Finding a room has become a common challenge in major university cities, a nightmare for many students across the United Kingdom. Rent prices are rising fast, with an average increase of about 8 percent nationwide. This surge blocks access to housing for students who rely on scholarships and grants to live near campus. The squeeze is compounded by a shrinking supply and a surge in demand. In recent years, student numbers reached a new peak, with about 2.2 million students spread across the country.
Across Europe as well, there is a shortage of suitable beds for students, a trend that has accelerated over the last decade. Data from a student rental specialist indicates that around 621,000 new beds will be required by 2026 to keep pace with demand, particularly in urban areas. Cities such as Manchester, Glasgow, and Bristol show notable stress, with price rises in some cases reaching as much as 27 percent. The result is fewer housing options compared with last year, prompting students to consider leaving programs or transferring to institutions closer to home to curb rent costs.
scarce offer
Rising rents have pushed the national average to around 200 thousand liras or 535 pounds per month, roughly 618 euros, which is causing about 63 percent of university students to struggle with housing expenses. A recent survey from the Save The Students portal highlights how two out of every three young people take on part time work to supplement income as government aid lags behind inflation. Reports of extraordinary support measures show a one-off payment of 400 pounds to help cover energy bills, though many students still report that such help does not fully bridge the gap.
Beyond price pressures, the surge in student numbers alongside tighter lending conditions makes it harder for households to access credit. Real estate developers face a restricted pipeline of new beds. A Cushman & Wakefield report notes there are no new beds in the strongest markets of Glasgow, Manchester, and Bristol, with Southampton and Newcastle also strained, and London alone adding just over 330 new beds. Limited new supply is a clear driver of the rents spike, as the market grapples with demand that outstrips capacity.
Precarious conditions
Rising costs for homeowners have cooled investment in rental property and left the stock of available homes thinner. In recent months, some students have publicly criticized the precarious conditions in shared flats. A Leeds student shared a TikTok video showing extensive mould behind wallpaper, accompanied by unsettling music, a post that resonated with many peers under the tag #blackmold. The title underscored the harsh reality of student living conditions.
The main complaint centers on persistent moisture and mould issues. About 36 percent of affected students report such problems and lament their inability to find suitable accommodation despite the steep prices. In cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, limited supply has forced many young people to settle on sofas or with roommates after moving in late August, according to the StuRents portal. This volatility has prompted student unions to press governments for urgent action to address a problem that is increasingly a widespread concern across the country.