According to the survey, international students often encounter difficulties in obtaining housing, unlike domestic students, due to a lack of UK-based guarantors.
According to the survey, international students often encounter difficulties in obtaining housing, unlike domestic students, due to a lack of UK-based guarantors.
A survey found that more than 20% of international students in Scotland have experienced homelessness during their studies.
The National Union of Students Scotland reported that international students are twice as likely to be homeless than domestic students, prompting calls for a student housing guarantee. The Scottish government says they are working to improve accessibility and affordability to address the student accommodation sector.
Universities Scotland reported that students have been largely excluded from the private rental market, leaving some to take refuge in hostels or sleep on common room floors while others endure lengthy commutes. In October, BBC stories highlighted desperate pleas by the students facing accommodation issues.
A survey of 1,281 international students by the NUS found that 21% experienced homelessness after beginning their studies compared to a mere 12% for domestic students.
According to the survey, international students often encounter difficulties in obtaining housing, unlike domestic students, due to a lack of UK-based guarantors.
About 42% of international students are without heating while 49% skipped a meal and 10% tapped food banks for sustenance, according to the recent study.
The NUS calls on universities to provide a housing guarantee for international students and expand criteria for their hardship funds as such students are frequently excluded.
Data from StuRents, a student accommodation portal covering 70% of UK beds, shows that 207,000 student beds are lacking in 19 cities and towns with the highest shortage at 28% in Preston and 25% in Bristol. Birmingham and Swansea have 10% fewer beds than needed.
Ellie Gomersall, president of NUS Scotland, called on ministers to cap fees for international students in response to “unacceptable” rates of homelessness among them. “Scotland’s world-class education system is being undermined by the way we treat those coming to learn from other countries,” she said.
Scottish Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey said that the findings of a report on student residential accommodation raise significant issues that universities will take seriously. He noted that although the Scottish government does not have direct responsibility for such accommodations, it is carrying out a review to improve accessibility, affordability and standards in this sector.
