An international student at the University of East Anglia has said that private agencies in Norwich are exploiting international students, with high rent prices and strict agency rules making it difficult for many to find affordable housing.

The student, who asked to remain anonymous to protect his tenancy, said that securing accommodation in Norwich was a constant struggle.

“I tried to get accommodation at UEA,” he explained. “There weren’t many options on campus, and the ones that were available were unaffordable. 

“The one option that was affordable was not given to me.”

He currently shares a house with other international students, as well as some postgraduate professionals. 

He described significant pressure from the agency that manages the property. “The agency is harsh and puts pressure on us to pay on time,” he said.

“I receive around 20 emails a week about rent.

“Many of us have financial difficulties, so payments may be a few days late.”

Increases to the cost of rent have added to the strain. 

He explained that the agency had already raised rent mid-contract, and planned to do so again at the beginning of January. “I may have to look for alternative accommodation,” he said.

The student, from Afghanistan, said that the financial pressure affected his studies and described how he and his housemates “are unable to focus when there is so much stress about living conditions.” 

Finding part-time work has also been difficult. “I’ve been trying for two months to get a job but haven’t found one. I come from a poor country, and I am expected to pay very high rent,” he explained.

He claimed that a lack of access to UEA scholarships for international students from certain countries made the transition harder. “Afghanistan receives very few [scholarships].

This should not be the case. People from Afghanistan deserve help due to the political situation back home.”

UEASU Postgraduate Officer, Bhaskar Shivanna, said that these issues were not uncommon. “Some landlords take advantage of the fact that international students may not be familiar with UK housing laws,” he said.  

“I’ve heard about students where they cut large amounts from deposits without proper justification. 

“I’ve also spoken to students who were pressured to sign contracts quickly or charged excessive rents for poor-quality housing, often because they don’t have local guarantors or alternative options.”

A UEA spokesperson said: “UEA was one of the first universities to be recognised as a University of Sanctuary and we are committed to creating a culture of welcome, safety and solidarity across the campus and beyond.

“We have two specific Sanctuary staff members, who work with a wider team to run specialist programmes and opportunities for scholars with a background of displacement. 

“There is a wide range of support available throughout their studies to help them feel supported academically and emotionally, including dedicated contacts in wellbeing and learning enhancement, careers guidance and English language support.

“UEA continues to offer scholarships to people in the UK who are displaced from their homeland or place of residence for political, economic, ethnic, environmental, or human rights pressures. 

“These scholarships are extremely competitive and the UEA Sanctuary team are always looking for donors and ways to increase the number of scholarships available.”

Image Credit: Angus Coulson