Scotland's International Students Face Housing Crisis

According to a survey conducted by the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland, more than one-fifth of international students studying in Scotland have experienced homelessness.

The report highlights that international students are nearly twice as likely to be homeless compared to UK-domiciled students.

In response, the NUS Scotland is calling for a student housing guarantee to address this issue.

The Scottish government has acknowledged the problem and is working towards improving accessibility in the student accommodation sector.

Meanwhile, Universities Scotland has stated that, in general, students have been facing difficulties in finding private rented accommodation.

Last October, the BBC reported on students who were struggling to secure flats and had resorted to sleeping on common room floors or in hostels, or enduring long commutes.

A spokesperson for Universities Scotland commented: "It is not acceptable for any student to be without secure and appropriate housing.

"Universities' relationship with their international students starts many months before they arrive in the country, and we'd strongly encourage students to get in touch with their institution to see what advice, support and guidance is available when it comes to accommodation.

"Many institutions do offer a guarantor scheme for their students to address some of the issues highlighted in the NUS report."

According to data collected from 1,281 international students by the NUS, 21% experienced homelessness after beginning their studies, compared to 12% for home students.

The survey indicated that obtaining housing is more challenging for international students as they typically lack a UK-based guarantor, which is usually required by landlords to secure a tenancy.

The study also revealed that 42% of international students have gone without heating during their studies, 49% have skipped meals, and 10% have had to resort to food banks.

The NUS has recommended that universities should provide a student housing guarantee to ensure that international students always have access to accommodation.

Additionally, the organization has urged universities to expand the eligibility criteria for their hardship funds, as international students are often overlooked.

Ellie Gomersall, the president of NUS Scotland, stated the rate of homelessness amongst internationals was unacceptable.

She continued: "Scotland prides itself on having a world-class education system, but this is being undermined by the way we treat those coming to learn from other countries"

"International students are expected to pay extortionate fees but have no support once they arrive in Scotland, facing homelessness and skipping meals just to get by"

Aberdeen University Students' Association, Vanessa Mabonso Nzolo, added: "The cost-of-living crisis is affecting international students disproportionately in the current economy as visa fees, exchange rates, and budgeting has become increasingly more difficult."

"International students are less likely to come forward when they are struggling because they are worried about how being homeless may affect their visa.

"They have very few opportunities with limited working hours and no access to public funds."

Graeme Dey, Higher Education Minister, acknowledged that the report highlighted significant issues that universities would take seriously.

He stated: "Although the Scottish government has no direct role in provision of student residential accommodation, we are determined to improve accessibility, affordability and standards in the purpose-built student accommodation sector and are carrying out a review of that provision right now.

"At the same time, we are developing proposals for improving privately-rented accommodation more generally which we set out in our draft new deal for tenants.

"Both pieces of work will inform a Student Accommodation Strategy for Scotland for the benefit of all students studying in Scotland."