The Student Agency is a student-run letting agency, set up by Ryan Hill. During the process of
arranging next year’s accommodation, Ryan had a bad experience with a local student letting
agency, and discovered he was not the only one. After speaking to numerous students of their
experiences, such as being told they needed to dress a certain way if they wanted to be picked for
the property, and having multiple last minute viewing cancellations, he felt there should be an
alternative. Ryan has over 6 years of property experience, and has worked as an estate agent for
some of the biggest companies in the country. With his previous experience of working in lettings,
he decided to take on the challenge and use his skills to help the students of the University of York.

Currently, Ryan and his girlfriend, Emily Atkins, are working together to make the dream a reality.
Both full time students at the University of York, they have dedicated their time to The Student
Agency. The Student Agency’s aims:

  • Reduce the cost of agency fees for students by not charging any fees to students
  • Treat students fairly and properly, without being told how they should dress forviewings.
  • Give a voice to the international students, who may find it harder to find properties due to the language and cultural barriers.
  • Hold events on campus for students, so that they can come and get advice regarding their property search. The events will be free, impartial advice, regardless of whether they intend to use The Student Agency or not.

Ryan and Emily have recently taken on The Boulevard on Hull Road, and Foss Studios on Lawrence Street. The Student Agency originally started at the University of York; however they have recently expanded to York St John, which is the neighbouring university in the city of York and would like to take The Student Agency, to other universities in the future, so that all students can receive a better service as well as not being charged agency fees.

To find out more please check out their website: www.the-studentagency.co.uk or email them at
info@the-studentagency.co.uk