Under the radar: the impact of housing on the access of regional students to higher education in Sydney

Shelter NSW and Yfoundations have released a report by Paul van Reyk on the impact of housing on the access of young students from regional New South Wales to universities in Sydney. Under the radar (Shelter Brief 51) found that rural students in Sydney were a population for whom the housing affordability and tenancy issues commonly experienced by all tertiary-level students are exacerbated. Other findings included: the many unregulated online accommodation provider sites are often the only portal for rural students to search for accommodation; working to offset low income levels has a negative impact on study and engagement in university life; and low incomes and high housing costs contribute to a disruption of family ties and support during a critical period of transition for young people from family life to independent living — limited funds must be spent on rent and living expenses (rather than enabling regular physical contact with rurally-based family).