THE COST of student accommodation is spiralling out of control, the National Union of Students (NUS) said yesterday, warning that private landlords were ‘setting the bar’ for rent levels.
An NUS study shows a 37 per cent average increase in university accommodation in the last five years, and a 23 per cent rise in the last two years alone.
At a time when tuition fees have trebled to £3,000 a year, average weekly rents in student halls in 2006-2007 are £82.
London is the most expensive area for living in student accommodation, with an average rent of £100 a week or £4,038 a year.
The NUS said: ‘Fifty-five per cent of 2007-2008’s accommodation will be developed in private partnerships or directly by the private sector.
‘It can be predicted that private providers and private sector partnerships will account for the majority of all “university’’ accommodation by 2010.
‘Private halls are providing more luxurious en-suite accommodation (39 per cent of all student housing now consists of en-suite accommodation).
‘Accommodation developments by educational establishments are following suit.
‘There is an increased tendency for private sector rent levels to be less inclusive, with more “add on’’ charges.’
The NUS vice-president (welfare), Veronica King, criticised ‘the increased price and lack of choice of university accommodation’.
She said: ‘We are also extremely concerned as the survey shows that private providers are not as good as universities in providing accommodation for disabled students, housing dependants and students with caring responsibilities.
‘The study reveals the increasing trend towards the use of private suppliers by universities to build student halls.
‘This is further disadvantaging students already hit by soaring tuition fees.
‘NUS is calling for a halt to the privatisation of university accommodation, which is now setting the bar for all university accommodation by developing more and more up-market housing, and a start to the widening of the range and choice.’
The NUS said private landlords should be compelled ‘to be transparent in terms of what students can expect for their rent and when they can expect returns on their deposits.
‘Students who are already struggling financially need to be protected from unscrupulous providers levying booking fees and other hidden charges.’
