International students at the University of Reading add more than £220 million a year to the area's economy, new figures have shown, 

The Reading Central constituency has 1,235 first year international students who add £127m to the area - the 93rd biggest impact out of 650 constituencies in the country. 

Earley and Woodley sees a £77m boost every year, while Reading West and Mid Berkshire gets £17m, according to the figures compiled by a leading consultancy firm. 

London Economics estimates that Newbury is home to more than 100 first year international students, who add about £10m to the local economy. 

But some high profile politicians have looked to run-down international students over the last year, with shadow home secretary and Tory leadership contender James Cleverly saying in May that foreign students "undermine" the universities' quality.  Meanwhile Nigel Farage accused universities of being "drunk on foreign cash." 

This "short-sighted" political rhetoric risked making it harder for overseas students to study here, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort.

He said: "Last year, we published a report that shows the University of Reading contributes approximately £1 billion a year to the UK economy, with around half of this staying in the Reading area. 

 

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“A significant part of our financial contribution to the local area, and the UK, comes from our international students, who play a crucial role in our success as a university.

"They contribute significantly to local economies, supporting businesses and jobs in Reading, Earley, Woodley and Wokingham. It is estimated that international students at Reading spend at least £46 million off campus each year."

Sarah Ifidon, Reading university's welfare officer and international student, agreed and added that foreign students' contributions were "seriously downplayed". 

But she believes international students' real value lies not just in the pounds they add to the economy. 

She said: "We support a lot of businesses in Reading, but sometimes we're seen just in terms of money - and not as people and students, bringing something to the community."

The Nigerian national, who is studying a masters degree in film, said the university had been instrumental in her documentary on child exploitation in Africa. And her African heritage has at times been the centre of celebration. 

She said: "Sometimes DJs in the clubs in Reading will play African songs for me and my friends. Everyone is friendly, you feel like you can blend in here."

But she said some people detract from the sense of inclusion. 

The 30-year-old said; "I have experienced racial slurs. It makes you think 'oh yeah, I am a foreigner here.'"

Today, The University of Reading has been hosting an annual national conference of university leaders, where sector leaders have warned about the pressure that universities are under. 

Dame Sally, who is vice-chancellor of the University of St Andrews, said: "We can choose to act to ensure our universities thrive, or we can allow them to slide into decline. For me, the latter path would be unconscionable,"

The Government needs to protect world-leading universities by lifting visa restrictions on international staff and students, according to Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union.