By London Met Journalism
Rents in London have been increasing annually, and as of 2024 the average standard price to rent a one-bedroom home starts at roughly £1,600 pcm, with prices going up to at least £2,000 pcm for a two-bedroom home.
In some cases, prices seem have doubled in the last twelve months, making its incredibly hard for young people to find their own place. However, according to the website Zoopla Rental, inflation has slowed down in the last year.
“To be completely honest with you I really struggle to balance university life with my part time jobs, it’s so hard because some of my hour’s merge with my uni timetable and sometimes I am working overtime,” said Josh a 22-year-old student who did not want to give his surname.
“It takes a toll on my mental health like I have to work two jobs outside of uni to cover my monthly rent as well as utility bill like gas and electricity.”
He said that during this time it was hard to find time in his spare free time to do anything apart from assignments because he spent so much time at work. “In all fairness like because my hours are divided between uni or work so when I am not at work, I use my spare time to do assignments,” he said.
“It’s so hard like some days I’m just lying there exhausted, like I have no energy at all but it’s like I have no choice, without this job I won’t be able to pay for my monthly bills and like I live on my own like I just have to.”
Working to live
Rental prices are becoming more and more of a problem for students as many either will work part time jobs around their studies to make ends meet, others are working at least two jobs to rent their rent and with prices continuously increasing students are becoming more stressed.
The Complete University Guide in February this year warned students that living in London can “be significantly higher” than living in other part of the UK.
“Where you’ll live should be one of your first considerations when you accept your place at a university,” it said.
“The cost of accommodation is elevated in London, with the National Union of Students (NUS) estimating an average increased rent spend of around £1,200 per year when compared with the rest of the UK.”
With prices showing no signs of being decreased students are forced to work part time jobs in order to cover their expenses.
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