The research, conducted by UCAS and assessed by UniHomes, revealed that applications from 18-year-olds have reached their highest level in almost a decade; a 4% rise since last year (2021) and a staggering 14% increase on 2020.
With the pandemic leading to hesitancy in applications due to the implications on both teaching and reduced student social experience, it’s no surprise that many students are applying for their undergraduate education post-pandemic. However, a rise in applications has led to an increased need for accommodation, with students from across the UK looking to move into their perfect student property.
Key areas across the country have seen a significant rise in the number of applications compared to before the pandemic.
The East Midlands, which includes The Universities of Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, has seen its highest rates of applications since 2014, while the Northwest, which includes The Universities of Manchester, Liverpool and Lancaster, and Yorkshire & Humber with The Universities of Leeds, Huddersfield and York, have also seen a significant increase in the rates, the highest since 2016.
With the rising cost of living, northern Universities seem to be benefiting from students wanting to live further up north in cheaper cities to enjoy the student life as much as possible, as well as reduced the cost of daily necessities.
Phil Greaves, Co-Founder and Director of UniHomes, says: “As we see student life going back to normal, it’s great to see the rise in applications for universities across the country and we are welcoming new students into our network of accommodation with open arms.
“As a business, we have seen our property enquiry numbers increase by over 150% year on year. The high number of first-year applications in the East Midlands and Northern-based academic institutions shows that the student rental market is set to continue its high demand for years to come.
“We are delighted to be operating in such a high number of university cities nationwide, providing students with extensive all-inclusive rental options has continued to be a key driver for us as we welcome more letting agents and students onto the UniHomes portal.”
