Increased demand for accommodation during the London 2012 Olympics could jeopardise the availability of housing for international students during the event, with many residences and hotels set to increase their prices next year. However, London-based schools say they are all planning ahead to make sure their clients are unaffected.
The PIE spoke to several London education institution directors and accommodation providers, in light of a recent Hotels.com report that revealed major sporting events in other world cities – such as Formula one events and the Rugby World Cup – caused hotel prices to rise by nearly 30 per cent during the first half of this year.
Steve Phillips, vice-chair of English UK London – an association for the capital’s EFL schools – and director of the English Language School at Regent’s College, said: “London students that prefer to stay in hotels will have to book well in advance or may not be able to stay within walking distance of their place of study. Many of our usual suppliers will have given their provision, residences especially, over to the Olympic organisers.”
However, he was certain that those students keen to stay in the college’s residential accommodation would be unaffected. He said that Regent’s College has secured the whole of its own residence for standard summer courses, which can accommodate up to 300 students: “We would only offer it out to the Olympic organisers if space allowed, and this is very unlikely as it is a very popular place to stay during the summer months.”
Lorraine Cooper, operations director at The English Studio Language School, noted that one residence currently charging £30 per night will charge £50 per night during the Olympics, and they are already fully booked. She said: “We will be taking on less accommodation [of that type] as the students may not be able to afford these prices.”
Hannah Cox, spokeswoman for the language centre at University of the Arts London, said: “We will concentrate on organising homestays and house-shares for the students affected. This is because a lot of residences will not release their prices until January next year, but we expect prices to be much higher.” Cox added that those studying long-term should see no impact at all.
University of the Arts London will offer on-campus hall rooms to Olympic visitors and organisers. But David Robertson, head of housing services at the university, said: “More than enough rooms will be obtained for international students. There will be no adverse impact [on them] whatsoever.”
He also revealed a general feeling that host families will remain loyal to universities. But James Herbertson, director of London Nest, a company that helps institutions find housing for international students, said that at an English UK London meeting held in September, it was suggested that institutions should perhaps pay host families more during the event to ensure their loyalty. Schools will certainly have to spend more time, if not more money, ensuring adequate accommodation supply.
Herbertson is working with language schools in the capital to find other solutions. “The [best] solution I can see is if institutions choose independent, long-term accommodation for international students. This will ensure that prices are not affected by major events such as the Olympics, and better properties will be available all year-round. Many students prefer independent accommodation anyway, so this way universities keep to demand.”
London Nest organises long-term rental of house-shares for local language schools. Herbertson said, “Business should increase for me during the Olympics.”
Phillips said that although the Olympics will bring many challenges, English UK London was excited by the prospects for the capital. “Many London members will be [hosting] Olympic events and some have even secured tickets for their students to local sporting events,” he said.
