For years, the image of typical student digs has been one of cheap, run-down flats with the inhabitants wrapping themselves in blankets in bid to keep warm while poring over their books or throwing wild parties. Now students are to be found nestled in Egyptian cotton sheets and working out at their private gyms.
Purpose-built luxury accommodation for students has been springing up in cities across Scotland. It is clear today’s generation of students – at least, those that can afford it - aren’t quite as prepared to put up with the grim conditions of the past.
Having better accommodation on offer is a good thing, but with the priciest options on offer costing nearly half the average annual salary in Scotland, many students will be unable to afford this kind of living.
University is supposed to be one of life’s great levelling experiences, but the trend towards luxury flats - which once would have only been an aspiration for graduates - risks visibly widening the gap between the richest and poorest. Far better would be to make sure there is more high-quality and affordable accommodation for all.
And while living in a studio flat hosting dinner parties, with all-inclusive payments and help on hand to change a lightbulb is all well and good, surely it won’t bring the same lessons in life as battles with landlords, disputes over food nicked from the fridge and scraping together money for electricity did for previous generations?
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