Before the official start of the semester on October 1st, just over 700 successful applicants have moved into the halls of residence this month. The student union explained that they can currently only offer a place to 5.6 percent of students. This is below the national average of 9.6 percent.
Last year, a record high of almost 6,000 applications was reached. As the financial situation of students has continued to deteriorate, they are “more dependent than ever on affordable housing,” says the student union.
New dormitories under construction
New dormitories are therefore needed, particularly in Lübeck, where the fewest students can currently be offered a place. “This is only possible if all parties – us, the city, the state, universities – pull together,” explains the student union. The renovation of many existing dormitories “at the end of their life cycle” cannot be financed alone. Two projects with around 160 places each are already under construction in Flensburg and Kiel.
As an alternative to the classic dormitory, the student union also arranges so-called residential partnerships. Anyone who helps out in everyday life and provides companionship can stay with families, senior citizens or people with disabilities for a small cost. “The rule for partnerships is: one hour of help per month per square meter of living space,” explains the student union.
