Half the students in the UK prefer private accommodation as the cost of living bites

In the latest UK international students news, it has been revealed that about half of the students pursuing their education in the United Kingdom choose to live in private rentals instead of the ones constructed by the university. According to the report christened the National Student Accommodation Survey, conducted by Save The Student - students are becoming dissatisfied with UK student accommodation news in recent times, which hails the lack of legitimate housing options for international students coming in. 

The survey, which involved about 1,800 students, did give some additional data, such as the fact that the average time for a student to reach their university from their accommodation has increased from the previous average of 21 minutes to 24 minutes now.

The student housing crisis has affected not only the international populace but also domestic students. The cost of living and additional expenses such as rent and bills have begun to rise, a major reason why many domestic students have now chosen to stay with their parents instead of a university-affiliated student hall. The percentage of students living with their parents increased from 13% last year to 15% this year.

“I am affected by the crises, so I have had to travel three hours to school and three hours back daily. I have finally gotten accommodation for the next term, but it has really impacted my physical and mental health.” is what a student participating in the survey had to say. Amber student accommodation UK has been a beacon of hope in these trying times, providing students with the best available accommodation options out there. 

The survey revealed that the health, be it mental or physical, of about 72% of the students that participated had been impacted by the increasing rental costs. Two out of every five students had considered quitting university instead of putting all the financial burden on themselves. This UK international students news has come at a trying time for the UK universities and the government, but the students have grown wary of the administration.

Last year the UK government introduced the Energy Bill Support Scheme to provide a discount amounting to £400 on their electricity bills during the winter months. More than half the students revealed that they had not received the discounts despite being eligible in this alarming UK student news.

Research conducted by the Sutton Trust earlier this year found that students in the UK were frequently taking extreme measures such as skipping meals, opting for reliant funds made available in the UK, or asking their families for financial support. It also revealed that 63% of the students spent less than they usually would on food due to the ever-growing cost of living. Check out our report on the impacts of the cost of living crisis in the UK for a better understanding of the whole situation.

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