The high cost of renting accommodation is becoming one of the main problems for students in Cyprus. The situation is particularly acute in major university cities, where demand for affordable rooms and apartments significantly exceeds supply.
The Cyprus Federation of Student Unions (POFEN) has prepared a package of proposals to address the housing problem and is discussing them with the relevant ministries. According to federation representative Marios Kambouris, the cost of rent and maintaining accommodation has risen so much that some families are forced to give up the idea of sending their children to study in another city.
How much does student accommodation cost in Cyprus?
There is still a shortage of university dormitories on the island, so most students are forced to look for accommodation on the private market. Rental prices vary considerably depending on the city and type of property. Current approximate prices are as follows:
- a room in a shared apartment — €350–€650 per month;
- a studio — €500–€950;
- a one-bedroom apartment in Limassol — €1,000–€1,100;
- a one-bedroom apartment in Nicosia — €600–€650;
- a one-bedroom apartment in Larnaca and Paphos — €500–€600.
Electricity costs must also be added to the rent. In July and August, when air conditioners are used extensively, the bill can increase by another €80–€150 per month. As a result, Larnaca and Paphos remain the most affordable cities for students, while Limassol is the most expensive city for renting accommodation.
What POFEN is proposing
The federation believes that state financial assistance alone is not enough. At the same time, the supply of affordable student housing needs to be increased. POFEN proposes using state-owned and university land for the construction of new dormitories, expanding the existing housing stock and developing a multi-year construction programme.
The proposals call for cooperation between the state, universities, the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOAG), local authorities and private companies. Higher development density could be permitted on the condition that a certain share of apartments is allocated for affordable rental housing.
Another proposal is to create a single open register of student accommodation containing prices, addresses, availability and information on the energy efficiency of buildings.
Dormitories and temporary accommodation are needed
POFEN also proposes providing temporary accommodation for students who unexpectedly lose their housing and are unable to quickly find a new rental property. The federation is also calling for particular attention to be paid to the location of future dormitories: they should have convenient transport links to universities so that students do not have to overpay for daily travel. POFEN representatives cite Limassol as an example, where projects aimed at creating additional student accommodation are already being developed.
In the coming days, the federation’s proposals are expected to be submitted to the relevant ministries. In addition, POFEN representatives are planning meetings with the ministers of education, finance, transport and interior to discuss specific measures aimed at reducing the cost of living for students in Cyprus.