Living in college fees surge to £7,000

A rise in fees means living in college for a year will set you back almost £7,000.

The University will hike fees for living in by a massive 3.5 per cent, despite lobbying from the DSU and Durham groups opposed to price increases.

Causes of the epic costs – bringing the cost of living in college close to £7,000-a-year – has been blamed on moving staff to the Living Wage. Incoming freshers have no choice but to accept the cost of living in college.

The DSU slammed the decision, asking where less-privileged students are expected to find the money for the increase.

Say bye to your en-suite

Community Officer of the DSU, Esther Green said in a statement: “Officers have continually raised the issue of accommodation fees in meetings with the University and when given the opportunity to offer comments on the proposed increases, the Students’ Union submitted a detailed paper to the University which strongly criticised the raise in fees.

“We are deeply concerned that the proposed fees will have a detrimental impact on the accessibility of Durham University to less represented groups such as students from the local area, BME students and students from lower income families.

“Whilst the University contends that students do not choose to leave for financial reasons, no comments have been made about how rising fees are affecting specific groups.”

Many have responded with anger. Harry Cross, who led the campaign to freeze accommodation fees, expected the price fees hike to be announced this month.

He told The Tab: “For the first time, the majority of Durham students will have to pay over £7,000 for a room in college. This is an increase of over £2,000 in 5 years.

“Spirally college rents have led to a rent crisis in Durham city. The high cost of college accommodation hurts student diversity on campus, places enormous financial burdens on students who live in and is creating a two-tier college system defined by one’s ability to live in. In addition, there is a knock-on effect for students who live out as private landlords raise their rents in response to the University.

“Durham Students for University Reform leads the campaign for lower college rents and will continue to do so. It is notable that this year’s rent hike, though unacceptable, is substantially lower than in previous years. This is likely due in large part to our sustained campaigns last year opposing high college fees.

“It is unconvincing that the cost of providing college accommodation to students has risen by 3.5%. Students see the University’s official explanations of these rent hikes as a charade. It’s time for the University to begin a more serious dialogue with the student body.”

The new shock costs will come in to force at the next academic year, 2016-17.