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 currently on furlough.

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

I am currently on furlough.

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

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Mill Street

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.

Conor McMurty

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Garden House

Graduated from UCC with a degree in Geology, currently pursuing an MSc in Structural Geology with Geophysics. My plan is to enter a career in the mining and mineral industry.

I enjoy doing modelling kits (like Airfix) and caving.

Dan Thomas

Housing Management Assistant

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

I'm doing the pop course at LCoM 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.

Demi Okubena

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Student Hideout

I am a final year student studying biomedical science at Nottingham Trent university. My role at Unipol involves me being the first point of contact to all the residents at student hideout. I do all I can to ensure all residents are taken care of in terms of complaints, building checks, social gatherings and much more.

Outside of my role I enjoy working out, reading and mostly having a night in with a takeaway!

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 am currently on furlough.

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 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

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 Hub Assistant

I’m a second year student studying Popular Music at Leeds College of Music. I’m singer-songwriter and enjoy spending my time singing and playing guitar in my bedroom. I was born in Portsmouth, but home to me is a little hippie town in the Cotswolds called Stroud. I love being in a big city like Leeds, but I’m a sucker for being in the countryside. I love to travel so am constantly trying to find little adventures I can do between my studies and my job!

I work as part of the Housing Hub team which assist students and landlords with any queries, directing more specific queries to the correct department and greeting students as the come through the door.

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 am currently on furlough.

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

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 am currently on furlough.

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 am currently on furlough.

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.

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.

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 while undertaking local and national projects, working with: Universities, NUS, Students' Unions, The Government, and The Private Sector on student housing issues.

Laura Cryer

Housing Team Leader

I am currently on furlough.

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 currently on furlough.

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 currently on furlough.

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 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.

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.

Maud Mabhara

I am currently on furlough.

I am currently in my third year of a MEng Chemical Engineering Degree at the University of Bradford. My job at Unipol is to assist landlords and students with all things accommodation. I help students think about the important aspects of housing beyond the aesthetics and aim to make sure that students are well informed before making decisions. I am always on hand to answer any questions landlords and students may have, or at least direct them to someone who can.

In my spare time I love exploring Yorkshire's countryside, reading, playing basketball for the university team and most importantly eating.

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

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Doris Birdsall

This is my first year working for Unipol. As a Residents’ Assistant, I hope to help all the residents at Doris Birdsall with whatever queries they have and make their stay at Bradford a great one.

I study Clinical Sciences/Medicine at the University of Bradford and I love to travel, watch 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 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.

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 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 spending as much time as I can in the wonderful Yorkshire outdoors.

Ria Dunajko

Resident's Assistant

Resident's Assistant - Blenheims

I am currently on furlough.

I am a second year studying Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering and it is my first year working at Unipol as a Residents’ Assistant. I’m excited to join the team and make life at Unipol accommodation an enjoyable experience for everyone.

In my spare time I like playing any kind of sport, though volleyball is my favourite, and for a quieter time I play videogames and sleep.

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.

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.

Taylor Wells

Resident's 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.

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 developers and architects nationwide, as well as Unipol's Housing team.

In my spare time, and when I can escape from my kids, I enjoy watching football, boxing, and all motorsports.

I also enjoy running, going on long distance hikes, and weight training.

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 am currently on furlough.

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 am currently on furlough.

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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