Although such findings are unsurprising for the majority of the student population, SOS-UK and Universities UK’s research has exposed the shocking impact of rising energy bills and the cost of living crisis on the conditions students are currently experiencing. With the percentage of students reportedly living with damp or mould up by 74% this year compared to 2022, the situation shows no signs of improvement.
Yet despite the prevalence of damp and mould in student properties, many students complain that landlords are failing to combat the issue. Tenants are forced to report the mould multiple times before the landlord attends the property, only to be provided with inadequate measures to tackle the problem, being instructed to open a window or use a dehumidifier.
The impact of deteriorating living standards on students’ health and wellbeing is undeniable. A student in Edinburgh told The Tab that having travelled home three times this year regarding a skin condition, he was advised by his GP not to return to his flat in Edinburgh as the damp conditions would not allow his skin rashes to heal. Additionally, 6/10 students have felt ‘uncomfortably cold’ within their student house, with 48% stating this has caused them to feel anxious or depressed.
The UWE vice-chancellor and president of UK Universities has called for the government to ‘look closely at the maintenance support package’ in order to combat the cost of living crisis. Even with the predicted 2.8% rise next year, maintenance loans will fail to meet inflation levels, and students can expect to be £1,500 worse off.
Given that a third of UK university accommodation this year costs more than the average maintenance loan and 70% of students already report limiting their heating usage for financial reasons, the likelihood of this statistic improving next year seems minimal.