While some students move out of university-owned accommodation after their first year and into shared housing in the private rental sector, which is often cheaper, Lou, who uses a wheelchair, said they needed to stay on campus as they need an accessible room.
“My options are fairly small as well, because often disability can go further than just being a wheelchair user,” said Lou, who has just finished their second year.
Between first and second year, Lou had to move to a larger room because of changes in their disability.
“So, I was both having a room price increase due to the increase they put on every year, but also because I was moving to a room type that was more expensive.”
After an official complaint, Lou’s rent was brought down to be in line with their previous room type, with a shorter 40-week contract, but is still more than their maintenance loan.
“I literally would not have been able to afford a 44-week contract,” Lou said.
“It often comes down to words like stress, but it’s a lot more than that because it’s your actual choice of whether you stay in university and your future.”
The University of York said disabled students should not pay more for their housing needs, with rent capped at the price of a standard room., external
