Posted 16 hours ago
Wed 05 Aug, 2026 12:08 AM
Starting university and moving into a new home, city, or country, can be very exciting, It can also come with challenges and worries, especially if you’re unsure how your identity might shape your experience of settling into a new living environment.
In ResLife, we care deeply about the experience you have when you are living with us. We are committed to ensuring that all students feel safe, respected, and like they belong in their accommodation.
A safe and inclusive living space
Everyone living in our accommodation is expected to treat others with respect. Bullying and harassment are not tolerated and clearly prohibited under our Code of Conduct, which everyone living in our accommodation agrees to.
Even in an inclusive environment, you might feel more comfortable living with others who share similar identities or experiences, which is why we offer LGBTQ+ Accommodation. This option may help you feel more confident about living with others, and more at ease being yourself from day one.
As one student shared:
It provided a sense of community that was really valuable in first year when I was settling in. It also reduced my anxiety around living with strangers, because I was reassured that at least my queer identity would not cause a problem in my accommodation.
Choosing LGBTQ+ accommodation is entirely optional, and we expect all of our accommodation to be inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
If you do experience discrimination or harassment, it will be taken seriously and support is available. You can report concerns through the Support and Report tool, and for a more immediate response, our Security Team is available 24/7.
Community and support
Finding a supportive network can make a huge difference to your university experience, and this might include making connections with LGBTQ+ students who share similar or overlapping lived experience.
- The Students’ Union LGBTQ+ group is a great place to start; the group runs regular events and socials throughout the year, as well as dedicate spaces such as T-Time, which is their trans supportive space.
- There is also LGBTQ+ Connect, a monthly support group for students who want a safe space to talk, meet others, or explore their identity in a supportive setting.
- ResLife events are another great way to meet likeminded students. Throughout the year, we hold lots of events celebrating LGBTQ+ awareness days, LGBTQ+ History Month, and Pride which are open to all students living in our accommodation.
If you need individual support while you’re living with us, there are several options:
- ResLife Ambassadors (RLAs) are our friendly, trained students who will check-in with you and your flat on a regular basis. You can request a 1:1 conversation if you want to talk anything through.
- Our Inclusion Champions are part of the RLA team. They focus on supporting other students from underrepresented or minority groups; we can usually connect you with someone who shares similar lived experience.
- Student Support provide lot of resources and courses to support you, including their LGBTQ+ guides, ‘coming out with confidence’ workshops, and wellbeing support.
Allyship
Creating a supportive community is something we all contribute to. Being a good ally can include:
- Respecting names and pronouns.
- Challenging inappropriate language or behaviour.
- Creating an environment where people feel safe to be themselves.
If you or your flatmates want to learn more about how to support LGBTQ+ peers, we have a short introductory guide to allyship.
If you ever need support or someone to talk to while living with us, don’t hesitate to reach out. You won’t have to navigate this alone; we’re here to help you feel at home.
