NUS survey finds accommodation costs have risen almost a fifth in four years

A recent survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland has shown a rise of eighteen per cent in accommodation prices at Scottish Universities over the last three years.

Edinburgh University offers the most expensive accommodation, with its premium rooms costing £216 per week, whereas the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley currently provides the cheapest student digs.

Liam Burns, President of NUS Scotland told The Journal: “We strongly believe that accommodation is at the core of university business, and Universities have a duty to provide affordable accommodation deals.

“With increasing numbers of private student accommodation companies such as Unite offering accommodation at extortionate prices, universities have to ensure they can provide a range of affordable accommodation for their students.”

Iain McWhirter, the rector of Edinburgh University, said: "I’ve been approached repeatedly by students who are really appalled by the cost of accommodation. There is no doubt that it could become a major disincentive to students.”

Mr. Burns agreed: “Accommodation is the main cost for students and takes the bulk of the loans they receive. It is a lot to do with geography as students from poorer backgrounds will not be able to afford such expensive accommodation.

“A bursary was set up by Edinburgh University which ensured students who could prove they were from poorer backgrounds were guaranteed the cheaper accommodation that the university had available. While this is a good initiative it is unfair to ask students to jump through hoops for what should be readily available to them.”

Over fifty per cent of students pay more than £90 a week for accommodation and over a quarter pay up to £120. Universities have been justifying the high prices by upgrading their standard of accommodation.

Mr. Burns said “Universities think students want high quality accommodation and en suite bathrooms but the reality is most students cannot afford this. Universities need to ensure they can provide a mixture of quality accommodation.”

A spokesperson for Edinburgh University has defended Edinburgh’s provision of accommodation. “Those rooms at the higher end of the tariff scale are extremely popular but the university recognizes the need for, and indeed successfully provides, a significant range of lower cost options.”

With accommodation prices continuing to rise, and the amount of financial aid received by students remaining fairly static, Mr. Burns maintained that “it is imperative for universities, student associations and local authorities to work together to maintain affordable options for students.”