UK Universitiy Students Turning to Homestays in Accommodation Crisis

  • Significant rise in UK students staying in homestay-style accommodation-
  • Increase in student numbers has put a squeeze on the housing market-
  • Price of student accommodation has doubled over the past decade-

With more than 16,800 additional students starting at university across the country in September, new figures released by Homestay.com reveal that an increasing number are choosing to homestay over traditional student halls and private rentals. The rise in alternative accommodation for students is being blamed on a combination of factors, including a shortage of housing plus a rise in rents and the cost of living.

Homestay.com, the online booking platform for hosted accommodation (homeowner remains on site), has seen the number of student bookings increase by 200% in London over the past three years. Extended bookings (21 days +) made by students in key university cities, including London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester are four times higher in September than at any other time of the year.

This year, with the lifting of the undergraduate cap and more than 500,000 students entering the 2015/16 academic term, universities are facing a squeeze on accommodation. This has forced universities to put students in hostels, hotels and even leaving some at risk of homelessness. According to the National Union of Students, the price of student accommodation has also doubled over the past decade, causing living costs for a student outside London to rise to more than £12,000 a year.

Students are opting to stay in hosted accommodation, blaming a lack of suitable affordable housing, but also citing the comforts of a 'home away from home' environment as a big attraction.

Alan Clarke, Homestay.com CEO, said: “From speaking to our community we've learnt that many first-year students are unable to secure accommodation in halls, and are struggling with the costs of private rent. Homestay.com accommodation often works out as a cheaper alternative and a good temporary solution, whilst students find something more permanent. The fact there's a host that will cook the the odd meal and take care of the bills also doesn't hurt!”


Media Enquiries

Please contact the Homestay.com press office at Seven Dials for further information

Tel: 020 3740 7489

Email: homestay@sevendialspr.com

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