University accommodation too expensive for students

For the last 10 years, the University of Manchester’s accommodation fees have been steadily rising. University accommodation fees are supposed to be rising at the same rate as inflation or Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and the rest of the housing sector. In mid-2004, University accommodation fees and the maintenance loan were at the same rate as inflation.

However, graphs obtained by The Mancunion show that the University accommodation is becoming less affordable for many students.

Ten years ago inflation was at 1.3 per cent (sources range from 1.3 per cent to 1.34 per cent) and at the time of publication inflation in the British economy was at 1.5 per cent. Nonetheless, University accommodation fees have increased as much as 22 per cent in comparison to inflation over the past 10 years. University accommodation is therefore becoming an unaffordable option for many students.

The Students’ Union Community Officer Ellen McLaughlin has expressed concerns as to how these new fees will affect members of the student body especially those from less privileged backgrounds.

Fears are rising within the Students’ Union that the new fees will put even more pressure onto students as living costs are projected to increase. Some question whether it could further discourage prospective students from applying to the University of Manchester due to the combination of higher accommodation fees, living costs and tuition fees.

The exact amount University accommodation fees will raise by has not been announced, though it is believed that the changes will come into effect after the redevelopment of Owens Park scheduled for next year.