The National Union of Students has said that higher living costs, including the proliferation of up-market flats, could be preventing many people from going to their universities of choice.

The NUS report shows a 23% average increase in university accommodation revealing the increasing rent burden for students across the UK.

An increasing trend towards the use of private suppliers by universities is pushing the bar towards more luxurious en-suite accommodation - and developments by educational establishments are following suit.

The report highlights the need for institutions and private providers to be able to offer a range of accommodation, and to ensure that more-affordable accommodation is available to meet the needs of poorer students, who might be deterred from studying at a certain institution because of associated high housing costs.

Average weekly rent for university accommodation in 2006-2007 is £82, an increase of 23% since 2003-2004. Since 2001-2002 rents have risen by 37%.

55% of 2007-2008's accommodation will be developed in private partnerships or directly by the private sector. It can be predicted that private providers and private sector partnerships will account for the majority of all ‘university’ accommodation by 2010.

Private halls are providing more luxurious en-suite accommodation (39% of all student housing now consists of en suite accommodation). Accommodation developments by educational establishments are following suit.

There is an increased tendency for private sector rent levels to be less inclusive, with more 'add on' charges.

Private providers fare considerably less well than universities in providing accommodation to disabled students, and much less well in respect of housing dependants and students with caring responsibilities, said the report.

Wales is the cheapest area for student accommodation - it is 56% cheaper to live in Welsh student accommodation than London student accommodation with average rents under £70.00 per week.

Veronica King, NUS vice president (welfare) said “This is a timely reminder that the increased price and lack of choice of university accommodation will need to be addressed to truly ensure poorer students can access higher education.”

“For the students for whom luxury is not affordable, there is a significant risk that accommodation costs, coupled with the burden of top-up fees, may reduce affect their choice of where to go to university.”

NUS is calling for a halt to the privatization of university accommodation which is now setting the bar for all university accommodation by developing more and more up-market housing, and a start to the widening of the range and choice. This will be key in widening participation to university in the coming years."