Student accommodation during COVID-19

Rectors in Pomerania were given a free rein to decide which form of learning will have been adapted at their institutions since October. Most of them chose blended learning with a combination of online and traditional classes. The latter will be available mainly to first-year students and those that are about to finish their studies. In addition, it’s worth remembering that if the statistics show a rise in a number of positive results of COVID tests, universities may switch to remote learning. It basically means that barely any student hasn’t been asking themselves if they should in fact spend their money on rental as it’s possible that they won’t even have to physically enter the premises of their universities any time soon.

So many students working part-time to be able to make a living have lost this opportunity. Chances of getting employed have been limited by sanitary restrictions and cuts. Unpredictability of what might happen affects companies that don’t want to take a risk by hiring new employees. As a result, high school graduates who were making higher education choices this summer, were less eager to move to large cities than they used to because of the issues with finding a job and expensive accommodation.

This year is unusual also because of the delay. Students normally start looking for accommodation in mid-July, but this time most of them didn’t even bother as decisions regarding the form of learning for the new semester were made public as late as in late August and early September. Because of that, those who eventually made the call, are hunting for an affordable place for next months at the very last moment. Let’s check the options.

Among students, there are only a few lucky enough to have a place of their own. The numbers say they represent as much as 15%. If you’ve considered joining this group by buying a property at the Tricity market and make huge savings due to the pandemic, you may be sent away empty-handed. The drop in prices has been rather symbolic, but if you’re patient, you can count on sales and promotions. Prices of new properties can remain high, but now it’s much easier to negotiate a bargain on a secondary market. Unfortunately getting a mortgage isn’t easy breezy at the moment.

Thought about renting? It may be risky because the next couple of months are difficult to predict when it comes to the pandemic and its impact on university classes. The good news are that it’s more affordable to rent a flat now. It’s partially caused by the owners who used to let their properties for a short term but gave it up in favour of longer contracts. What’s more, it’s not necessary to look for a place really close to the campus which allows for a wide range of choices. Studios are available starting at 900 zł per month, but getting something cheaper is not impossible. If you’re counting on more square meters with a garden, because you and your flatmates dream of barbecues, a green spot to chill out or a larger balcony, a porch, or a terrace, prices of renting such properties may really surprise as they went up.

Students trying to reduce the costs of accommodation by living in a dorm will face limitations. To comply with the requirements of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate students should live separately, but the rule doesn’t apply to families and couples. If universities follow this recommendation, there will be fewer places and prices may rise. In addition, even early applications submitted in line with the old criteria may not be successful. The University of Gdańsk accepts them all, but first-year and foreign students will be admitted first. Others may still have hope for it later as long as the number of COVID cases doesn’t increase much. When it comes to dormitories of the Gdańsk University of Technology, they remain available but will be subject to strict safety restrictions. Also, the Statement of Health submission will be necessary before moving in. In the dorms of both institutions, there will be restrictions put on outside visitors. The Medical University of Gdańsk announced that their number of places won’t be reduced, but it is recommended to rent a place outside of the campus.

2020, harshly marked by the coronavirus pandemic, is placing challenges on all of us. Students looking for accommodation are no exception. Changes may not be welcome, such as difficulties getting a place at a student dorm or sanitary restrictions, but some of them are positive, like cheaper flats for rent or a wider choice of properties, as a long distance from the university isn’t a deal-breaker anymore.