Tertiary students are more than twice as likely to be living in damp, mouldy homes, according to new research.

Low incomes mean they face energy poverty, hampering their physical and mental health - they're struggling to afford food and pay their bills.

The survey of 522 students found 35 per cent had mould, larger than an A4 sheet of paper growing in their houses at least some of the time.

Otago University's He Kāinga Oranga housing and health research programme researcher Dr Kimberley O'Sullivan spoke to Māni Dunlop.