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 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.

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.

I'm often heard around the Unipol offices singing the last thing I heard on the radio.

Lastly, but by no means least, I play video games better than anyone... ever!

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.

My background is within arts and cultural education and community engagement, and in my free time I enjoy visiting exhibitions, going to the theatre and music events - and doing my own art-making. I also volunteer in local community organisations and enjoy spending time outdoors - I’m currently learning how to identify butterflies to conduct surveys with my local rangers.

Callum Murphy

Housing Hub Assistant

Housing Management Assistant

I am one of the Housing Management Assistants at Unipol.

I work over the summer making sure everyones properties are set and ready for moving in.

In my spare time I enjoy cooking and interpretive dance.

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

David Bond

Housing Management Support Assistant

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 like food and Christmas is my favourite time of the year.

Emily Copp

Lettings Assistant

I am originally from Blackpool and I study Biology at the University of Leeds.

In my spare time I play a lot of hockey!

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.

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 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

Housing Management 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.

Jacob Wilbourne

Housing Hub Assistant

This is my second year working in the Housing Hub over the summer.

I have a lot of general responsibilities, but mainly I help students with their accommodation queries, liaise with landlords and with letting agents about advertisements on our website.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my mates, going on nights out, and procrastinating.

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 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.

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

Housing Management Assistant

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

Pete Noone

Housing Management Assistant

I work as part of the Housing Management Team.

I assist students, landlords and the Unipol team in a variety of tasks. In my free time, I enjoy music and hanging out with my friends.

Peter Hughes

Housing Hub Assistant

Housing Management Assistant

I work as part of the Housing Management Team.

As I am tall I get to replace most of the light bulbs and shower curtains. In my spare time I enjoy music.

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.

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.

Sarah Organ

Housing Management Officer

I work within the housing team managing Carlton Hill accommodation and a variety of houses in the Unipol portfolio, including some family accommodation. I spent 4 years at university studying both at Leeds Beckett and the University of Leeds.

In my spare time I enjoy hiking, running and generally being outside and surrounded by mountains. My perfect weekend would be spent camping in the Lake District.

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.

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.

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

I am currently on maternity leave.

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.

Meet the Team

Accommodation Costs Survey 2018 - released

The 2018 NUS / Unipol is available to download here.

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