Campus living costs in the UK for universities such as the University of York and the University of Manchester will increase starting with the 2025/26 academic year. This decision was initially opposed, but it was approved after university decision makers decided that it was a worthwhile step, presumably to tackle a financial deficit.

 On-campus accommodation rent will increase by an average of 9% or more, resulting in various accommodation options reaching nearly £200 per week, bringing it up to the same price as some luxury off-campus accommodation options. 

This increase may surprise many students who did not see it coming; therefore, it has been announced well in advance to allow ample time for them to plan and save for their preferred accommodation option.

This increase in rent will impact first-year university students most of all, as they are the main demographic of those who live in on-campus accommodation options. 

As this may push students to work more hours during their studies, some universities have recommended that students only work for 20 hours per week maximum, to avoid overworking themselves or neglecting their studies. 

The University of York is one such university that has recommended avoiding overworking. The University of York Student Union is continuing to oppose this increase for as long as possible. The University of York SU Union Affairs Officer, Lewis Parrey, commented: “It is unforgivable that the University is pushing their financial failures onto the student population, who are already struggling under increased cost of living pressures.

“Students have had to take on significant part-time work burdens, with many struggling to afford to pay for groceries, rent, and other basic necessities. This increase in rent prices only worsens the immense pressure students are facing. The students of York deserve better than this from their university.”

The Community & Wellbeing Officer, Freddy Russell, also commented: “This is a complicated issue, but it can actually be boiled down to a simple fact: Students have never been more financially vulnerable. Until the university demonstrates complete understanding of this through action, we will keep doing what students’ unions have always and will always do: fight for students.”