Student complaints on the increase

Universities have been complained against by a fifth more students last year, and with tuition fees set to reach £9,000 this trend could continue.

 The statistics from the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), which acts as a watchdog, said complaints had risen 20% to 1,605 in the academic institutions, during 2011. Since being established in 2005 there had been a 200% increase in disputes.

 As fees are due to rise this year securing quality student accommodation at a reasonable price is essential.

It was suggested by OIA chief executive Rob Behrens that the figures had gone up because making use of the system had become more widely known. In addition, with considerable tuition fees now being charged students are looking to get everything they can for their money.

 The OIA is braced to expect upwards of 2,300 complaints this year with the jump in tuition fees expected. Behrens did not think the 20% increase last year was above predictions and the 1,605 complaints signified only 0.07% of students.

 Behrens said: "It is still very small, with large potential to grow. The scheme has become better known each year. The debate about the fees and the White Paper has taken place in the last year and has heightened students' awareness of their rights as consumers."

 Copyright Press Association 2012