While some British universities have struggled this year to house their record breaking student populations, spare a thought for the 200,000 South African students who will be left without 'adequate' housing when their university year starts in February 2016.

The startling statistic comes from the STAG African Student Accommodation Group, a property development group based in Cape Town.

The recent shortage has highlighted multiple issues with the South African student accommdoation market, not least the fact that while the government increased incentives to build new student accommodation, it didn't take into account the state of its existing properties, where maintenance costs are spiralling.

MD of STAG African, John Schooling had this to say about the importance of a student having a proper roof over their head, "The likelihood of a first year student passing is increased from 60% to 80% if they stay in residence. The negative pass rate is even more staggering at previously disadvantaged universities"š where it is common for six or more students to share a room"š simply because there is no alternative."

"Accommodation for students is more than providing a place to sleep; it's about creating communities; a listening"š learning and living environment. This is crucial to the success of the housing facilities provided by the university."

Image courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons.