A New Service for Students in Private Rented Homes

On 23rd September, Reading Student Union (RSU) is launching a new Student Energy Advice Service, and is supported by the University’s sustainability team. The service is designed to help students in private rented homes cut energy waste. As a result, you can save money and live more sustainably.

Practical Tips: From Everyday Habits to Long-Term Savings

The service offers practical advice for all budgets. For example, you can learn simple everyday habits to save energy when using washing machines, tumble dryers, and cooking equipment. In addition, you will discover low-cost options that require a small purchase but save money over time. However, some of these changes may need landlord approval, especially if they involve physical alterations to your property.

Tailored Advice for Your Home

In addition to general outreach campaigns, the service provides personalised support. You can contact the team with questions about your own home and receive tailored advice. Moreover, the service is supported by student staff, which creates both work and learning opportunities. The first Energy Advisor, Mia Haroon, helped to set up the project and, importantly, brings a student perspective.

This new service was developed in partnership with London Southbank University. Their successful Energy Advice Centre model was adapted to meet the needs of Reading students. Furthermore, the project was made possible thanks to funding from UPP.

Find Us at the Community Life Fair

The Energy Advice Service will officially launch during Welcome Week. Therefore, if you would like to know more, visit our stand at the Community Life Fair.

Supporting Students Through Advice

“Reading SU Advice Service is delighted to be working with the University on this exciting initiative which nicely complements our current advice service provision, and I believe is something that many students will benefit from. For many, this will be their first time living away from home and navigating the world of energy suppliers and thinking about what steps to take to operate efficiently in the home, which can be daunting. We hope to make it easy for students to get good advice on this, and to help them with specific questions relating to the property they are in. Setting up this scheme wouldn’t have been possible without the support of LSBU and UPP and we provide our warm thanks to them” – Clare Lowe, RSU Advice Service Manager

Get in Touch with the Energy Advice Service

If you have specific questions about saving energy in private housing, please get in touch. You can contact the service via the online form on the RSU energy advice webpage.