Students face higher rents and longer commutes - survey

The UK's students say they are facing rising rents, substandard living conditions, longer commutes to campus and a worrying number have experienced homelessness, a survey reveals.

The findings from Save the Student reveal that the average rent is now £563 per month - a 2.4% rise from 2024 - with London students facing the highest costs at £812.

Students are also living further from campus, with the average commute time increasing to 26 minutes.

Plus, 7% of respondents to the National Student Accommodation Survey 2025, reported experiencing homelessness during their studies, with some 'sofa surfing, squatting or staying in hostels'.

Essential student housing

The chief executive of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern, said: "This report demonstrates how essential housing is to the student experience.

"Although it is reassuring to see that these results have improved since 2024, this feedback shows just how challenging rising living costs have been for students."

She added: "Our current students are the next generation of teachers, doctors, nurses and scientists, and while universities are doing all they can, it's imperative that the maintenance support package is looked at more closely."

Students struggle with rising costs

The survey is based on nearly 1,300 responses and highlights the financial strain on students, with 36% considering dropping out due to rent costs.

Also, parents contribute an average of £224 monthly towards rent, and 59% of students struggle with rent payments - 17% describe it as a constant problem.

However, less than half of the students (46%) feel their accommodation is good value for money.

The state of student housing

Save the Student's money expert, Tom Allingham, said: "Despite the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill aiming to improve conditions for tenants , we fear it won't be enough to rectify the state of student housing.

"Thankfully, this year's survey findings point to some small improvements.

"Compared to 2024, fewer students told us they're struggling with the cost of rent, and there's been a decline in the proportion who say it impacts their health."

He adds: "But across the board, the results suggest that the landscape is still far tougher than before the cost-of-living crisis.

"If, as expected, the Renters' Rights Bill comes into force later this year, we will hopefully see more time given to tenants in arrears, and an end to no-fault evictions.”

National Student Accommodation Survey

The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon Thompson, said: "The latest National Student Accommodation Survey paints a challenging picture for students across the UK.

"Landlords should take note of these findings but many will already appreciate how students are struggling financially."

He added: "It doesn't help that student landlords are seeing costs rise and many have already left the sector.

"The Renters' Rights Bill could yet make things worse for landlords and students - so next year's survey could be very interesting indeed."

Challenges for students

Other key findings from the survey reveal significant challenges for students:

• Financial strain: 77% believe rent should be linked to Maintenance Loans. Scottish rents average £663, while the West Midlands has the lowest at £466. Living with parents is cheapest (£345), followed by private landlords (£532), then university (£615) and private halls (£650). 13% have missed rent payments, 7% are in arrears (owing £714 on average) and 3% have been evicted.
• Housing value: Less than half (46%) feel their accommodation is good value, a decline from 65% in 2022.
• Early house hunting: While recent trends are stable, a clear pattern shows students starting their accommodation search earlier (15% before November, compared to 10-11% between 2020 and 2023), probably due to housing shortage concerns. Despite this, worry about the housing shortage has fallen (47% vs 51% last year), as has awareness of the issue (75% vs 80%)
• Deposit and shared housing issues: 15% struggle to reclaim deposits, though this has improved slightly. 84% of those in shared housing report problems with housemates, mainly concerning hygiene.