The University of Huddersfield’s highest recommended student accommodation is closing July 13th.
Students planning to stay over the summer period are given just over a month to plan a new summer accommodation.
Due to the closure, DIGS has secured accommodation for those who re-booked for the 2024/25 term with iQ student accommodation.
Unfortunately, this does not guarantee an affordable option for students over the summer, with accommodation costs for the two-month period rising to a £1000 lump sum.
Adam Partington, a music student currently living in Storthes Hall Park, shares his situation, ‘I have acquired a job not long after the announcement, it’s now threatened by this.’
He adds that ‘Financially I am struggling, so finding a suitable place to live over the summer is basically impossible, and while the plan with iQ is beneficial for those who will return in September, I feel like I’ve been left out.’
Marketing Manager for Storthes Hall Park, Sam has given a response to how DIGS is assisting students during this time, ‘For any students that are estranged or can’t go home due to part time work over summer, we are still closely working with iQ on a case-by-case basis to see who they can accommodate and at what rates.’
‘We understand that there is a slightly higher cost, however what we focus on is getting that term time accommodation.’
She shares that ‘Our tenancy ends on the 13th and iQ’s starts on the 20th of July. We are allowing students to stay for that week if they can show that they are staying over summer.’
Sam has been working with DIGS for nine years, and affirmed her sympathy with students, ‘We all feel quite passionately about what we do and prided ourselves in delivering a good student experience.’
‘We anticipated having one more year, but changes in the market like immigration policies and the University cancelling courses meant that we did experience an influx of cancellations, putting further pressure on us.’
Speaking from a personal standpoint, she states that, ‘Everyone in the business has been made redundant, so it’s a balance of trying to support students and finding their alternative accommodation, doing the best we can for every student, if possible.’
‘Balancing that with looking after ourselves and our own wellbeing, me personally, starting to look for jobs elsewhere and the job market is quite competitive, so there is some worry there, as there are for all the other staff members especially.’
The University of Huddersfield website recommends HudLets for those in need of accommodation for the 2024/25 term.