Rent banding - James College

James College N Block

James College Chair Tim Green told The Yorker that he supports the idea of rent banding because there are “variable standards of accommodation in James.” More specifically, N-block (formerly old Goodricke College’s “Cell Block C”) is not as “modern and spacious” as G-block. Hence, Green thinks “it is right that there be a distinction in price between the two”.

Some people have voiced concerns that the new rent banding system will cause a greater class division between students according to their financial backgrounds. However, Green says, ”There has already been a financial distinction between en-suite and non-en-suite rooms in James” and that has “caused no problems” so far. As Chair, Green does not “envisage any [problems] from a new, fairer rent banding system”.

Currently living in James College N-block, first-year student Stephanie Neylon is in agreement with Green that “the rent bands are a good idea”. However, she expressed dismay that prices for accommodation are still going up in general.

Cracked kitchen window

Moreover, Neylon is disappointed that rent banding “hasn’t been put into immediate effect” although the university has “obviously recognised” that the amount students are paying for N-block and similarly dismal accommodation should be lower than other standard blocks.

It seems the new rent banding system will be beneficial to most parties involved, in particular future James College students. However, current N-block residents will unfortunately have nothing to gain from this newly imposed rent banding system.

In the podcast above, The Yorker talks to current James College N-block occupant Stephanie Neylon about the trials and tribulations of living in what YUSU once deemed as the worst accommodation at York in their 2002 “Collegeopoly” campaign on accommodation rent.

N Block kitchen

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