OPINION ”Moreover, in the light of the introduction of tuition fees for non-EU students, the question of accommodation has a big impact on Stockholm University’s attractiveness in the students’ overall assessment of studies”, writes Anatolii Doludenko, The International Party.

The student housing situation in Stockholm has been problematic for a long time, especially for students coming from abroad. The Housing office of Stockholm University and the Student Union have for a long time been working hard to resolve the situation. They have provided extensive informational support and exchange students were usually guaranteed accommodation.
Fewer students from outside the European Economic Area started studying in Sweden during the autumn semester of 2011 and the demand for accommodation was reduced. There was a slight possibility of stabilization of the housing market and improvement of the housing situation in general.

Stockholm University is renowned and highly regarded all over the world as a leading educational institution in different fields of science. More exchange students become interested in studying at Stockholm University every year. The number has recently risen from 803 to 1 195 students and some of them have decided to stay for another semester. But the existing 450 apartments are not enough.

Housing shortage for exchange students is part of a larger problem. Swedish students, coming from other cities than Stockholm, and international free-movers are affected as well. Moreover, in the light of the introduction of tuition fees for non-EU students, the question of accommodation has a big impact on Stockholm University’s attractiveness in the students’ overall assessment of studies.

It is almost impossible to find accommodation in Stockholm beforehand. As a consequence, students have to desperately seek whatever is available just to find a place to sleep. The situation affects the studies and gives rise to different kinds of fraud on the housing market. Having no roof over your head in the middle of January in Sweden is frightening, even for the most adventurous.
On the 16th of January, The International Party, TIP, campaigned on campus in order to bring attention to the housing shortage, which many exchange students currently experience. As some of you may remember, camping on campus was a temporary solution in August 2010, but it is not applicable during winter conditions. A symbolical tent was established to show how dramatic the shortage is. Members of TIP were also trying to assist people who were looking for housing.

The only temporary solution available is to arrange contacts between newcomers and people who can sublet, share rooms and flats, or encourage couch surfing (letting people sleep on your couch) between students. However, this is only temporary extensive work. The student community, the Student Union and the Housing office need to cooperate in order to find permanent solutions to avoid shortages in the future.

Anatolii Doludenko
The International Party