Average rents are £5,224 a year and finding enough cash to pay for accommodation is a major problem for many students.
The National Union of Students reckons rents have risen 27% above inflation in the past 10 years.
“Living standards for students are much better,” said a spokesman. “However, developers and landlords are making sure that these improvements are paid for by students and not out of their own pockets.”
Students have three choices for accommodation:
• University halls of residence – Living in halls close to campus that are owned and managed by the university. Often the default choice for first-year students. Cost – an average £118 per week.
• Private halls – Generally high standard accommodation close to transport hubs or campus. Costs vary – from £120 if run in conjunction with a university to £160 per week or more
• Private shared housing – Family homes turned into student housing shared by groups of three or more students. Costs range from an average £70 a week plus utilities
Not only do costs vary between the different categories of accommodation, but location is a key factor for price as well.
The NUS explains renting student housing in London or a large city costs more than living in a smaller town or city.
London rents for student halls average £157 a week – which, says the union, is a third higher than the average for the rest of the country excluding the capital.
A new 27-floor student tower at Kings Cross, North London, housing 669 students costs even more.
For a rent of £189 - £399 a week, students from the London School of economics and other universities and colleges will live in luxury flats with Underfloor heating, designer kitchens, free broadband and magnificent views over the city.
Johnny Manns, managing director of developers Urbanest, said: “The development is already full. We work closely with universities and listen to feedback from students about housing they want. The result is a comfortable, remarkably efficient building with a range of rooms, including many at the lower end of the price scale.”
