To ask how much 2nd/3rd year uni rent costs?

[cornwall1900]

Hello all,

Recently went on an open day with my dd. We were shown around one of the accommodation blocks by a 2nd year student. He asked if anyone had any questions about the halls or uni itself.

I asked politely "How much are accommodation costs in 2nd year?"

To which the guy snapped "that is a very personal question!! I don't feel comfortable in answering that"

I was so shocked. Every other time I've asked this at uni days with my various children the student helpers have said something like "I pay XY" or usually "between P-T but obviously it varies", not a problem.

I meekishly replied that I was asking in general about how much an average would be for rent not about his personal costs... to which he spat "that is very rude!! You don't ask such things like that on open days".

It really did put us off and ruin our day. His whole attitude stank of false entitlement.

My dd and I were so confused, the other student helper looked mortified. One parent chipped in that it was a fair question where as a 'wannabe type' told us that it was unfair to ask about 2nd year costs.

I really do not understand why he took such offence to a general question, it's a valid concern.

This was at a top 5 university, very much known for it's rahness but never have I met such a rude, arrogant and condescending student 'helper'.

Do I live under a rock or how is it unreasonable to ask about this?

good for your daughter for complaining! I know it depends on the uni but some 'student ambassadors,' get paid for taking people round , so if that was the case I imagine the uni would definitely be interested in knowing about it. Even if he was a volunteer he was still doing pretty much the opposite of what he was supposed to be doing - i.e. putting people off applying rather than encouraging it!

It's a perfectly valid question, not rude at all. It wasn't even as if you asked 'how much do you personally pay?' If he was uncomfortable telling you how much his rent is he could say 'between x and x,' or even 'sorry I'm not sure, you can look on right move or ask back at the SU,' or something. Not telling you off! Who does he think he is?!

Son studies in norfolk, His first year halls were expensive. Second year he is house sharing, smallest bedroom 300 a month plus bills of 50 a month which 6 share for water, gas, electricity etc. he pays this out of his loan. He pays for food.
we pay his rent and im hoping he will stay there til next year. Its a well maintained house 20 mins walk from town and uni. He prefers it to halls. Your question was not unreasonable at all! ( he has a landlord that has done it for ten years now)

I was in south Wales, graduated in July 2016. I paid £450 for a house with my husband. Most of my friends pay between £75 and £120 per week, mostly all in. The guy sounds awful.

Generally except at Oxbridge where halls are relatively cheap its cheaper in years 2/3 than what halls will be.

I asked the same question myself yesterday at a uni open day - and I'm sure many other parents will have asked too. It's important to know, along with how easy/difficult it might be to find accommodation. The girl who answered my question was more than happy to share her personal information - though I had expected it would be a more general answer.

The rent for ds for his room in a shared house is £365 per month plus bills, but the l/l picks up the broadband. That's in Egham.

Oh, come on, he was 19 and he had a bit of a moment with you. What he said doesn't exactly sound like the height of rudeness, just like an inexperienced student caught off guard. Who knows why he thought it was rude, but it could as likely be that he's struggling for money, as that he's entitled. Maybe he was badly prepared.

Just shrug and move on.

I think reporting him is fair enough so the university can prepare better next time, but reporting him verbally and in writing was OTT of your daughter. She should learn that not everyone is as poised as she might hope, nor as comfortable talking about money as she may be.

It's a basic question that I'd expect them to be able to answer. He didn't have to give his personal circumstances, just say that there's a big variation and people pay between x and y amounts. To call someone rude for asking the question is shocking.

Our daughters place for next year is £750 monthly all inclusive in Exeter. Our other daughter pays £550 in Birmingham.

Oh, come on, he was 19

Not an excuse if he's not happy to answer questions about student life, finances and experience, he shouldn't be a student ambassador/rep.

But he clearly wasn't prepared to expect that question. Could well be he assumed all questions would be about things like the degree. Some students feel really sensitive about not having as much money as they think is 'normal'. The fault could well be with the university for not training him better.

4K each in a shared 4 bedroom house with 2 bathrooms. they only have to pay for broadband on top of their rent.
This is for 12 month rental.