Landlords across the UK could benefit from a move by UK universities to
offer up to 20% fewer student places this year in a bid to avoid
overcrowding.
Some schools, according to the Guardian, are reporting that their students
who are predicted to receive three A’s have not received an offer so far
this year.
They say university admissions officers are reigning in the number of
offers to students to avoid being caught out with a bumper crop of A level
results.
However, this could lead to a late surge in admissions to university and
with limited accommodation places for first years, private landlords may
have to step in to provide accommodation for students.
According to the Guardian, university leaders are predicting another record
growth in student numbers, but they are cautious about the grades being
handed out.
One of those expressing reservations is the vice-chancellor of the
University of York, Charlie Jeffery, who said the number of offers was
being restricted this year.
How teacher-assessed grades will impact applications
He explained that the situation is ‘unpredictable’ as they have no way of
comparing how teacher-assessed grades will impact application numbers.
The issue last year saw the scrapping of exams and switching to teacher
assessment which led to more students meeting their minimum course
requirements – with 30% of students being awarded an A, or better.
Oxford is one of those universities that say they have reduced their offers
by 10% – to be the lowest for several years.
Other Russell Group universities are using consultants to model their
admission rates and are gearing up for grade inflation.
The situation is complicated further by those university applicants who
decided to defer their entry to this year.
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: “There’s no doubt that
universities will be worried about offering too many places because of
grade inflation and taking on those students who deferred last year.
“This may well to led to a late surge in applicants and universities may
not have spare accommodation capacity, which means private student
landlords with quality properties will undoubtedly be looking to fill in
the gap.”
Glasgow bans new student accommodation in two areas
Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council will ban developers from
building new student flats in two areas.
The move has been approved by the council after a public consultation was
carried out.
The two areas are South Partick/Yorkhill, and Cowcaddens/Townhead where no
more student accommodation will be permitted to stop the overconcentration
of student homes in those areas.
A spokesman for the council said: “New planning guidance for student
accommodation will stop over-concentration in certain areas and improve the
quality of design.
“While student accommodation is key to supporting and attracting part of
Glasgow’s economic and social life, a more balanced approach to future
development provision will help benefit the wider city and our student
population.”
