UK student accommodation is expensive due to high demand, a lack of supply, and the cost of building and maintaining modern facilities.
Extensive response
UK student accommodation is undeniably expensive, making it difficult for students to find affordable housing while pursuing their education. The high cost of accommodation in the UK can be attributed to several factors, which are explained below.
Firstly, the demand for student housing in the UK is extremely high. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), there were 2.38 million students studying in the UK in the 2018/19 academic year. This means that there is a substantial demand for student accommodation in the country, particularly in large cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham. The high demand for student housing has resulted in a competitive market and landlords charging high rents.
Secondly, there is a lack of supply of student accommodation in the UK, which drives up prices. A report from UCAS revealed that only 29% of full-time undergraduate students were able to secure university-provided accommodation in the 2019/2020 academic year. This means that the majority of students have to look for private sector accommodation, which is generally more expensive.
Thirdly, the cost of building and maintaining modern student accommodation is high in the UK. Developers have to comply with strict building regulations, which can drive up the cost of construction. Additionally, maintaining high-quality facilities such as gyms, communal spaces and high-speed internet can also be expensive.
In summary, the high cost of UK student accommodation can largely be attributed to a lack of supply and high demand, as well as the cost of building and maintaining modern facilities. As The Guardian notes, “developers are merely responding to a gap in the market – leaving universities, students and their families struggling to keep up.”
Interesting facts on UK student accommodation:
- The average weekly rent for student accommodation in the UK is £147 (according to Save the Student)
- A survey by NUS in 2019 found that 66% of students were worried about not being able to afford accommodation costs
- Private companies such as Unite Students and IQ Student Accommodation have become major players in the UK student housing market, owning and managing many purpose-built student accommodation buildings across the country.
Table:
Factors contributing to the high cost of UK student accommodation:
| High demand | Lack of supply | Cost of building and maintaining |
|---|---|---|
| 2.38 million students in the UK in 2018/19 | Only 29% of full-time undergrads secure uni housing | Building regulations |
| Competitive market | Majority must look for private sector housing | High-quality facilities cost |
This video has the solution to your question
The UK is facing a student rent crisis as there are only 700,000 rooms for nearly 3 million university students, forcing over half of them to opt for private rentals, many of which are substandard. Students are struggling to find affordable housing as landlords prefer more profitable options like Airbnb and professional rentals. The government’s maintenance loan increase is insufficient to match the rising cost of student accommodation. The situation is causing emotional and mental distress for students, and many are considering dropping out of university altogether. The housing crisis is not limited to Bristol but is felt across other UK cities.
There are other points of view available on the Internet
The more in Demand Higher the Price The demand for student accommodation is high, particularly in popular university cities. This means that landlords can charge higher prices for their properties, knowing that there will be students willing to pay.
The location of your university will have the biggest influence on cost. If it is in a city centre, such as London, prices will be far higher. The standard of room will also have an effect on the cost of accommodation. Most university managed accommodations tend to drive up prices because they need to cover the cost of all the main utility bills.
Moreover, people are interested
In this way, How much do students pay for accommodation UK?
In reply to that: The average cost for weekly rent in the UK in purpose-built student accommodation for 2021–2022 is £166. Private sector accommodation averaged £155 a week for an ensuite room and £228 for a studio. In London, the average was £212 per week for university accommodation and £259 for the private sector.
Additionally, How much does a student room cost in the UK?
Answer will be: International Student Accommodation In The UK
| Residence Type | Monthly cost in London (in GBP) | Monthly cost in Other cities (in GBP) |
|---|---|---|
| University residence | GBP 600 (~INR 59,829) | GBP 440 (~ INR 43,874) |
| Private housing | GBP 710 (~ INR 70,797) | GBP 420 (~INR 41,880) |
| Utility bills | GBP 40 (~ INR 3,988) | GBP 40 (~ INR 3,988) |
May 12, 2023
Accordingly, Is it cheaper to live on or off campus UK?
You can find very affordable accommodation options off campus and often you’ll find a flat or house that will be cheaper than living on campus. Plus most private halls and landlords include bills which will enable you to budget far easier.
What is a good price for student accommodation in London?
LSE broadly estimates that students should allow £1,300-£1,400 per month for all living expenses, including accommodation, travel, food, laundry, study costs, and other personal expenses. This will vary depending on your lifestyle and requirements, so it’s important you do your own research.
Moreover, How much does student accommodation cost in the UK? The answer is: These averages are based on the 2021 survey: The average cost for weekly rent in the UK in purpose-built student accommodation for 2021–2022 is £166 Private sector accommodation averaged £155 a week for an ensuite room and £228 for a studio In London, the average was £212 per week for university accommodation and £259 for the private sector
Is the UK expensive for international students? The reply will be: “Despite its popularity, the UK is perceived as expensive by international students and that’s not just on tuition fees, but aspects of costs such as visas, the immigration health surcharge and living costs,” said Gwion Sims, the head of International Recruitment at the University of York, was quoted saying by The PIE News.
Is the cost of living in the UK too expensive? The reply will be: The UK is among the most expensive study destinations globally, and its capital, London, is among the top 20 costliest places to live in. Source: Oli Scarff/AFP Is the cost of living in the UK too expensive for international students? That’s what one survey suggests.
Moreover, Why do private landlords charge so much for student accommodation? The answer is: Private landlords often see students as a way to make a far higher return than renting it out to your average, long-term let tennents. You see it on things like Homes Under The Hammer all the time. My irritation definitely comes from the university owned accommodation which charges these high rates.
Hereof, How much does student accommodation cost in the UK?
Answer to this: These averages are based on the 2021 survey: The average cost for weekly rent in the UK in purpose-built student accommodation for 2021–2022 is £166 Private sector accommodation averaged £155 a week for an ensuite room and £228 for a studio In London, the average was £212 per week for university accommodation and £259 for the private sector
Subsequently, Why is student housing so expensive?
The increase has been driven by the standard of accommodation shifting steadily upmarket, research by student housing charity Unipol and the National Union of Students (NUS) found. But the NUS warned it had created a "real affordability problem". The government said it had increased support for students’ living costs.
Is the UK expensive for international students? In reply to that: “Despite its popularity, the UK is perceived as expensive by international students and that’s not just on tuition fees, but aspects of costs such as visas, the immigration health surcharge and living costs,” said Gwion Sims, the head of International Recruitment at the University of York, was quoted saying by The PIE News.
Considering this, Is the cost of living in the UK too expensive? The response is: The UK is among the most expensive study destinations globally, and its capital, London, is among the top 20 costliest places to live in. Source: Oli Scarff/AFP Is the cost of living in the UK too expensive for international students? That’s what one survey suggests.