Homeless students on rise in UK amid cost of living crisis

theguardian.com:

Universities must do more to track and prevent student homelessness, which is expected to increase because of the cost of living crisis and widening participation in higher education, according to a report.

Students are less likely than their peers in the general population to experience homelessness, but with more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds being admitted to universities experts say they could be at greater risk of homelessness and in need of extra support.

The report, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), says there is not enough data on homelessness among current and former students, despite evidence of “hidden homelessness” among students who are sofa surfing to keep a roof over their heads.

A survey by the National Union of Students in Scotland this year reported that 12% of students had experienced homelessness since starting their studies, rising to one in three among estranged and care-experienced students.

International students with children can also face difficulties finding accommodation and could therefore be at increased risk of homelessness. One student from Nigeria told the Guardian he had been in Airbnb and other short-let accommodation with his family for six months, unable to find suitable housing.

The Hepi report says universities should do more to research homelessness not just among current students but also former students among the 5.3% who drop out, and also recent graduates. They should also consider playing a wider role in supporting efforts to end all forms of homelessness, which tends to be higher in university towns and cities.

The report says students who are identified as either experiencing or at being risk of homelessness should receive targeted support,