According to the latest figures from Easyroommate, there has been a surge in the number of people choosing to flat share over the last 12 months, with the numbers growing by 32% and registrations on the site hitting a record high since Easyroommate records began. The growth clearly demonstrates that the flatsharing trend is continuing to grow year on year, and is increasing in popularity.
As the overall numbers of people choosing to flatshare grows, an analysis shows the fastest growth is amongst student users, with registrations on the site more than doubling since the beginning of the year. The summer months are typically when the number of students looking for accommodation rises, however the numbers currently registered on the site demonstrate that the popularity of flat sharing amongst students is growing year on year.
A recent survey of Easyroommate.co.uk students users highlighted that flatsharing is no longer the preserve of undergrad students, and is now more popular with students that are currently completing their Masters. Nearly 45% of all the individuals questioned were currently doing their Masters. Maya Harruna, spokesperson of Easyroommate.co.uk comments: it's not surprising to see that the majority of Easyroommate students are currently doing their masters. Doing a degree is extremely expensive, so then making the decision to continue their education can be an additional financial burden. It's this that makes flatsharing stand out to post grad students because ultimately it is one of the cheapest accommodation options available.
The survey also found that nearly 75% of those asked believed that students should be given a financial allowance as they transition from university to the life of a professional.
One respondent stated:
"It's nigh on impossible to secure the kind of job you want when you leave university and it would be nice to know there's a safety net as it might take a while before you land that dream job"
whilst a second survey respondent commented:
"Students have invested in their education and acquisition of skills, therefore investing in them by supporting their transition into work it benefits the workforce and the economy. "
The survey also uncovered that 65% of the respondents believe that landlords should make exceptions for their student tenants and charge less rent, the majority of respondents stated that students should be charged 20% less, so with the average UK rent currently standing at £395 a month this would mean a reduction of £79.
London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds were amongst the cities that were mentioned in the survey as the cities that people felt that landlords should be forced to charge less rent to students.
Maya Harruna continues: "It's not surprising to see that students think that they deserve to pay less rent than professionals. Being a student is becoming more and more expensive with tuition fees, travel and food costs increasing year on year. Accommodation is the only place where students can make real savings, and therefore they believe that landlords should be more open to their difficulties.
Of the people who believe that exceptions shouldn’t be made for students, their main reason for thinking so was that it would lead to inequality, and that landlords would choose to rent to only professionals.
I had no exceptions made for me whilst I studied and now that I am independent and have my own place, I appreciate the lessons that I have learned through the experience. Things such as only being able to afford a room in a shared house and having to deal with the dynamics of other people - great friendships were made and difficult situations were negotiated. An appreciation of learning what my own living standards would be, and how to manage finances, all add up to an invaluable experience I wouldn't have had if exceptions had been made for me. "
