According to new research, international students are finding it preferable to live in shared accommodation, as a way to combat loneliness whilst studying in the UK.
Many students travel from across the world to the UK in order to study for their further education. Recent research from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) has revealed a 3.4% increase in the number of EU students applying to study at British universities. Numbers rose by 20% for applicants from China, 36% for India and 52% for students applying from Mexico.
New figures from Housing Hand, the UK guarantor service, show that, over the last 12 months, there has been an increasing amount of guarantor applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) with between 3-5 bedrooms and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Housing Hand believe that more international students are making the decision to move into shared accommodation, as a way to make friends more quickly and avoid feeling alone. A recent report from the BBC adds to this conclusion, with data stating that three quarters of 18 to 34-year-olds in Britain say that they feel lonely.
Jeremy Robinson, Managing Director of Housing Hand commented: “Many international students opt to live initially in shared accommodation, so they have time to make some friends and then move to a flat to share, in their subsequent years at university. It can be very daunting starting student life in a new country and we have helped thousands find their first property with our UK guarantor service.
“Before international students make an application for rental accommodation, it’s important they carry out some research into the areas around the university and potential places to live. Ensuring there are good transport links to the campus is vital if the accommodation is not within walking distance. The closer students live to a university, the higher the rent prices.
“If students plan to walk to the campus, they need to make sure they have checked the safety and security of their walking route. They should avoid poorly lit, isolated areas and stick to main roads that have good street lighting.