Influencing accommodation costs on your campus Jo Goodman, Research and Policy Officer (Student Welfare) Campaigns Staff Network, Newcastle Students’ Union, 17 April 2013

Background Recent publication of NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey showed cost of living in halls has doubled in the past ten years NUS Pound in Your Pocket research showed over fifty per cent of students regularly worried about meeting basic living costs such as rent Recent decrease in student numbers and increase in private provision may lead to increased competition over price and students can influence this

Accommodation Costs Survey Research conducted every 2 – 3 years by NUS and Unipol Aimed at institutions and private providers of purpose-built student accommodation (or halls of residence) This year’s survey covered around 85 per cent of bed spaces There have been huge changes in recent years to: – The level of rent charged – The types of room on offer – Who is providing these rooms

Rising rents:

Rising rents: Common room types InstitutionNominationPrivate Self catering single £97.08£97.05£98.31 Self catering en suite £122.81£119.99£ Studio£134.40£160.58£ Average annual rent across all providers and room types is £5,244.04

Rising rents: By region

Room types on offer

Room types on offer – by provider type

Fees charged – by provider type

Student accommodation choices

Accommodation cost: Impact on financial wellbeing Of those living in halls, students in quintile 1 are 50 per cent more likely to work over 16 hours per week than those in quintile 5. In the broader sample, they are 21 per cent more likely to work this many hours.

Importance of staff To provide continuity and expertise i.e. ability to signpost to NUS research and resources and to give guidance on relevant institutional history To develop an understanding of institutional rent-setting processes and key figures To ensure that officers understand key dates in the institutional timetable and are able to act swiftly enough to influence To ensure that there is some level of sustained engagement in the rent-setting process regardless of officer priorities to improve accountability

Building your case Welfare case Rising faster than student support Harder for students to find work Families likely to be under increased pressure Can present a barrier to access Limits choice of students who are less able to pay Opportunity to join up with widening participation strategy Not all students have access to bursaries and rent waivers: – e.g. estranged students, disproportionately likely to affect LGBT students Business case Cost concerns may affect choice of institution 59 per cent of international students think accommodation cost is ‘very important’ Empty bed spaces this year due to decreased student numbers More development planned for next year Private providers likely to market aggressively Returning students likely to be more cost sensitive

Planning your campaign Analysing the issue Investigate rents and rent setting process Compare and contrast Consider diversity of membership Consult members Developing your strategy Map stakeholders Develop your ask Look beyond headlines Prepare to compromise Consider tactics Think long term Monitoring and Evaluating Plan clear, measurable aims and objectives Assess and demonstrate your impact

Key questions to consider If your institution offers accommodation: What would a progressive rent structure look like at your institution? Is the rate at which accommodation costs have risen at your institution in recent years in line with inflation/student support? Are you involved in the rent setting process and your institution’s future development plans? Which arguments can you utilise with your institutional management to best effect? General questions: What are the obstacles for students in finding affordable accommodation options at your institution? How does accommodation choice impact on broader academic experience? How might accommodation impact on other costs, such as transport? How does accommodation impact on the social experience of students?

A few ideas… Attend open days and talk to prospective students about their accommodation choices An alternative prospectus featuring students’ experiences of accommodation at your institution Gather students’ experiences of living in expensive accommodation e.g. Kent case study, #RentAche Find out what students like about more affordable accommodation to influence your institution’s future strategy Work with your student media

Resources Accommodation Costs Survey report Accommodation Costs Campaigning Guide Accommodation costs and financial wellbeing briefing Accommodation costs and financial wellbeing briefing Accommodation Costs Social Policy Briefing

Thank you and keep in touch! Jo Goodman