University accommodation prices soar

Helen Barratt London

The cost of university accommodation has risen by more than twice the rate of inflation in the past year, the National Union of Students' 2002 accommodation costs survey found. The largest rent increase (10.7%) has affected students in private halls of residence. The number of students living in such accommodation has increased, however, from 2.5% in 2001 to 4.5% this year.

The average weekly rent in UK university accommodation is about £60 (¤94; $88)--5.13% more than last year. This is more than double the increase in financial support available to students. The survey suggests that a student living in halls of residence who takes the maximum student loan available has just £29.69 a week to live on, after paying their rent. Students in private rented accommodation pay £51.32 per week, on average, but face greater hardship, as utility bills are generally not included and payment of retainers is often expected over the holiday months.

Not surprisingly, London remains the most expensive area of the country to live. Students at university in the capital can expect to pay an average weekly rent of £79.30. This is more than double the cost of similar accommodation in the north east and is not reflected in the amount of financial support available to London students.

The National Union of Students' national president, Owain James, said, "These new figures are further proof that it is students, once again, who are being hit the hardest. Accommodation costs continue to rise above inflation and above the level of support that students receive. The rise in private halls of residence is a real cause for concern. Many institutions are being forced to sell halls to private companies who build accommodation that can be used all year round for conferences and the like, catering for corporate, as opposed to student, needs.

"We are seeing more and more students opting to remain at home and not even consider universities in London and the south because of the cost. If the government really wants to open up higher education, it needs to introduce a fair system of student support that actively encourages people to consider university, rather than one that deters them from even applying."



studentBMJ 2002;10:215-258 July ISSN 0966-6494