According to BBC

The Hidden Cost of Education

For many young people, moving away for university is a rite of passage: a chance to live independently, build new friendships, and focus on studies. But in Northern Ireland, an alarming number of students are finding that their term-time homes come with hidden dangers—ones that affect not just their comfort, but their health and safety.

Reports of damp ceilings collapsing, mould spreading across bedrooms, and even maggots dropping from light fittings paint a grim picture of the student housing crisis. Beyond the immediate disgust, these conditions raise pressing questions: how can students thrive academically when their living environments are unsafe? And why are landlords allowed to neglect their duty of care?

Stories from the Front Lines of Student Housing

The testimony of students is both vivid and troubling.

Dara Cunningham, 19, a financial risk management student at Queen’s University Belfast, described mould so widespread it covered ceilings, bathrooms, and bedrooms. For his housemate with asthma, the exposure made breathing difficult.

The problem extended beyond mould. When clearing the yard, Dara’s housemate uncovered dead rats. Soon after, rats infiltrated the floorboards. When they died, maggots emerged—so many that they fell from light fittings into the kitchen. “Absolutely disgusting,” Dara said. Though eventually addressed by the landlord, the incident left a deep impression.

Shannon, 21, a Queen’s graduate, faced mould so severe that it caused embarrassment, paranoia, and chest discomfort. She worried about the fungus creeping under her bed. “I could really feel it in my chest,” she explained, pointing to the anxiety of sleeping beside a health hazard.

These are not isolated anecdotes. A 2024 NUS-USI survey of 633 students revealed that:

92% had experienced housing issues.
59% reported mould.
19% reported pest infestations.

What should be exceptional horror stories are, in fact, disturbingly normalised.

The Normalisation of Neglect

Ben Friel, president of NUS-USI, argues that unsafe housing has become “sadly normalised” for students in Northern Ireland. Despite housing being the single biggest expense, the accommodation often “is not safe” and “may impact students’ health long term.”

One of the challenges is a lack of awareness. Students often don’t know their rights or where to seek help. Landlords can rely on this gap, brushing over complaints with superficial fixes—painting over mould rather than addressing underlying damp, or dismissing concerns as minor inconveniences.

The result is a system where young people, already burdened by tuition fees and living costs, are forced to pay for substandard housing that jeopardises their health.

The Health Risks of Mould and Vermin

Public health experts have long warned of the dangers posed by mould and pest infestations.

Mould: A microscopic fungus that flourishes in damp conditions. Aspergillus niger and other common household moulds can trigger respiratory infections, worsen asthma, and cause allergies. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness.
Rats and maggots: Dead rodents decomposing in floorboards can spread bacteria and attract insect infestations. The presence of maggots falling into kitchens is not just a nuisance but a direct contamination hazard.

For vulnerable students, especially those with asthma or weakened immune systems, exposure can have lasting health effects. The psychological toll is significant too—fear, embarrassment, and sleep disruption compound the physical risks.

Policy Gaps: Why Northern Ireland Lags Behind

In England, landlords of social housing will soon be legally required to investigate and fix damp and mould issues within strict timescales. These reforms aim to prevent tragedies like the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, who died after prolonged exposure to mould in 2020.

But in Northern Ireland, housing policy is devolved, and such rules do not yet apply. This leaves a regulatory vacuum. Students face the same hazards, but without the same legal protections.

Friel calls for stronger enforcement of HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) legislation, which governs multi-tenant housing like student rentals. He also urges exploration of new housing models, such as cooperatives or purpose-built student housing, to reduce reliance on poorly managed private rentals.

The Role of Councils and Mediation

Tony Carmichael, advice manager at Ulster University’s Student Union, observes that many students simply don’t know where to turn when facing housing issues. He emphasizes that councils often provide the most effective intervention. Environmental health departments can inspect properties, order landlords to make repairs, and provide mediation services.

Belfast City Council confirmed its process: tenants should report issues to landlords first, but if unresolved, councils can investigate mould, pest infestations, or structural problems. Mediation is available for disputes between tenants and landlords.

Still, students often lack the time, knowledge, or confidence to pursue these channels. When juggling coursework, jobs, and financial stress, many simply endure the conditions.

Beyond Complaints: The Structural Issues

The crisis reflects deeper structural issues in the student housing market. Rising demand for accommodation in Belfast and other university towns has driven students into older, poorly maintained properties. Landlords, motivated by profit and shielded by weak enforcement, often neglect long-term upkeep.

The economic imbalance is stark: students pay high rents, yet lack bargaining power. Housing rights are complicated, legal processes are slow, and many fear retaliation if they complain too loudly. The result is a cycle where neglect continues unchecked.

The Emotional Impact: More Than Just Discomfort

Housing is not just about shelter—it is the foundation of wellbeing. For students, a safe home is essential for studying, sleeping, and socializing. When mould creeps across walls or maggots fall from ceilings, the home becomes a source of stress rather than refuge.

Psychologists warn that such conditions can contribute to anxiety, depression, and academic decline. Students may avoid inviting friends over, isolating themselves further. In Shannon’s case, embarrassment and paranoia about mould made her hyper-aware of her environment, eroding her peace of mind.

What Needs to Change

Experts and advocates converge on several solutions:

Legal reform: Extend England’s new mould regulations to Northern Ireland, ensuring landlords are held accountable.
Enforcement: Strengthen inspections and penalties for landlords who neglect repairs.
Education: Provide clearer guidance to students about their rights and the resources available.
Alternative housing: Explore student cooperatives, public-private partnerships, and purpose-built accommodation to reduce dependence on neglectful landlords.
Health prioritisation: Recognize mould and pests as public health issues, not mere inconveniences.

A Call to Action

The stories of Dara, Shannon, and countless others shine a light on a crisis too often hidden behind closed doors. Student housing in Northern Ireland is not merely uncomfortable—it is unsafe. Mould, rats, and maggots are not the background inconveniences of student life; they are symptoms of systemic neglect.

As universities prepare young people for future careers, society must ensure they are not forced to endure environments that endanger their health. Safe housing is not a luxury—it is a basic right. Until legislation, enforcement, and education catch up, students will continue paying the price.

The challenge is clear: transform “sadly normalised” conditions into unacceptable ones. Only then can student housing truly support the lives and futures of the young people who inhabit it.

References

Mayo Clinic. Sinusitis: Symptoms and Causes.

Mayo Clinic. Asthma: Symptoms and Causes.

According to BBC