Finding the right home while at university can feel overwhelming – especially with rising rents, new legislation, and so many accommodation options to choose from. That’s why this November, UoGSU hosted our first ever Housing Fayre, bringing together organisations, local landlords, and student societies to help students feel confident, informed and supported when making housing decisions.
Connecting Students With Local Providers
We invited a range of private landlords and housing agencies to campus, giving students the opportunity to ask questions, compare options, and understand what to look for when renting in Gloucestershire. This face-to-face format helped break down barriers and allowed students to get real answers from real providers.
To create space for open dialogue, the SU hosted a Housing Q&A Panel, where students shared their concerns and discussed everything from tenancy agreements to deposits to maintenance issues. This honest, student-driven conversation was at the heart of the fayre and set a strong foundation for transparency going forward.
Learning Your Rights With the Law Society
Throughout the day, our UoG Law Society ran an interactive quiz focused on changes to housing legislation and knowing your rights as a tenant. Students told us they left feeling more confident about what to expect when signing a contract and the protections available to them.
Building Community Through Creativity
To bring a creative twist to the event, Hobbycraft sponsored a Community Corner, where students could take a break, paint plant pots, and unwind. Our Art Society helped run the activity, and several local artists joined us to showcase and sell their work. This relaxed space encouraged conversation, connection, and creativity – reminding everyone that housing support goes hand-in-hand with building community.
Why This Event Matters
Housing is one of the biggest stressors for students, so creating a space where they can access information, meet providers, and understand their rights is vital. It was also a key opportunity for UoGSU to strengthen relationships with local businesses and agencies. These partnerships help us provide students with meaningful opportunities while supporting the SU’s wider mission of building strong community ties across Gloucestershire.
Looking Ahead
We’re proud of the success of our first Housing Fayre - thank you to all students, partners, societies, and artists who made the event a success.