Accommodation blow for 180 new students
Demand forcing freshers into private rentals
Students set to start at Stirling University have been left without accommodation less than two weeks before the start of term.
Around 180 first-year undergraduate students due to begin their courses on September 11 have now been informed that they have not been allocated a place to live on campus.
In an email from the university accommodations team, students were told: “Unfortunately, due to a significantly increased demand for university accommodation this year, we are unable to offer you university accommodation. I realise this is not the outcome you were hoping for and am very sorry we do not have accommodation for you at this time.”
Students were instead provided with a website address for Stirling area estate agents.
A university spokesperson told the Observer: “We are making contact with all affected students, and are exploring a range of options to help them find suitable accommodation.”
However, one mother, who does not wish to be named and has a 17-year-old daughter due to start a course at the university said the Fife teenager was upset by the decision.
The mum added: “We got the email on Thursday (August 24) and we went online and saw others in the same position. It’s ridiculous. We’re disgusted. My daughter is very upset. She doesn’t live locally and she doesn’t drive so we have no choice but to find a private let.
“We asked her if she would like to defer for a year, but she said absolutely not, she will be going.
“This is ruining all of her excitement of attending.”
The teen also had a conditional acceptance from Edinburgh University who offered her accommodation at in May.
She claims, however, not to have been asked by Stirling University about accommodation until she received her exam results on August 8.
Stirling Students’ Union vice president of communities, Jamie Grant added: “I completely sympathise with student frustrations. The university play a difficult balancing act trying to accommodate the housing needs of up to 14,000 students, with only around 3,000 beds. Allocation is based around years of student feedback over previous years, including a variety of factors and variables; care leavers, those with medical concerns, international students and student nurses all remain a top priority.”
Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP, Keith Brown said: “I have been in contact with Stirling University regarding this matter which I understand has arisen from an increased demand for accommodation this year.
“I welcome the assurances given by the university to work with all affected students to find suitable, alternative accommodation.”
Stirling North councillor, Ross Oxburgh said: “I welcome the fact that our leading university is attracting so many students who want to study here. The accommodation situation will be very worrying for the students involved and for residents given the effect it will have on the rental market across Stirling.
“The council has a responsibility to ensure that new halls are approved quickly to enable construction to begin and alleviate this pressure. They also have a responsibility to make sure all rented accommodation is of good quality and that students who live here can become good neighbours who are part of the community.”
Anyone concerned can contact the university accommodation team on 01786 467060 or go to the Student Union’s private housing website Stirling Digs at www.stirlingdigs.co.uk