Living the High Life... on a Loan

Gone are the days when students lived in damp housing and survived off baked beans on toast. Features Editor Charlotte Sivvery finds out how today’s students are living it up…

Once upon a time, in a time not so long ago, students pretty much expected to live in squalor for the duration of their degree. The quality of student houses was judged on how big the damp patch was on the ceiling and whether or not the boiler worked. A good student night out meant drinking as much cheap beer as you could for ten quid. Not any more. Despite mounting student debts and the introduction of top-up fees, today’s students seem to be opting for comfort over low-cost.

First year Fashion Retailing student Charlotte tells me about the hunt for her second year house. “When we were looking at properties, my friends were very specific about what they wanted. A dishwasher, a washing machine, big rooms with double beds, and a garden area to sit outside were all priority.” Although this sounds more like a well equipped family home than student accommodation, the girls managed to find a property that met their requirements.

Cooper Healey, Manager at Manchester Student Homes, explained: “Students see themselves as customers of the university now, and they are paying good money for both their education and their accommodation so they expect value for money. Local landlords are now jumping on the bandwagon to improve their properties so they meet the needs of today’s students. It’s quite common now for student properties to include facilities such as dishwashers and washing machines.”

Private halls that resemble swanky city apartments are also becoming more common, a good example being Wilmslow Park. The description on the website makes it sound more like a Hilton hotel than a hall of residences: “Facilities include a leisure club comprising swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, solarium, air conditioned gym, free internet access points, TV and games room with FULL Sky package.” The development also boasts an Internet Café, Laundrette, meeting area, vending machines and parking. A standard room with en-suite bathroom will set you back £94 per week.

Richard Tweedale, manager of the halls said: "Students are becoming more discerning about where they live." Third year Business Studies student Stephanie certainly seems to reflect this claim: “I’ve lived in private halls all through uni because I like the privacy that you get with an en-suite bathroom. It’s also very secure, which is great because I know normal student houses are prone to break-ins.” Far from the stereotype of students being happy to live amongst their own filth, third year Genetics student Natasha says: “I really like the modern, clean interiors of private halls; the kitchen and bathroom are much nicer than many student houses because everything is still fresh and new.”

Charlotte notes: “Expectations of standards of living have definitely gone up. I’ve lived in Owens Park this year and some people were disgusted by the quality of bedrooms, bathrooms and communal areas. Many of my friends have opted for en-suite halls. Also, lots of people have cars and the car park at Richmond Park is always full. I’d imagine that halls with such facilities are always oversubscribed.” But is it really necessary for the average undergraduate to have a car at uni? “No, not really, because everyone uses buses. The only time cars come in useful is when we want to do a big shop,” admits Charlotte, who doesn’t own a car herself.

Other valuables such as lap-tops and i-pods are now commonplace amongst students. “When my loan came in after Easter, the first thing I did was buy a new laptop, even though I was two months behind on the rent,” says Chris, who admits that there was nothing wrong with his old one, except the fact that it was “a bit too heavy” to transport back and forth from the library. Charlotte feels that many students part with their money too easily: “I don’t like the fact we always end up getting taxis on nights out, when it would work out a lot cheaper to get the Magic Bus!”

So where exactly are students getting the money to fund these lavish lifestyles? Are students simply living beyond their means? Or is ‘The Bank of Mum and Dad’ providing generous handouts? The answer varies. “One of my friends goes to Harvey Nicks to have her legs waxed,” says Charlotte, “But I don’t think she pays for it herself”. On the other hand second year Drama student Becca admits that she constantly lives at the bottom of her overdraft: “When my loan comes in, I blow it on new clothes and expensive nights out, but then suddenly the cash machine starts refusing to give me any more money and I have to live like a pauper for the next few months.”

Although Stephanie’s parents pay for her rent, she also works twenty hours a week in a clothes store to finance her lifestyle: “It’s hard to balance work and study, but I need the money as I like going to exclusive bars in the city centre - I prefer their atmosphere over student places. I would much rather have a night out at the Sugar Lounge than The Queen of Hearts!” The Mint Lounge is one venue that aims to cater for the more discerning student. “Students are increasingly unimpressed with the bog-standard pub, they come to Mint Lounge for the drinks menu and for the music,” said a member of the management. So why are some students no longer happy with a night out involving cheap pints and cheesy music? “I think it has a lot to do with the way city living is presented in fashion magazines such as Vogue or Cosmopolitan. Students want to emulate those lifestyles,” he continues.

Of course, not all students are living such expensive lifestyles. Rachel, a Second year Maths student, said: “I have to pay for my rent with my loan and have to work to earn money to live off because my parents just can’t afford to throw money at me. I’m really careful with money, I budget weekly for food and bills.” Rachel doesn’t see the point in living in fancy student flats. “The house I live in is fine, it’s not luxurious but it is affordable and has everything I need. What would you have to look forward to later on in life if you have already lived somewhere that has its own gym and car park?” Danielle, a second year English Language student, has a similar point of view:
“I live at home because I would rather save the money on rent and live somewhere nice when I finish my degree and get a job.”

Although Charlotte will be living in a posh pad next year, she isn’t quite as fussy as her fellow housemates: “Owens Park is basic, but I have to say it’s pretty much what I expected from first year halls. I can’t complain about my experience here at all, overall I’ve had a great time. It will be nice to have a few home comforts next year, but there’s definitely more to uni than en-suite bathrooms and dishwashers.”