Halls of Residence unable to accommodate rising student numbers

Earlier this year gair rhydd investigated the rising number of Cardiff students. Figures released by Cardiff University revealed that 5,799 undergraduate students enrolled in 2012; a 13 per cent increase compared to the previous academic year.

With the number of university applicants increasing each year and more and more students achieving the required entry grades it would appear the trend is set to continue, putting a strain on the availability of university accommodation.

Cardiff University states that a place in university accommodation is guaranteed to all students who enter through the normal admissions process. However, this year many of those who applied after the 9th August 2013 deadline or acquired a place through clearing were forced to find their own accommodation in the private sector due to significant demand.

A Cardiff University spokesperson stated that they have liaised with the StudentsÔÇÖ Union Letting Agency (Cardiff Student Letting) in order to assist students in finding suitable accommodation.

This year a Facebook page was also set up to allow students to communicate with others in the same position, which proved very successful in forming groups of students wishing to house share, reducing the pressure placed on the letting agency to allocate all students effectively.

Eoghan Conway, Manager of Cardiff Student Letting, said: ÔÇ£At this time of year it is inevitable that we are going to be extremely busy and this year was certainly no exception. There is plenty of housing available for students and itÔÇÖs our job to work with residences to ensure all students find houses as efficiently as possible.ÔÇØ

Cardiff University offers a wide range of living arrangements across 14 halls of residence and student houses; however, they are currently only able to cater for 5,300 students. Further student residences are in the process of being built; Talybont Gate, a £6.5 million construction, is expected to be available for students entering in the next academic year and will provide a further 178 rooms.

Georgia Hamer