STUDENT groups are calling for urgent rent freezes – amid reports that 35% of students have been unable to pay their rent more than once.
The universities of Stirling and St Andrews have announced they will be increasing rent prices throughout student accommodation by 10.2% and 8.3% respectively.
In a recent announcement, the University of Glasgow has announced it will also be increasing student accommodation prices by 9.5%.
The University of Stirling has updated the costs on its website but is yet to comment on the move.
Stirling’s Sabbatical Officer team said: “We want students included – not priced out of education. We want rents frozen across the board – not increased. We want every student to eat – not skip meals because they can't afford to. We want students to concentrate on their degree – not whether they can afford their rent.
“We want the university to support students.”
The University of St Andrews announced the rent increase on its official website after an annual price revision and conversation with the students’ association president and the director of residential and business services.
After the University of Glasgow announced its decision to increase rent prices, Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council president Rinna Väre pointed to concerns raised in January.
In an open letter to the principal and vice-chancellor of Glasgow University, Sir Anton Muscatelli, Väre said: “It is our understanding that the university is currently benchmarking its accommodation fees against other private halls providers in the city.
“We believe this is a flawed approach which disregards the social responsibilities of the university to provide adequate and affordable accommodation.
“Given the university continues to operate at a large financial surplus, we do not believe that this increase is justified and call on the university to pause the proposed increase to allow time for further meaningful consultation with the SRC on this matter.”
With the current cost of living crisis affecting people nationwide, students are at a high risk of homelessness.
NUS Scotland reported in 2022 that 12% of Scottish university students have experienced homelessness, while 35% have reported being unable to pay rent in full more than once.
A total of 37% of students have considered leaving their studies as they are unable to afford them.
NUS Scotland president and National columnist Ellie Gomersall said: “Raising student rents only makes education less accessible.
“Everyone should be able to go to university. It should not be dependent on whether you come from a family who can support you whilst you study.
“Universities have the funds to absorb extra costs in the cost of living crisis, students do not.”
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