Hi everyone, I hope you’re keeping well as the weather gets colder and the days get shorter.

At this time of year, some of you may be exploring housing for next academic year. You do not need to look for housing yet, and you definitely do not need to sign a contract this semester.

We are still early in the academic year; it’s been only two months, and an unusual two months at that. Whilst the security of a signed contract may be tempting – if you’re a new student – you may not have a consistent friendship group yet, or at least you may not really know your friends that well, although if you live together they might be the only people you see.

Ordinarily, you’d have spent more in-person time with people outside of your household – at clubs and societies, at work, in class – and there may yet be opportunities to meet more students and make new friends next semester. The key point is not to rush your housing arrangements for next academic year, because once you’ve signed your contract, you’re committed.

There is plenty of student housing available in Norwich, and it’s not all going to get swept up any time soon. Although house viewings are allowed during lockdown, landlords and letting agencies actively promoting student properties for next academic year right now takes advantage of this rule, which could still put students at unnecessary risk and pressures them into signing earlier than necessary.

See our housing advice livestream with Em and Hamish here

Our Advice and Housing department exists to support you in finding the best accommodation option for you, and is always on hand for advice. We will be running our Housing Week next semester, to provide opportunities for you to meet potential housemates, ask questions, and look at housing offered by our approved landlords and letting agencies. Check out our Before you Rent and Worried about Renting pages for guidance on renting as a student in Norwich.

Your living situation can have a big impact on you’re wellbeing, so it’s important to live in the place and with the people that are right for you. Take some time to consider what makes a good home for you, and consider spring a reasonable time to go house hunting.

 In the meantime, stay safe, and make sure to book COVID tests and a travel slot if you plan to travel during the student travel window.