A survey on students’ housing experiences in both purpose-built student accommodation (henceforth PBSA) and in the private sector was conducted in November and December 2023 by the Student Union Housing Volunteer Officer, the Students Union, and the Stirling Solidarity Space.
Two surveys were conducted, and a report has been written up by the Housing Officer combining the results of both to provide an understanding of the housing situation for students in Stirling. A total of 354 responded – 139 responded to the survey for Private Rentals and 215 to the survey for PBSA.
The surveys were responded to by significant representation of each year of study (1st – 4th years and Postgraduates or above) and of each fee status (home – international fees).
The results of these surveys determined that 15 per cent of surveyed students have experienced homelessness at some point during the course of their studies and 13 per cent had been forced to commute from outside of Stirling.
Additionally, over 80 per cent of students paid at least £400 per month in rent and 49 per cent had struggled to pay their rent each month.
What is even more striking is that over 60 per cent answered that they had struggled to afford food.
The full report and details of the surveys can be found on the Student Union website or upon request to the Housing Officer.
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling
