Student Trades Cramped Housing for Life on Narrowboat

Raphael Holt, a 21-year-old filmmaking student at Manchester Metropolitan University, has transitioned from a cramped six-bedroom house to living on a narrowboat, citing dissatisfaction with the quality and cost of typical student housing. Holt, who was paying £740 per month for his room, purchased a 38ft Springer houseboat named Barramundi for £15,000 in September.

He believes the upfront cost is a worthwhile investment, as he now owns an asset rather than paying rent to a landlord. Holt estimates the annual costs for the narrowboat, including maintenance, license, and heating, will be around £3,300. This figure is significantly less than his previous rent, especially if he were not investing in boat improvements.

Holt saved for the purchase by reducing social spending and allocating a portion of his student loan. His 1980-built houseboat requires ongoing improvements, which he estimates will cost less than £3,000. He has found the boating community to be supportive, with one individual donating £1,500 worth of electrical components. Current projects include repainting, deck work, and shower pump repair.

Despite the challenges of maintaining a boat, especially while moving it through locks to reach Manchester from Congleton, Holt reports a better quality of life. He is currently commuting 26 miles to university. He has a wood-burning stove for warmth, though he acknowledges the work involved in living on a boat, describing it as "cold, muddy, and messy." The main drawback he has identified is the limited social interaction while navigating locks outside the city.

Holt's decision to embrace alternative living was also influenced by a desire for travel. He plans to continue improving the narrowboat to increase its value. Post-graduation, he envisions several options for the boat: converting it into a business, renting it out for passive income, or selling it to fund further travel and investment.

He has already traveled extensively, navigating over 200 locks in three weeks, exploring parts of the Midlands and the North of England. This experience has reinforced his appreciation for the beauty of the country and the kindness of people he has met.