Almost 2,000 Stirling students signed our petition calling for affordable University accommodation. We wish to see top quality accommodation being offered at a price which is affordable for Stirling students. Armed with your signatures, Union President Andrew Kinnell recently held several meetings with the Rent Review Group who are charged with setting rent prices for the University in the coming year.

Here is an update from Andrew on what has been agreed moving forward:

"Last Thursday the Rent Review Group met for the second and final time. I'm glad to say that that we manged to secure a better deal than in the first meeting. 14 of the 17 properties will have their rent frozen, with the three most expensive (Juniper, Beech and Willow) increasing by 2.5%. As well as this freeze, which equates in real terms to a saving of £200k for students, I managed to secure a further concession - a new 'Rent Hardship fund' worth £50k - which is aimed at helping those who are struggling to make rent payments. While I had initially hoped for a blanket rent freeze (which would have saved students £300k), this deal is a fair compromise (worth a total of £250k) which ensures the University remains accessible and that those who need help most get it.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to sign the Campaign For Fair Rent petition and who helped out on the Day of Action. The significant concessions won from the University would not have been possible without students engaging in the process. I hope that students continue to engage with Union campaigns as they can make a real difference."

To find out about more Union campaigns and discuss issues you would like to take forward, contact the Union President here.