Lakehead University Confronts Residence Shortage

Canada has long been regarded as a global hub for education, attracting thousands of international and domestic students each year. World-class universities and colleges, a multicultural society, and a high quality of life make it an appealing destination for those seeking higher education. However, along with the increasing influx of students, a pressing issue has emerged - the severe shortage of student residences.

The shortage of student housing has put immense pressure on students who are struggling to find affordable, suitable accommodations. These challenges are particularly daunting for international students unfamiliar with the local housing market who may lack the support network they need. 

Lakehead University's commitment to academic quality and a welcoming campus atmosphere has driven an increase in student enrolment over recent years. With the institution's growing popularity, it's not surprising that the demand for on-campus housing has surged past the supply. 

Lakehead Residence Services commented on the matter saying: 

“We were 'oversubscribed' meaning we had more students than beds. However, we expanded our inventory, by using rooms not traditionally used for student spaces such as a few study rooms and our conference spaces reserved for visiting guests.  All of those 'temporary' spaces were closed within a very short period of time, allowing students to be moved to permanent housing.”

While Residence Services promptly set out to mitigate the issue, this was not something that should have been a problem in the first place. Moreover, in a statement given by a representative from LUSU, The Argus discovered that Lakehead Residence Services is investigating the option to double up on beds in on-campus residences. While this may be a viable solution to accommodate more students in residence, it will become meaningless if the residence costs are not adjusted accordingly. 

Students at Lakehead are also voicing their concerns regarding the issue. A student, who wished to remain unidentified, shared their experience:

 “I feel unsettled about this whole situation because a lot of students depend on residence services for housing and making them feel at home. Even though I applied before the deadline, I felt like I was denied my preference of housing options because residence services accepted more students than they could house. I just hope the university is able to overcome this issue immediately as it presents many hurdles to students”

Housing is a right for students

Housing is a right for students; every institution must be able to provide housing that meets the needs of all students. The lack of accessible housing creates numerous hurdles for students all of which have broader implications. Students grappling with housing instability or extended commutes may struggle to focus on their studies, potentially leading to lower academic performance. Furthermore, high housing costs and limited options may force students to take on part-time jobs or reduce their course loads to make ends meet, affecting their education and prospects. 

Unfortunately, current circumstances are forcing students to live in their cars in parking lots. What is to happen when winter arrives, and how is the university going to accommodate their needs? One source who has requested to remain anonymous says,

There are definitely people living out of their cars

“ There are definitely people living out of their cars. Whether it be the high cost of residence or the space crisis, I cannot say but this should not be allowed to happen. I wanted to move out of my house to another one because of a roommate issue but I was denied.” 

In this period of uncertainty with regard to housing, LUSU has a message to convey to the students via The Argus: 

“Student housing is a complicated issue that has no quick fix. While LUSU does not have the capacity to provide immediate residence to students who are struggling, we will still continue to advocate for better, more affordable housing.” 

If you or someone you know is struggling to find accommodation, we encourage you to reach out to LUSU and share your concerns.