Colleagues may be aware of issues raised by students in relation to the availability of accommodation in Glasgow. Due to a significant contraction in the private rental market, demand for rooms continues to be substantially ahead of expectation for universities in Glasgow and more broadly across the UK. Like most urban universities we cannot guarantee accommodation for returning students. We have focused – as is our usual policy – on providing accommodation to first-year undergraduate students who live at a significant distance from our campus.

In recent days, there has been misinformation circulating within the press and on social media relating to student recruitment and the availability of accommodation. There has been no significant increase in student numbers for this year and while this market contraction is an issue in many cities, the issues within Glasgow have been particularly acute for some time and have been exacerbated the last few years.

We have been aware of these issues and have taken steps to mitigate them, having increased the number of rooms under University management by 25 per cent for this academic year.  We are also already taking steps to increase accommodation provision for future years and we are continuing to engage with private providers and with local government on issues with the city's private rental market.

The University has communicated to applicants on the issue of accommodation throughout the summer period and applicants have been advised not to travel to Glasgow or enrol and register unless they have already secured accommodation. Colleagues have also communicated to returning students on the expectations for learning and teaching for the upcoming year, with students strongly advised not to travel to Glasgow unless they have accommodation secured as there is no additional student accommodation capacity.

We understand the concern students have about finding accommodation for the new semester, and we are taking a number of actions to support our students and ensure continuity of learning wherever possible. All colleagues who act as advisers of studies should already have received communications with information, and more advice will follow in due course, so you can assist students who might be facing difficulties.

If colleagues have further queries or require more information, please contact the UofG Helpdesk.

Advice for students will also be available via the Students’ Representative Council Advice Centre.

Thank you and best wishes,

First published: 21 September 2022

<< 21 September 2022