Urgent need for reduced-price accommodation for students highlighted
In a concerning development, tens of thousands of students across several German university cities are finding themselves on waiting lists for dormitory places. Matthias Anbuhl, the CEO of the German Student Services Organization, has expressed his concerns about a worsening shortage of affordable housing for students.
In cities such as Aachen, Cologne, Berlin, and Hamburg, the number of students on the waiting list for dormitory places has increased significantly compared to the previous year. In Aachen alone, nearly 7,000 students are waiting for a place, while in Cologne and Berlin, the figures stand at around 1,500 and 5,000 students respectively. The situation is particularly critical for students from less affluent families.
The situation of scarce dormitory places for students is a significant concern, with Anbuhl describing it as an urgent social issue. He sees a new form of social selection arising, where only those who can afford rent can study. If not addressed, Anbuhl warns that this would be an educational and social policy failure.
To address the urgent need for affordable student housing, several measures are being implemented. One such measure is increasing investment in student housing and micro-apartments, driven by high demand and low vacancy rates. Companies like PGIM Real Estate are launching platforms focused on micro-living solutions, aiming to provide affordable and community-oriented living spaces for students and young professionals.
State-subsidized student dormitories offer basic amenities like shared kitchens and bathrooms, with rents ranging from €200 to €350 per month. Another cost-effective option is shared flats, which provide a private bedroom while sharing communal spaces with other students. The average rent for these accommodations is between €300 and €500 per month.
The demand for flexible, digitally enabled booking options is increasing, especially among international students. This trend is pushing developers to offer more adaptable housing solutions. Platforms like University Living are providing all-inclusive student-focused housing with modern amenities, aiming to make the housing search process smoother and more affordable for international students.
Despite these efforts, cities like Munich and Hamburg continue to face high rent challenges, highlighting the need for sustained investment and innovative housing solutions to meet the growing student population's needs. With around 505,000 people expected to start a university degree in the winter semester 2024/2025, the need for affordable housing remains a pressing issue.
Anbuhl has called for the permanent and vigorous implementation of the federal-state program Young Living to create more affordable housing for students. He warns of the foreseeable scarcity of dormitory places for students in the coming years and urges for immediate action to prevent this educational and social policy failure.
Education and self-development are at risk due to the growing scarcity of affordable housing for students in several German university cities, as expressed by Matthias Anbuhl, the CEO of the German Student Services Organization. This social issue, as Anbuhl describes it, may lead to a new form of social selection, where only those who can afford higher rents can pursue higher education.
