Further information:

Students For Co-operation is a new national representative body for student cooperatives. It will provide support and training to members of student co-ops in the UK & assist in forming new co-op groups and expanding those already existing. They are putting on a big conference early 2014 so look out for that.

Co-operatives UK is a good place to go for a brief introduction to the legal nitty-gritty, and also great quotes like:
"Together the co-operative economy is worth some £36.7 billion and the number of co-operative memberships is 15.4 million. Co-operatives are the largest membership movement in the country."
Co-operatives UK is the national trade body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises.
We have a unique role as a trade association for co-operatives. We aim to bring together all those with a passion and interest in co-operative action.
"Together the co-operative economy is worth some £36.7 billion and the number of co-operative memberships is 15.4 million. Co-operatives are the largest membership movement in the country."
Co-operatives UK is the national trade body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises.
We have a unique role as a trade association for co-operatives. We aim to bring together all those with a passion and interest in co-operative action.

Radical Routes is a great supportive network where you can find out more about DIY housing co-ops in the UK. Radical Routes is a network of radical co-ops whose members are committed to working for positive social change. The network is made up mainly of housing co-ops of various sizes (none with more than 17 members), a few workers co-ops and a couple of social centres.

The International Co-operative Alliance is a good place to find out more about the global co-operative movement. The International Co-operative Alliance unites co-operatives worldwide. The ICA advocates the interests and success of co-operatives, disseminates best practices and know-how, strengthens their capacity building and monitors their performance and progress over time.

The Edinburgh Student Housing Co-operative campaign is another frontrunner in the UK student housing co-op race. They are negotiating with their university to locate an appropriate ex academic building and are making good progress.

The Birmingham Student Housing Co-op is the most advanced student housing co-op project in the UK. They are hoping to buy their first house in 2014 and have raised the necessary finance. Their project has featured in the national media and they are working closely with the
green bike project and students for co-operation.

NASCO or the North American Student of Co-operation is a network of Student Co-operatives in the USA. Well established, they have been providing affordable student housing through co-operatives for many years.