Hi, I’m Katie ‘Housing’ Collinge (KHC), I’m a final year English student and I’m running to be your next Housing and Community Officer!
Three years ago I came to University and like most I was unsure what to expect. On a whim, I decided to run for Jarratt Hall RA and was successfully elected. Being an RA opened my eyes to the Guild and how much you could achieve by being a part of it. Ever since, I’ve not stopped and I’ve worked on everything from open days as an Ambassador, to being a lead Freshers’ Fest steward, helping to deliver a fantastic Welcome Week. As well this, I’ve been part of the Carnival RAG committee for two years, and was elected to represent my department as a Guild Councillor.
Like many of us, I’ve lived in halls and in Selly Oak and I want to make it as easy as possible to love where you live. Where we live is far from perfect, and if elected as your next Housing and Community Officer, I would make sure your time in halls is (finger lickin') good by:
Krushin’ Crime:
Selly Oak doesn’t always feel the safest place and many students feel unsafe when walking alone or in the dark. By working with the University to extend the 24-hour security patrol teams onto the streets of Selly Oak, I want students to feel safer when walking around their local neighbourhood. Similarly, for those who live in halls, by reintroducing the Night-Bus this will allow students to safely get back home after a night out, so you don’t have to worry about walking home or using an unregistered or uninsured taxi.
Wicked Zingin’ Taxi Service:
Whilst being at uni every student has undoubtedly had problems with taxi services, either on a night out or when public transport is unreliable. This shouldn’t be the case. I would review the contracts the University and Guild has with their accredited taxi company, aiming to only work with taxi companies that are reliable, trackable, and most importantly, safe. I would make sure the accredited taxi company is one you can to hold to account if any problems occur, so that you will be able to use taxi services confidently and report any issues without hesitation.
All Star Landlords:
At the best of times, landlords aren’t the easiest people to deal with – I know from experience! In order to improve this, I would like to introduce a RateMyLandlord app so students can learn about their landlord before they rent! Through this it will be possible to point out past problems with landlords to future tenants. I want to help students become aware of their rights when the time comes for landlords to return deposits. I would do this by informing students of their rights behind the tenancy deposit protection schemes; should any issues arise, it will inform them of what steps need to be taken to get their deposits back.