uni situation - UPDATED!!!

[loosebones]

Hi there, I have to move out of my current university accomodation as it is 4 flights up and I'm in the loft room. Uni said they would help sort me out with a room on campus that's accessible but have not heard anything from them yet. The real problem is though, I need to tell my landlord which is going to be difficult. although we don't have a signed contract we have a verbal agreement and I don't know how he is going to react. I am going to explain it is for medical reasons but he is really difficult to talk to and I'm nervous. Plus, if I do this and uni don't sort anywhere I have nowhere to live (not likely but still worrying). Hope this makes sense. Basically, I would love any ideas of how to approach my landlord and tell him. Ta.

[cocol]

Hi loosebones,

Sorry you are in a bit of trouble (I do feel your pain regarding acoommodation!). I think if you have a verbal agreement is not going to be such trouble. First of all, you need to find out about Uni accommodation, a pain, I know but you have to chase them. If you find out about them, then you can talk to your landlord, ideally, you would need about 28 day's notice (or a month) and he should be ok with it. I don't think it would be so much trouble for him finding another tenant, if he searches from within a University, there are always lots of students looking for accommodation. You could also tell him that you could even potentially help him find someone for the room? But I'm sure he would understand that it is better for you in your condition to get something in campus. So what I'm saying is that as long as you give him enough notice it should be fine. Worst case scenario you'd probably have to pay double rent for a week or two??

Hope this helps... actually, hope I make sense. If you need more help, feel free to PM me. Have moved about 7 times in 4 years so have a bit of experience with landlords and uni accommodation offices!

[EmmaUK]

Hi loosebones,

I hope you have things sorted now. If not, does your uni have an independent advice unit or a VP welfare in your student union? I know that at my uni they are really helpful in situations like this. Also could you get a doctors letter? That would back you up.

Hope you're sorted or if not, hope this helps,

Em xx

[EmmaUK]

Hi loosebones,

I hope you have things sorted now. If not, does your uni have an independent advice unit or a VP welfare in your student union? I know that at my uni they are really helpful in situations like this. Also could you get a doctors letter? That would back you up.

Hope you're sorted or if not, hope this helps,

Em xx

[loosebones]

mini update - have moved out, told landlord and he wasn't too happy but couldn't do anything. The only problem is, as I didn't find anyone to replace me, I have to continue paying the rent over the summer, otherwise the other 2 I lived with would have to pay my share and I felt so guilty! People have told me that I shouldn't continue paying as I have done everything I needed to but I still feel some kind of moral obligation.

Don't hear anything from uni about housing until september but am gonna keep fingers crossed it will be sorted, especially as it is supported by my learning agreement. Hate the 'not-knowing' but I know they wont leave me with nowhere to live. What heppens if the landlord doesn't find someone to take my place? I'd feel dreadful if the 2 other girls had to leave - they already blame me for leaving. Why, oh why do we have ethical and moral obligations?

[lawlessgirl]

Hi

This happened to friend of mine. He also had to move out of his accomodation, and he also had to pay for the remainder of his tenancy. A verbal agreemant is just as solid as a written agreement (in general) and if you tried to avoid paying it, he would probably win in court. It's likely that he can prove that you agreed to these terms by your conduct (in other words, you moved in) so it's unlikely you can avoid paying this. Double check with Citizens Advice Bureau.
If you have doubts about the length of time that you wish to rent for, talk to the landlord first about short term lets (1,2,3 months) if you're happy and wish to stay then renegotiate.
Good luck with your new home
Lawless

[loosebones]

Hey there - quick update:

I'm in a room in the student village on the ground floor with an ensuite. It is so much easier than the old place but really difficult to get to campus - it takes me over 30 mins to hobble there which just isn't right and when I get there I'm in so much pain I can't do anything else. Not sure what to do about this but am just pleased to have a room. Now if I could have my body back, it would be soooo much nicer!

[nonyanomemory]

Hi loosebones, if you scroll down to mking's post in link below, you will find specific information related to exactly the situation you describe. She discusses taxi fare's included in DSA allowance over and above the normal bus fare and also discusses that if your need changes then amendment can be made to your DSA allowance to accomodate.

Hope this is helpful. link to info

nonya

[Rachel1985]

Hi,

I was going to suggest what Nonya mentioned about taxis - they were included in my DSA at uni, the advisors are normally pretty helpful & i found changes could be made to the DSA thing fairly quicky.

Rach

[loosebones]

Well its still pretty much the same - struggling to get to lectures - most of them are upstairs but just glad my room is on the level.

one question though - I'm cracking at the seams and need a break but will they actually let me do that? I have to say that it's not the most supportive uni...

[Rachel1985]

Sorry to hear things haven't improved.

What sort of break - one from the course, or perhaps reduced hours, the chance to takes breaks throughout lectures?
Perhaps after Xmas you could switch to doing the course part time, reducing the number of hours you have lectures for & he workload, if you do that it might be worth sticking out FT until then as it's not long til te end of the semester?

All of these sorts of things your student disability adivosr should be able to help you with. Perhaps make a llist of what your having difficulties with then see if you can think of what would help you overcome or reduce the difficulties. then you'll have something to take with you.

If your not happy, i'm fairly sure there is some way of making a complaint - maybe see your student welfare rep at the student union.

[cnc03]

Get your disability advisor involved. It's illegal for them to be restricting your access to your education because of your disability, so they should be making every effort to move your lectures, or place them somewhere that has a lift.

I don't know if they'll let you have a break as it would put you further behind. You could always try getting extensions and take a few days off to give yourself a bit of a break.

[Jess]

Is there any chance for you to get a mobility scooter or power wheelchair so you aren't walking to lectures?

[loosebones]

I'M DEFERRING UNI!

After the huge struggle I have been having at uni with my health, housemates, mobility, lectures, coursework...

alongside an emergency 'respite' break at blaadyblah's house (+ a chat with nat at the meet on fri), I have decided that for the sake of my health - both physically and emotionally - that I need to stop right now.

The way things are right now, I would no way be able to carry on until June, let alone make it until Christmas and that is only a few weeks away.

The worst bit was telling my mum - I was so scared about it.

but I did it:!:

There is so much that I have learnt this week (THANKS Blaady and Nat).

Ok it is going to be difficult sorting things out but having gone through this week, I know that I can get through this.

A break is what I need - time to get better. I have written lots of lists and emails to people so that I have everything sorted for what I need to do next week so will try not to dwell on it too much.

Yesterday was difficult when a friend rang up and guessed why I wanted to see her next week - she got all hysterical and was like 'don't leave me...' after thinking about it all night I have drafted an email to her just explaining why I haven't talked about it before and how difficult I find it.

It's going to be tough but I know that I am not on my own.

The plan of action now is:

Physio
Pain management
CBT
Counselling – self esteem, assertiveness…

and anything else that I can sort. Am even considering a wheelchair as it made such a difference on the occasions that I have used one. And...it's not giving in or giving up it's getting back control and using aids to have a better life.

Got to tell uni tomorrow but will keep posted on what happens etc.


and to my housemates and anyone who dares try and put me down again - here's a gift


[/b]

[hannah]

Loosebones, that is the best and bravest thing. And from the sound of it, exactly what your body needs. I am proud to know you.

You are not giving in at all. You are being sensible, proactive, determined, positive and realistic. It takes a lot of courage to do what you have.

So to help you through the tough times
and for making the decision.

Hannah