Students in Cardiff left worried after finding out about 106 per cent rise in rent prices

Many students are under the impression that renting in Cardiff is one of the cheaper choices in the UK. Instead, they are now facing an extremely high rent increase.

Cardiff students have entered the new year with a 106 per cent rent increase since 2020, which has left many individuals worrying about the cost of living in the city.

It would seem that stunning views of overflowing bins, giant rats and seagulls warrant students to spend over twice the amount that they had been five years ago.

According to The Tab, in Cardiff, average rent prices are going from £328 to £676, and a lot of students have said they just can’t afford to pay the new prices.

Cardiff’s cheapest halls start at £119 a week, however, some people are paying as much as £535 a month on housing.

Furthermore, a study by the UK Debt Expert also found that there are only around 61 part time jobs available within 10 kilometres of the city. Just, to this put in perspective from 2022 to 2023 Cardiff University had 32,725 students enrolled.

No wonder students are worried about the change, so, The Cardiff Tab decided to find out  students’ opinions on the matter.

Lydia, 21, who studies journalism and communications, said: “I’m currently paying £460 for rent but no bills included so it’s near £600 a month, I’m lucky I have a job or I’d struggle”.

Some students are very concerned about the high cost of living in Cardiff, with Lucy, a third year student saying she feels like “prices are increasing everywhere”.

Adding: “As a student, rent increasing by this much is almost unmanageable even with a consistent job.

“So many students do not receive financial aid so will struggle to meet these new increases.”

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However, some Cardiff landlords have fixed the rent price if students remained in their current property.

Cate is one of these student and said she appreciated her letting agency for doing this. However, as she won’t be remaining in the property next year, she explained her landlord has increased the price by £100 per month for the new tenants.

Cate said she is currently paying “£490 on rent and £50” on bills, meaning the new tenants will be paying over £600 per month.

Despite this, not all students have faced increased costs. Maya, a third year student, has had a different experience of renting.

She explained her rent is currently fairly reasonable, telling The Cardiff Tab: “I’m with 2let2, they’re great and I think we pay a very reasonable price for our rent at £395 for a four bed property, the location is slightly further away but definitely worth it for paying much less than other students I know.”

With such drastic increases, it’ll be interesting to see what Cardiff students have to say about it later on down the line. Cardiff students can only hope for ideal renting situations and more accessible part time jobs in the future.