Studentification and Its Effects on the Local Community - Coursework Example

ification and Its Effects on the Local Community Table of Contents I. Introduction ………………………………………………………….. 3 II. Environment wherein Studentification is to be Implemented …... 4 III. The Policy behind Studentification ………………………………... 5 IV. Challenges Behind the Studentification Policy ………………….. 6 V. Impact of Studentification on the Local Housing Markets …….… 8 VI. Reasons that Causes the Students to Congregate in a Single Geographic Area ……………………………………..…….. 9 VII. The Impact of Studentification on the Local Community..…………. 10 VIII. Discussion …………………………………………………………… 11 IX. Conclusion ………………………………………………………….. 12 References …………………………………………………………………. 13 - 16 Suggested Further Reading ……………………………………………… 16 Introduction Due to the tight competition in the working environment, the role of the local universities in terms of enabling the local and international students to gain access in higher education becomes a significantly important part of our economic growth. In line with the government and universities effort to improve the quality of higher education system in the country is the promise of keeping our future generation in being a part of our competitive workforce. One of the major issues that could hinder the improvement progress of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) throughout UK is the development of university housing facilities. In the absence of an affordable university housing program, millions of off-campus students are left with no choice but to pay a higher rent in old buildings that are situated within the university area. (Black, 2002) As part of designing a universal guideline with regards to satisfying the specific needs of the students as well as the residential communities, the local authorities and HEIs are exerting an effort in the development of studentification in the United Kingdom. (Smith et al., 2006; p. 10) In the process of developing the guidelines, the social, cultural, physical and economic aspects of the increasing growth in the number of students within the HEIs including some HMO-related issues should be considered. (Smith, 2002) In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts, effective communications as well as transparency among the stakeholders1 becomes an important aspect that could increase the success rate of the project. For this study, the researcher will conduct a literature review on the types of environment wherein studentification are likely to be implemented as well as the existing policy behind studentification; challenges behind the studentification policy and its impact on the local housing markets. In the process of conducting a literature review, the researcher will determine the reason behind why most students choose to congregate in one area in relation to the development of students’ lifestyles, culture and the community. Prior to the conclusion, the researcher will discuss the overall impact of studentification on the local community. Environment wherein Studentification is to be Implemented Studentification is expected to be found in environment wherein a specific local community is highly concentrated with student settlement in each university towns throughout the United Kingdom. (National HMO Lobby, 2005) In most cases, a large portion of housing properties within the neighborhoods are being rented out to the local university students. South Headingley, Leeds is one of the few areas that is widely known for having a population of more than 6,000 students out of its 10,000 residents. (Department for Communities and Local Government, 2006) As a result of the high demand for housing business opportunity, the Leeds City Council design a strategic initiatives to meet the specific concerns of the permanent residents with regards to implementing a Shared Housing Action Plan. In terms of university housing accomodation, some universities offers either a university owned, university managed, or a university partnership schemes with a group of private landlords. (Sheffield Hallam University, 2008) The Policy behind Studentification The national and regional policy in UK sets a significantly high expectation on Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with regards to its contribution to the social development as well as the regional economic growth. In line with the high expectations coming from the local policy makers, the existing policy behind studentification is still under observation due to the fact that the HEIs have already acknowledged the huge gap between the higher education (HE) and the regional engagement particularly the variations that are present between the regions and nations within the country. (Universities UK, 2006a) As of 2006, the policy behind studentification has considered six major issues related to: (1) the growth of knowledge-based economies and societies as part of increasing the economic competitiveness of the LEIs; (2) the expansion of higher education as part of promoting a pool of well-educated and highly skilled workforce; (3) increasing the aspirations for higher education; (4) the increase of supply and accessibility to higher education at a relatively low interest rates; (5) deregulation of private rented housing sectors in order to improve their services based on the future housing demands; and (6) the promotion of new business investment opportunities for private landlords. (Smith et al., 2006) Challenges Behind the Studentification Policy Despite having successfully drafted the six major issues behind the studentification policy, there are still some important studies to be made considering that these policies are mostly driven by the supply-side alone. (HMTreasury, 2003) For instance, the opportunity to expand and further develop a mass higher education system seems to be very illusive due to some restrictions related to the limited government funds to financially support this project. (Universities UK, 2006b) In other words, there is a high probability that a large portion of the developmental costs for the HE project will be transferred to the students. Depending on the amount of increase in the tuition for higher education, it would be rather more difficult to promote the people’s aspiration for higher education. (Callender, 2003) Another major concern is the fact that some areas in UK such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland that offers no higher education aside from the Open University. As a result of the continuously changing demand for HE, the direct economic impact of the HE expansion is expected to vary each year. (Universities UK, 2006b) Even though there is a possibility of a sudden increase in demand for higher education, this would also mean that over expansion could immediately result to a significant opportunity loss on the part of the HEIs. Due to lack of economies of scale, HEIs with lesser demand for higher education may have difficulty in offering a lower interest rate to the students. Aside from the differences in the supply and demand for higher education, the different policies that were implemented throughout the devolved administrations created a significant effect on the HEIs’ relationship with their respective geographical territories. (Brennan et al., 2006) For instance, the tuition in the universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are much higher as compared to Scotland. In line with this matter, it would be more challenging to develop a strategic way that could address the situational differences in each HEI. Regarding the studentification policy wherein well-educated and highly skilled workforce are encouraged to be a part of the expansion of higher education (Smith et al., 2006), the major problem with this concern is the fact that only a few of the young working class people are working for educational institutions. (DfES, 2003) One of the most serious problems associated with the teaching profession is the inequalities in pay. Based on the Office of National Statistics, the average yearly salary of a full-time higher education professors and academic staff was £40,657 and £35,949 back in 2005 respectively. (Higher Education Funding Council for England, 2006) In order to solve the problem, there should be an outreach work aiming to increase the young people’s aspirations in teaching. (Brennan et al., 2006) It is also possible to recruit young individuals from the socially less advantaged groups such as schools, colleges, parents, and the local community. Lastly, the increasing promotion on ‘knowledge economy’ as well as the importance of research and development in maintaining the competitiveness of the local business in the market has lead to the increase in demand for higher education. (Gibbons et al., 1994) As a result, the ability of the students to analyze and interpret the regional, national as well as global issues in the country has relatively increased. It means that the continuously changing demand in the local market could directly affect the immediate shift in the modes of knowledge production. Since knowledge is being considered as an important regional asset, the HEIs has been appointed to handle the role on ‘regionalising’ the flow of knowledge. (Fitigawa, 2004) Impact of Studentification on the Local Housing Markets Under the 1985 Housing Act, the “House in Multiple Occupation” (HMO) is defined as “a house which is occupied by people who do not form a single household.” (Lewis and Lewis, 2008) HMOs are usually handled by housing managers who are responsible in renting a portion of the house or flat in exchange for a rental fee. In most cases, the most important clients of the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) are the students. According to Ann Westgarth – the University of Readings’ new community relations manager, one of the most difficult challenges of studentification is “the impact of the continuously increasing population of students who are living in houses of multi-occupation within the neighbourhood has on the community.” (Hero, 2007) For many years, the limited housing facility that accommodates the increasing number of students is causing some of the landlords to charge the students with high rentals in exchange with old housing facilities. Basically, the lack of a strict regulation within the community is causing many students to complain about the quality of housing aside from the noise pollution, the insufficient parking space, as well as refusing of students’ accommodation due to acts of aggressiveness and misbehaviour. (The Herald, 2008; Hero, 2007; BBC News, 2005) In line with the implementation of studentification, the local housing markets such as the HMOs will be greatly affected in terms of increasing the competition within the housing industry. (Smith, 2007) Similar to other types of business, increasing the number of students also increases the demand for HMOs whereas increasing the number of housing projects such as the development of university housing facilities could tighten the competition in the local housing markets for students. In general, the implementation of studentification strategies will force the existing landlords to improve the buildings and/or houses they are renting out to the students. (Leeds Housing, 2006) As a result, more students will have an access to a well-managed and affordable housing. In the absence of studentification project, many students will have no other choice but to rely heavily on privately rented properties. (Syracuse University, 2008; Rugg et al., 2007) Reasons that Causes the Students to Congregate in a Single Geographic Area Aside from being able to live closer with friends, one of the common reasons that lead the students to congregate in a single geographic area is convenience. Many of these students who have decided to rent a place either on- or off-campus is due to living far away from the university. (Syracuse University, 2008) Living away from the family could lead to ‘home sickness’ to some students. In line with this matter, It is very much easier for them to cope with an entirely new environment and feel comfortable being close with their new found friends. The fact that most of these students live within one geographic area; there is a greater tendency for each one of them to share the same culture. In the process of living away from their parents enables these students to learn to live on their own as well as develop a social life with other people. Since the number of students who lives within the university housing is quite large, there is a need to develop a new community standards designed for the students who are residing in the area. Eventually, some universities manage to promote volleyball tournaments, parties, coffee houses, bookshops, art galleries, music venues and other events which are necessary to fit the lifestyle of the students. (Lancaster University, 2006) In line with the safety of the students, the local universities are in touch with the Department of Public Safety in order to reduce the possible crime and other social disorders. (Syracuse University, 2007) The Impact of Studentification on the Local Community A case study reveals that Nottingham alone serves as much as 60,000 students between the age brackets of 19 to 28 years old. In line with the significantly large student population, there is a need to integrate the students into group of local communities so as to minimize the negative and detrimental effects of having a significantly large concentration of students within the community. (Smith, 2006) A lot of landlords and university staffs believed that the implementation of studentification could significantly improve the welfare of the residence within the local community. In line with studentification, most of the student unions have been actively volunteering in exerting effort to improve the public relations within the community. (Smith, 2006) In the process of promoting a stronger student union, there is a higher probability for the students to prevent the unnecessary crimes and physical violence within the community area. As part of creating a new culture for the increasing number of students, it is more likely that the number of complaints with regards to students’ behaviour within the community will be lessened. (Hero, 2007) As part of maintaing a peaceful community despite the large concentration of students who are residing within the close vicinity of the local universities, Professor Chetwynd of Lancaster University highlighted the importance of building a close relationship between the higher education institutions with the nearby local communities. (Lancaster University, 2006) For instance, the student unions at the University of Reading are strongly participating the Silent Students Happy Homes (SSHH) campaign. In the process, the local students are being educated on the important impact of a peaceful community over the lives of the community’s long-term residents. (Reasing University Students Union, 2008) Discussion Considering the small voluntary contributions of the students within the local community, these young individuals should be considered as an important part of our society. (Hero, 2007) In some cases, some of these students are also working on part-time jobs. This means that a portion of these students also contributes to the economic growth of our country. In line with the importance of students, the local universities throughout the United Kingdom are responsible in the implementation of studentification as a way of taking care of the students’ quality of living. This can be easily done by making comfortable and well maintained housing accommodation available to the students at a much lower costs as compared with privately rented off-campus houses. Even though there are still some flaws in the policy behind studentification, the higher education institutions are responsible in establishing an open communication with other universities in order to discuss the proper way of enhancing the implementation of studentification. Conclusion Studentification is an innovative way of addressing the significant problems related to the rapidly increasing students’ population within a community. Even though the policy behind studentification is not yet polished, the guidelines that was included in the ‘Studentification: A Guide to Opportunities, Challenges and Practices’ can be used by the stakeholders when addressing significant matters related to the housing accommodation of the students aside from maintaining a peaceful community despite the presence of the students. Promoting the development of university housing projects could significantly affect the local housing markets in a positive way. Through a tight competition in the housing markets, landlords will have to offer a better quality service to the students. References: “BBC News.” 11 March 2005. Landlords not Liable for Students: Dealing with Unruly Students is not the Responsibility of Private Landlords, a High Court Judge has Ruled. 11 March 2008. Available at: . Black, Benjamin Robert. “Atlantic Planners Institute.” 27 June 2002. Student Housing in University Towns: A Case Study of Sackville, New Brunswick. 11 March 2008. Available at: . Brennan, John, Brenda Little and William Locke. “Higher Education’s Effects on Disadvantaged Groups and Communities. Economic and Social Research Council: The Impact of Higher Education Institutions on Regional Economies 2005/06.” Report of an ESRC Network on cross-regional perspectives on the transformative impact of higher education on disadvantaged groups and communities. 2006. Callender, C. Attitudes to Debt – school leavers’ and Further Education Students’ Attitudes to Debt and their Impact on Participation in Higher Education. London: Universities UK/HEFCE, 2003. “Department for Communities and Local Government.” 24 July 2006. Studentification. 11 March 2008. Available at: . DfES. The Future of Higher Education. The Stationery Office, Cm 5735, 2003. Fitigawa, F. “Universities and Innovation in the Knowledge Economy: Cases from English Regions.” Higher Education Management and Policy (2004): Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 53 - 75. Gibbons, M., et al. The New Production of Knowledge: the dynamics of science and research in contemporary societies. London: Sage, 1994. “Hero.” 2007. Studentification. 12 March 2008. Available at: . “Higher Education Funding Council for England.” 12 July 2006. Equality Gap Narrowing in Higher Education. 12 March 2008. Available at: . HM Treasury. Lambert Review of Business-University Collaboration. Norwich: HMSO, 2003. “Lancaster University.” 4 July 2006. Studentification. 12 March 2008. Available at: . Leeds Housing. “A Strategt for Housing Students in Leeds: 2005 - 2010.” 2006. 11 March 2008. Available at: . Lewis, Robert J. and Michael G. Lewis. “Houses in Multiple Occupation - HMO.” 2008. 11 March 2008. Available at: . “National HMO Lobby.” February 2005. Studentification - Discussion Document. 11 March 2008. Available at: . “Reasing University Students Union.” 2008. SSHH - Silent Students Happy Homes Campaign! 12 March 2008. Available at: . Rugg, Julie, David Rhodes and Anwen Jones. “Joseph Rowntree Foundation.” 2007. The Nature and Impact of Student Demand on Housing Markets. 11 March 2008. Available at: . “Sheffield Hallam University.” 2008. Types of Accomodation. 12 March 2008. Available at: . Smith, Alexandra. “EducationGuardian.co.uk.” 27 June 2006. Studentification Report Labels Latest Urban Development. 12 March 2008. Available at: . Smith, D.P. Processes of Studentification in Leeds. Report presented to the City and Regional Office. Leeds: University of Leeds, 2002. Smith, Darren P. and et al. Studentification: A Guide to Opportunities, Challenges and Practice. London: SCOP and Local Government Association, 2006. Smith, Darren P. “The Politics of Studentification and (un)balanced Urban Populations in the United Kingdom: An Update.” Working Paper. 2007. “Syracuse University.” 2008. Where to Live, Etc. 12 March 2008. Available at: . “Syracuse University.” 2007. The Student Life Experience. 12 March 2008. Available at: . “The Herald.” 12 March 2008. Shared Responsibility. 12 March 2008. Available at: Universities UK. The Economic Impact of UK Higher Education Institutions. London: Universities UK, 2006b. —. Universities: Engaging with Local Communities. London: Universities UK, 2006a. Suggested Further Readings: Emms, Harvey. Draft Interim Planning Guidance on Purpose Built Student Housing. Consultation Draft. 24th April 2007. New Castle City Council: Local Development Framework. 12 March 2008. Available at: Read More