Durham University to increase college fees increase by 10.3 per cent

The university announced that university-run colleges would see a 10.3 per cent rise in fees for the 2023/24 academic year, meaning students living in college will pay £9,156 for a 39-week contract, equivalent to £234.77 a week. 

The university has defended the price hikes, which are 3.1 per cent below the latest inflation (RPI) rates. They cite rising operating costs and the current economic climate as the reason for rent increases.

But critics have said this increase could jeopardise Durham's fragile property ecosystem, with students "priced out" of college looking for housing elsewhere in the city.

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John Ashby, a former Durham parish councillor, believes that the solution to Durham's student housing crisis is for colleges to be made affordable and appealing to students, making room for local residents to live in city centre houses.

As it stands, 35 per cent of students live in college-owned accommodation, with the University planning to increase the number of students living in college to 50 per cent. But rent hikes could leave students "priced out of college", according to Joshua Freestone, the Student Union's undergraduate academic officer. 

In a report from Durham Student Union, "the most common Durham University college accommodation package will now cost roughly 150% of the average student maintenance loan."

Analysis by reporters from Durham's student newspaper, Palatinate, has found that Durham University's college accommodation is more expensive than London-based student halls (when rent prices are adjusted for London's 30.5 per cent additional loan). 

However, Durham University has also poured funding into the Durham Grant Scheme, which will go towards supporting students from low-income families. This year, an extra £600,000 has gone into the scheme, with an additional investment of £900,000 next year. This will take annual spending on the scheme to c.£7.5 million. 

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A spokesperson said: "The Scheme has been increased by 10% this year and will increase by up to 13.6% in academic year 2023/24. This means that from next academic year, home undergraduates who do not already have an undergraduate degree and who have a household income of less than £30,000 as assessed by Student Finance England (or equivalent) will receive a Durham Grant of £2,500. Similar students, who have a household income of between £30,001 and £47,200, will receive a Durham Grant of between £2,495 and £780.

"In addition, the university offers to all students who need to bridge financial gaps support grants of up to £6,000 per annum on a planned or urgent basis. We are in discussion with student leaders about the best way to promote and target these grants.

"We also have instant access funds for students in urgent need of financial assistance. These funds allow students to obtain shopping and catering vouchers, or cash.

"We will continue to invest in measures to support students. There are already a number of other initiatives available, including free breakfast clubs and the ‘Too Good to Go’ surplus food scheme."

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