Cost of university accommodation 'doubles in 10 years'

By Graeme Paton. The price of a room in university halls of residence has doubled in just 10 years amid rising fears over student debt levels, a major report has found. Figures show that the average weekly rent in university-owned accommodation has soared from £59.17 in 2001/2 to £117.67 in 2011/12.
Data from the National Union of Students also shows significant variations between regions and providers. Accommodation owned by private companies, which has boomed in recent years on the back of a sharp hike in student numbers nationally, now costs an average of £140 a week, it emerged. Figures show that the most expensive university flats in London cost £415 a week or around £1,800 a month – far higher than the average mortgage in the capital. More...