Demand For Student Accommodation Rises

 

Early evidence of fewer university applications for 2012 has showed a picture that will come as no surprise to anyone, and was a natural impact of the recent steep rise in tuition fees. It has been suggested that university towns may experience fewer students looking for accommodation. However, based on numerous letting agent reports, there is no evidence as there is still plenty of demand.  

According to reports, there are two new groups of property applicants looking for accommodation. The first group are ‘fresh out of college or school’ students who are not taking the university route and looking for their first out-of home place to live. The second group of applicants includes ever increasing number of foreign students from Asia and Middle East proving that no shortage of student accommodation applicants should be expected.  

The rise in tuition fees is also likely to increase demand for private accommodation as this offers better deals than university halls.  

As mentioned by Jonathan Moore, the director of Easyroommate.co.uk, private accommodation can be up to 23% cheaper than student halls, which is for cost-conscious students looking for the best deals around a large amount to consider.  

Based on the recent study carried out by Easyroommate.co.uk Brighton stands at the top of the list for the highest private accommodation demand within the UK with 13 applicants for each available room.  

Even though the student numbers are on increase, it seems as higher education institutes have often failed to keep pace with the expended demand for accommodation. 

Last year alone, there was a large over subscription to student halls in the Brighton area which resulted into lack of available accommodation. Students who did not get placed in student halls were left to find other forms of accommodation, many ending up staying in hostels for a considerable period of time.