Affordability
The University is sensitive and sympathetic to student concerns about rent levels and the availability of accommodation in St Andrews.
St Andrews is a much sought after place to live - and as a result, property prices and rent levels in general are higher than average and this presents challenges to many of us, including our students, our staff and members of the local community.
In direct response to this, the University of St Andrews does more than any other Scottish university to supply affordable accommodation.
Long standing commitment
We have a longstanding commitment to students to keep 500 beds in the lowest banding of student rents.
Our record on this front is the best in Scotland.
Stirling, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen offer no beds of comparable rent. St Andrews offers more beds in this banding than any other Scottish university.
We have also made a 20-year commitment not to outsource our residence provision to the private sector.
Unique
St Andrews is unique in Scotland in that more than 55% of our students stay in University owned or managed accommodation and benefit from the Wardennial system and student support we are able offer in halls.
We make every effort to ensure our rent levels are affordable and competitive.
Our residence provision for students is designed to break even - not to make a profit.
Our rents are inclusive of additional services such as heat, light, insurance, internet and telephone connection.
Fife Park has traditionally offered accommodation to students at comparatively low rents.
It is simply not possible to offer the same level of rents for New Fife Park which will provide substantially improved standards of comfort and amenity for students as well as meeting the University's aspiration for sustainability.
Equally, because of our location and strict Fife Council planning expectations wholly outwith the University's control, it is not possible to build more cheaply by using inferior materials or more densely populated designs.
Rents
Although these figures will continue to be the subject of negotiation with Students Association representatives, it is estimated that rents at New Fife Park will be approximately £100 to £122 per week. Currently, residents of Fife Park pay £56 per week.
The University cannot heavily subsidise rents at New Fife Park as to do so would mean taking vital resource away from front line teaching, research and student support. Neither our students nor staff would support this.
In acknowledging student concerns about rents and the effects of the loss of Fife Park on accommodation choice in St Andrews, we will:
- Maintain our commitment to keep 500 beds in the lowest band of UK university rents.
- Keep our promise not to outsource residence provision to the private sector.
- Continue to listen to, consult and work with Students Association officials to keep rents at New Fife Park and elsewhere in St Andrews at the lowest possible level and to ensure they offer value for money.
- Continue to raise monies for scholarships and support funds to assist students from the UK and overseas.Over £2.5 million has been raised for Wardlaw scholarships since 2004.
- Place fundraising for additional student bursaries, scholarships and accommodation support at the forefront of the University's 600th Anniversary Campaign.