Student homelessness on the rise in UK as prices reach record high

Universities need to do more to track and prevent student homelessness, according to a new report by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).

Data shows homelessness is higher in university towns and cities, with applications for homelessness assistance per head 1.4 times higher in these areas than those without a university.

Households living in temporary accommodation are more than twice as high and rough sleeping is three times greater in these areas too, with similar patterns in Scotland and partly in Wales.

A survey by the National Union of Students in Scotland found 12% of repsondents said they had experienced homelessness since starting their studies, rising to one in three of every student estranged from family or raised in care. 

The report noted how universities have done too little to collect data on rates of homelessness among current and former students, despite anecdotal evidence and snapshot surveys showing high levels of ‘hidden homelessness’, such as sofa surfing.

Mary Stuart, Emeritus Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at La Trobe University in Australia and HEPI’s Advisory Board member, said: ‘Homelessness sits at one end of a spectrum of housing issues and universities should explore their own position, not only in providing research on the issue or ensuring that relevant degree programmes teach their students about homelessness, but also by understanding the situation of their own student population.

‘During my time as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, we became aware through the work of our student services that “sofa surfing” was a fact of life for some of our more vulnerable students and that we needed to engage with these challenges as well as other issues that they experienced as part of the support we provided.

‘Universities cannot be a panacea for all of society’s ills but, as places of learning which have a social mission, working with others on challenges such as homelessness is, I feel, part of any university’s mission.’

More students than expected were also unable to leave campuses or accommodation during COVID-19 lockdowns, as they were estranged from family or had nowhere to go.

There have been calls for universities to use surveys, in partnership with student unions, and national polling to track student homelessness and reasons for this problem.

The report also stated that students identified as being at risk of homelessness should be offered targeted support, such as short-term financial assistance or access to accommodation.

Photo by Tim Gouw