The UK’s student accommodation search engine, Accommodationforstudents.com (AFS) has reported a late surge of students looking for accommodation for the start of the academic year, with 25% more students searching online in June versus the same month last year.
The typical student ‘house-hunting’ season was disrupted this year following Covid-19 which left students uncertain about their future plans at university – subsequently delaying their accommodation decisions. But AFS report that there has been an upsurge in activity during the last six weeks.
“Students are now eagerly making plans to return to University. Although it’s likely that more lectures will be carried out virtually, students still want to maintain that freedom and sense of independence they get from living away from home and would prefer to be living with friends as opposed to their parents and siblings.
“Enquiries for shared houses have been notably higher, suggesting students are perhaps opting to live with a small group of friends in a house, because it offers both indoor and outdoor space and less student interaction than purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA).”
Simon Thompson, Director, AFS
Students have been pre-informed that grades are expected to be higher this year – which could make all the difference for some people in getting into a first-choice university.
The surge of interest in student accommodation comes as UCAS predicts a record number of students are expected to get a university place through clearing this year. This is to help offset any fall in overseas students because of the coronavirus. This is good news for student landlords, most of which have remained in the sector and taken advantage of the mortgage relief.
“A-level results day is going to be big this year. Students have been pre-informed that grades are expected to be higher and that could make all the difference for some people in getting into a first-choice university.
“Several UK universities are now considering putting flights on to ensure International students can make it this September. A change in post graduate study visas also makes it possible for International students to stay for two to three years and work in the UK, this makes the decision to come to the UK to study even more appealing.”
Simon Thompson, Director, AFS
