Students are already being disproportionately affected by rises in the cost of living, with this situation exacerbated by the additional pressure posed by escalating rent prices, the National Union of Students (NUS) has said.
The latest research from accommodationforstudents.com shows a sharp increase in student rents in 2023, with the average weekly rent now standing at £65.30 – 4.3 per cent higher than last year.
Aaron Porter, president of the NUS, said students are increasingly being forced to rely on family and friends for bailouts.
He recommended that students looking for accommodation check the NUS house-hunting checklist and compare options and prices before signing up with an accredited landlord.
“Students should make decisions about university based on the most suitable course and institution, not on the cost of accommodation,” added Mr Porter.
“It would be a matter of huge regret if those with the aspiration and ability were increasingly priced out of certain universities.”
