More Indian students are traveling to the UK to fulfill their aspirations of studying abroad. A significant obstacle is the growing student housing problem. Experts and Indian students studying in the UK exchange perspectives.
The Challenges for Indian Student Studying in UK : Overview
In recent years, an increasing number of Indian students have been flocking to the United Kingdom to pursue their higher education dreams. The allure of top-notch universities, world-class education, and a diverse cultural experience has made the UK an attractive destination for these students. However, beneath the surface of this academic pursuit lies a pressing issue that has been gaining momentum and causing concern – the struggle that Indian students face when trying to find suitable accommodation in the UK.
Furthermore, the Indian government’s Home Office revealed that 1,42,848 student visas were issued to Indian students in June 2023.
In the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of Indian students studying in the UK. The number of Indian students studying in the UK increased from 36,612 in 2019 to 44,901 in 2020 and 77,855 in 2021, according to figures released by the Union government. 55,465 Indian students were enrolled at universities in the UK in 2022 with student visas.
Nevertheless, the nation is unable to offer foreign students reasonably priced housing. Shradha Chakravorty, who recently graduated from University College London (UCL), revealed that she paid £299 a week for a rented apartment in the King’s Cross neighborhood of London.
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“Show initiative when looking for housing.”
Many Indian students studying in the UK have been forced to choose to live in small quarters with more students than the room can hold because of rising housing costs and a shortage of space. Arun Patric, an MSc supply chain management student who traveled to the UK in October 2020, reported that eight individuals were residing in the first apartment he discovered, which could only hold five people and had a single shared bathroom and kitchen.
“I still recall the moment I moved into a new apartment and had only £30 with me for the next two weeks.” There were days when there was nothing to eat, so I was eating the leftover food of the people I was staying with. I was wasting time looking for housing, so I was unable to get employment, and no one was willing to take on a part-time position either. I worked for over a year in an Indian restaurant after I was hired,” he added. Arun is currently employed as a medical assistant.
Even though Arun was dealing with this problem three years ago, during the height of the Covid epidemic, things haven’t gotten any better, even as things are gradually returning to normal. Finding suitable housing in the UK took Simran Helal about six months, according to the University of Leeds MA marketing and advertising student, who began her studies in September.
“In April, I began my search for housing because I intended to relocate to the UK in September. This allowed me to properly consider and choose my living circumstances for the next year, which afforded me around five months. I was foolish to believe that I had enough time to investigate important criteria like safety, proximity to my university, and ease of access to surrounding groceries and transit,” Simran recounted.
She also mentioned that, after finding the ideal place to stay, one of the main problems she had was making reservations at the property. The race to find the ideal property has intensified due to the large number of international students that come to the UK every year.
“Within minutes, the houses on my shortlist would be vacated.” I was proactive and joined multiple Facebook and WhatsApp groups in addition to regularly placing ads on multiple housing websites with my specifications listed. You’ll wind up living on the streets of the United Kingdom if you don’t get in touch with letting agents right now, Simran said.
The search for the ideal place to stay doesn’t end here, though. Many expressed dissatisfaction over difficulties they had paying their deposits. A UK-based guarantor who resides in the area and works full-time is required for many student housing options. I discovered that not every student hoping to study in the UK would have access to such a guarantee. In these situations, students are frequently obliged to pay the full rent up front, which may be quite expensive, especially for those who depend on part-time employment to pay their rent, Simran continued.
By The Independent think tank for higher education in the UK :
The independent think tank for higher education in the UK, HEPI, has also addressed the issue. Martin Blakey, the chief executive of Unipol, stated in a blog post published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) that whereas 29,048 new student rooms were produced in the UK in 2020, only 13,543 were created this year, with part of those being repurposed facilities.
Students v/s Locals :
Certain communities, including Swansea, Lincoln, and others, are recognized for having a higher percentage of students enrolled in school and for having specialized services that assist students in finding housing. Some foreign students, however, assert that the natives in these areas are reluctant to rent to the youthful population.
The majority of homeowners favor employed people over students. In addition, they are wary of renting their homes to Asians because they think our cooking methods make their kitchens less hygienic. Philip V. Lobo, a recent Swansea University of Wales graduate, related his personal experience.
Recent reports from Edinburgh’s local media also mentioned that a number of Canonmills residents were staging protests against the proposed construction of a sizable dorm. The demonstrators asserted that building purpose-built student housing would not alleviate the district’s existing housing crisis because the residents would not be able to pay the exorbitant rents.
Even if many more students may hear these stories, experts think that these kinds of situations can lessen the allure of studying in the UK, which is frequently promoted by study abroad agencies and on social media. Due to a lack of housing options, Indian students may be forced to accept subpar accommodations, which may have an impact on their general well-being and happiness with their academic experience. The CEO and creator of University Living, Saurabh Arora, stated that this would make the UK less appealing to Indian students as a study abroad destination.
Will fewer Indian students enroll in UK universities as a result of the housing crisis?
Although current Indian students in the UK are cautioning prospective students about the cost of living and other difficulties associated with studying abroad, experts think this won’t deter Indian students.
It is improbable that the housing crisis that the United Kingdom is currently experiencing will stop Indian students from pursuing their academic objectives there. Rather, they are more likely to actively search out a range of housing options in order to adapt to the situation.
This proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to locate suitable housing under challenging circumstances. According to Yatharth Gulati, co-founder of Rostrum Education, “Indian students are often resilient and creative when it comes to adapting to new situations, making them well-prepared to negotiate the housing hurdles offered by the UK’s competitive property market.”
According to other experts, a student’s financial situation plays a major role in their decision to pursue higher education in the UK because of the high caliber of education there. If a student can afford an education loan or receives financial aid from their family or university, they are more likely to do so.
Fee increase for UK visas
The UK recently raised the cost of obtaining a visa by about £127, including those for study permits. The current fee to apply for a student visa has been hiked to Rs 51,787. Even though it’s now a little more expensive to apply for study visas, this might not have a negative impact on the number of Indian students wishing to apply to universities in the UK.
That might, however, have an impact on the overall amount of money that the typical Indian student budgets for their study abroad plans. “The total expenses of overseas students studying in the UK may be considerably impacted by the planned increase in visa fees. Visa costs make up a sizable portion of the cost, so any increase in them may require students to manage their money more carefully, Gulati continued.
Some students expressed concern about whether the news of increased visa fees might discourage the number of foreign students enrolling in UK universities. Under the condition of anonymity, a student from Liverpool stated, “There is an increasing number of international students in the UK. It may be that the British government increased the visa fees to ensure that the international population doesn’t cross the threshold in the country. Many locals have often complained about the increasing number of international students in their cities.”
Experts, however, have allayed concerns about this and made it clear that, as visa costs are a separate financial factor for international students, they are not anticipated to have a direct influence on the housing crisis, which is mainly caused by problems with housing availability and affordability.
The government may change visa fees to control immigration, make money, or pay for the administrative costs of processing visas and enforcing compliance. According to Manisha Zaveri, joint managing director of Career Mosaic, “Changes in visa fees may affect applicants from various countries, not just international students. They are often the result of a complex set of policy decisions and economic factors.”
Indian Students Studying in UK : The Academic Odyssey
The journey of Indian students to the UK is nothing short of an academic odyssey. These students embark on this expedition with dreams of obtaining a world-class education, expanding their horizons, and developing a global perspective. The United Kingdom, with its renowned universities and diverse culture, offers the perfect backdrop for this educational adventure.
Indian Students Studying in UK : The Housing Conundrum
While the academic prospects may be promising, the same cannot be said for the housing situation that Indian students often find themselves in. The lack of suitable accommodation has become a poignant issue for these students. But what exactly is causing this housing conundrum, and why are Indian students the ones who seem to be struggling the most?
Visa Regulations and Financial Constraints
One of the key reasons behind the housing difficulties faced by Indian students in the UK is the stringent visa regulations. To obtain a student visa, Indian students are required to demonstrate their ability to cover the costs of their education and living expenses. While many Indian students secure scholarships or loans to fund their tuition, the high cost of living in the UK becomes a significant financial constraint. This often results in students looking for more affordable housing options, which can be limited in supply.
Increasing Demand, Limited Supply
The demand for student accommodation in the UK has been steadily increasing. This surge in demand can be attributed to the rising number of international students, including those from India. Unfortunately, the supply of suitable student housing has not kept pace with this demand. Many universities struggle to provide on-campus accommodation for all their students, leaving a significant portion of Indian students to search for off-campus options.
Competition and Discrimination
The competitive nature of the housing market in the UK further exacerbates the challenges faced by Indian students. They often find themselves in a race to secure a place to live, which can lead to compromises in terms of quality and location. Additionally, there have been reports of discrimination in the rental market, with some Indian students facing biases from landlords and fellow students.
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Indian Students Studying in UK : Coping Strategies
In the face of these challenges, Indian students in the UK have devised various coping strategies to secure suitable housing. These strategies include:
Group Accommodation
Indian students often choose to live with other students to share the financial burden and increase their chances of finding suitable housing.
University Support
Some universities offer support services to help international students find housing, including guidance on local accommodation options and assistance with the rental process.
Off-Campus Housing
Exploring housing options outside the immediate vicinity of the university can sometimes yield more affordable and suitable choices for Indian students.
Legal Protections
Indian students are increasingly aware of their legal rights in the UK and can take action against discrimination or unfair practices in the rental market.
Indian Students Study in UK : Conclusion
The journey of Indian students to the UK is marked by ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of a world-class education. However, the poignant issue of housing difficulties cannot be ignored. Visa regulations, high demand, and housing discrimination are some of the factors that contribute to the challenges faced by these students. Nevertheless, Indian students in the UK continue to adapt, overcome, and succeed in their academic endeavors, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
