College is supposed to be an exciting time, full of learning and personal growth. But for many students, there’s an overwhelming hurdle standing in the way—housing.
Rent prices are skyrocketing, dorm rooms are limited, and off-campus housing is fiercely competitive.
Affordable housing laws are meant to help, but how well are they actually working for students? Let’s break it down.
The Housing Crunch on Campus
If you’ve tried renting an apartment near a major university recently, you’ve likely felt the sting of high rent.
In some places, it seems like the cost of living is rising faster than tuition. Students are caught in this whirlwind, balancing academic pressures with the sheer stress of finding a place to live.
And it’s not just about finding any place—it’s about affordability. On-campus housing often fills up quickly, leaving the off-campus market as the next best option.
But with rent surging in many college towns, that “best option” can sometimes feel like a trap.
In the context of deciding between on-campus and off-campus living, there are several factors to weigh, including convenience, cost, and independence.
For a more in-depth look at the pros and cons of each option, check this article from Lemonade Insurance, which offers helpful tips on making the best choice for your situation.
New Laws That Could Change Everything
In states like California, lawmakers are trying to tackle the affordable housing problem head-on.
A recent bill, State Bill 423, passed in 2023, could bring some relief. It aims to speed up housing projects in areas where local governments have fallen short of their housing goals, Brownstein reports.
The goal? More multifamily homes with below-market-rate units, which could help students by increasing the supply of affordable housing near campuses.
But it’s not a simple fix. Even with new laws on the books, barriers like local opposition still loom large. People living near universities often resist new developments, especially high-density ones.
This “Not In My Backyard” mentality, known as NIMBYism, can delay or even halt affordable housing projects. And in places like Berkeley, where affordable housing is desperately needed, lawsuits have stalled new student housing construction.
Socioeconomic Inequities
If you’re a student from a low-income background, you probably know how much harder it can be to find affordable housing. It’s not just about being squeezed financially—there’s a real risk of housing insecurity.
According to NCSL over 40% of students at four-year colleges have faced housing insecurity. That means missed rent payments, unsafe living conditions, or even homelessness. For students already struggling with tuition and living costs, these housing challenges can be overwhelming.
And housing insecurity doesn’t just affect where you sleep at night—it can derail your education. Students without stable housing are more likely to drop out or reduce their course loads, which can affect their future career prospects.
A 2020 New America study found that 52% of community college students experienced housing insecurity, and a significant number of these students cited housing costs as a primary reason for dropping out.
What makes this even tougher? Federal housing assistance programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) often have strict eligibility rules that exclude full-time students.
These rules were designed to prevent wealthier students from benefiting from affordable housing. But unfortunately, they also lock out the students who need it the most.
What Are Universities Doing About It?
Universities aren’t blind to the housing crisis their students are facing. Many are experimenting with creative solutions, both on-campus and off-campus.
Some schools are converting old, unused buildings into student housing. Others are using more unconventional methods, like shipping container dormitories.
Inside Higher Ed reported that the College of Idaho, for example, has introduced low-cost dorms made from repurposed shipping containers—an innovative (and surprisingly cozy) approach to affordable housing.
At UCLA, they’ve even adopted a cooperative housing model, where students exchange maintenance work for reduced rent. It’s a clever way to cut costs while fostering a sense of community.
There’s also a growing trend of public-private partnerships, where universities lease land to private developers to create affordable student housing.
On paper, it sounds like a win-win, but there’s a catch. Private developers are often more interested in profit than affordability.
Zoning Laws Are a Major Obstacle to Affordable Housing
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Here’s something that doesn’t get enough attention: zoning laws. In many college towns, the areas surrounding universities are zoned for low-density, single-family homes.
That’s great if you’re looking for peace and quiet, but not so great if you’re a student trying to find a reasonably priced apartment.
Upzoning, which allows for the construction of taller, multifamily buildings, could make a big difference. It would increase the number of units available near campuses, hopefully driving down rents.
But once again, NIMBYism can get in the way. Residents often oppose these changes, leading to lawsuits that stall or block new developments.
Some cities and universities are beginning to push for zoning reforms, but it’s a slow process. Even when zoning changes are made, new developments need to include affordable units and protect existing residents from displacement.
Short-Term Solutions for a Long-Term Problem
While long-term strategies like zoning reform and new developments are crucial, students need help now. Fortunately, universities are getting creative with short-term solutions.
- Temporary housing: Some schools are offering emergency shelters or short-term housing options for students in crisis.
- Housing-share programs: This is a growing trend, where students live with local residents who have extra space. It’s an affordable option that benefits both parties.
- Commuter hostels: In areas where students commute long distances, universities are experimenting with hostels that provide a temporary place to stay between classes and work.
What About Government Support?
Federal and state governments have a role to play, too. Housing assistance programs need to be re-evaluated to make sure students aren’t unfairly excluded. If a student is facing homelessness or extreme housing insecurity, they should be able to access the same support available to others in need.
Some lawmakers are starting to push for changes. Revising eligibility rules to make full-time students eligible for housing assistance is one idea that could make a big impact.
Summary
So, what’s the outlook for students struggling with housing? Affordable housing laws are beginning to make waves, but the journey is far from over. Students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need more support than they’re currently getting.
Zoning reforms, new housing developments, and creative short-term solutions all have potential, but they require the commitment of universities, governments, and private developers. Collaboration is key to making sure students don’t have to choose between their education and a safe place to live.
Ultimately, solving the housing crisis will take time and effort, but students shouldn’t have to bear this burden alone. With the right policies in place, there’s hope that campuses across the country can become more affordable places to live, so students can focus on what matters most: their education and their future.
