongside my studies on a postgraduate course at Leeds College of Music.

Robert Wignall

Residents' Assistant at Mill Street

If you have anything you want to ask don't be afraid to ask - I'm here to help.

I'm currently studying business management at Leeds Beckett University.

In my spare time you will probably find me in the gym.

Ryan Geach

Assistant to the Housing Team Leader

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.

Shivani Patel

Housing Hub Assistant

I'm here to help you find and maintain a perfect home for the duration of your time at University here in Nottingham. I am currently a first year student at Nottingham Trent University, studying BA Media. In my spare time, I am a Lead Dance Coach in my home town, and I enjoy movie nights with my amazing flat mates almost every night!

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.

Stela Ivanova

Residents' Assistant Norwich Union House

Suraj Rahmon

Residents' Assistant Shay and Holborn

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

Tatenda Kanyere

Residents' Assistant Norwich Union House

My role is to assist the residents at Norwich Union House and make sure their time there is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. I do minor repairs and help facilitate emergency repairs and situations.

I am in my final year at Nottingham Trent studying BSc Psychology and Sociology. I spend a lot of my time at my church, or playing instruments at the music centre as I am a music scholarship recipient. I also love animals and politics.

Taylor Wells

Residents' Assistant Doris Birdsall

I am starting my first year of a performing arts course. It is also my first time as a Residents' Assistant and I am looking forward to meeting you all and working for you.

I a film/tv buff and enjoy spending times with friends and family.

Tendai Muzambi

Residents' Assistant Norwich Union House

My role is to ensure that you have a comfortable stay at Norwich Union House, to deal with any issues you have or simply to answer any questions you may have about your accommodation.

I am currently studying Accounting and Finance at Nottingham Trent University.

I enjoy going to the gym.

I am always smiling so do smile at me when you see me aournd the building or campus

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

Development Manager.

I project manage full and part property refurbishments as well as offering technical advice to housing managers and tenants. In 2013 I decided to get fit and took part in a Territorial Army 3 hour assault course known as a "Tough Mudder" event for Help the Heroes.

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 accommodation across the UK through two areas of Unipol’s activity: Unipol Training and the Unipol Codes. I'm interested in social media and digital communications and my role involves promoting the good work Unipol does through these channels. Before joining Unipol in 2005, I was the Welfare Officer at Leeds University Union.

Victoria Peckitt

Housing Management Officer.

I manage a mixed portfolio of properties including a small development, some shared houses and a small complex housing students with families. I studied English and Philosophy at Liverpool and Architecture at Leeds. I enjoy yoga, reading and going to gigs.

Walter Ncube

Residents' Assistant Royal Park Road

I am a fun and highly sociable person. My role entails assisting the Housing Management Officer in providing a clean, safe environment for tenants and making sure that they have a home away from home. I have the residents and the building at heart and as such, my main goal within this role to make sure that the students are happy, and the building is well taken care of. I am currently studying towards a MSc (Eng.) Engineering Technology and Business Management with the University of Leeds.

Zoe Brown

Assistant to the Housing Team Leader.

I am on maternity leave at the moment.
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.

Zoe Myatt

Residents' Assistant Carlton Hill

I am living and working at Carlton Hill as a Residents' Assistant. This is my first year at Leeds Arts University doing the illustration course which I'm really excited about.

I love travelling, vodka nad doggies. I am looking forward to a year of meeting new people and exploring Leeds.

Meet the Team

Accommodation Costs Survey 2018 - released

The 2018 NUS / Unipol is available to download here.

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