Student rent prices soar in Exeter

Students at the University of Exeter are facing increased rent payments as on-campus accommodation prices soar ahead for the 2016/17 academic year.

The cheapest accommodation, Moberly House, is set to close in the summer for a new self-catered residence.  Students fear this could be the end of affordable accommodation halls.

Phil Attwell, Director of Campus Services at the university said: “The building is in need of some investment… we would like to enhance the facilities on offer by providing high quality accommodation.”

Moberly House is located in Lower Argyll Road at the price of £4,570 for a 32-week contract in 2015/16. There is one bathroom between fourteen students.

Tamsin Keeley, ex-resident of Moberly claims: “Having lived here when it’s cheap means I have had more money to spend on things I want. I’m not looking forward to spending more on a student house for September. ”

NUS Vice President Shelly Asquith responds: “Exeter already has particularly high rents compared to the rest of the country and increasing the cost of the only existing budget rooms will make Exeter a campus even further from the reach of students from working class backgrounds.”

The most expensive accommodation, Holland Hall, is priced at £7,071.68 for the year or £7,415.19 for the lucky students who opt for a room with a view.

These halls come with a TV, double bed, en-suite, a safe, high speed Wi-Fi, a telephone and a mini fridge.

With Moberly prices likely to rise, Exeter University accommodation will be nowhere as affordable as other universities across the country.

The cheapest average rent for second and third year students is Newcastle University at £112 a week. This is a shocking comparison to Exeter University at £180 per week.

Asquith concludes “Universities need to focus on students’ needs. Luxury, en-suite rooms are not for everyone especially when they come at such high prices.”