For years, NUS has argued that student accommodation providers should sign up to a code to make sure properties are managed to the best possible standards and students are not left out in the cold.

Accreditation Network UK’s (ANUK) already has a code for private providers, and Universities UK  (UUK) has a code in place for institutions, but ANUK has a new code for educational establishments, which has been formally approved by government. NUS has been involved in developing these codes and hopes they will ensure high standards for student accommodation.

Step forward for students

“The new code is an important step forward for students as it sets out, in one document, exactly what standards they should be expecting from their accommodation provider and tells them what action they can take if the standards are not being met,” says Ama Uzowuru, Vice President (Welfare).

Check with your students' union for more information on the code and what you should be looking out for when choosing a property.