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York Students Priced Out by Soaring Rents
4 Dec
Summary
- Student rents in York have doubled since 2019, impacting affordability.
- Maintenance loans have not kept pace with the rapid rise in accommodation costs.
- York is one of England's most unaffordable cities for student living.
Students at the University of York are facing unprecedented accommodation costs, with some reporting rent increases of up to double the 2019 prices. The University of York Students' Union warns that this financial pressure could disproportionately affect students from lower-income backgrounds, potentially pushing them out of higher education in the city. This situation risks reversing progress made in equalizing access to university education.
The substantial increase in rent, which now constitutes a significant portion of students' monthly spending, is outpacing the maintenance loans provided. This has led to students commuting long distances or facing financial hardship. While the university offers various accommodation types, demand for higher-priced en-suite rooms remains high, with a small percentage applying for the lowest-cost options.
Local authorities acknowledge York's high cost of living for students. Councillor Michael Pavlovic of the City of York Council stated that the city's popularity drives up rents. The council is exploring solutions like increased affordable cluster accommodation through planning processes to address the affordability crisis and ensure student needs are met.
