As the new academic year begins, students at Ain Shams University are facing significant challenges in finding affordable accommodation. Many students, like Miary Khaled from New Valley Governorate, are forced to search for places to live near the university. The cost of living off-campus can be prohibitively expensive, with students having to consider factors such as distance, safety, and amenities.
A recent survey by Al-Masry Al-Youm in areas surrounding Ain Shams University, including Abbassia and Manshiyat Naser, revealed a wide disparity in rental prices. Students can pay around 1,000 Egyptian pounds per month for a bed in a shared room without utilities, while others may pay up to 3,300 pounds per month for a single room with all amenities. The prices vary depending on the location, with areas closer to the university or public transportation commanding higher rents.
Students are exploring different options to reduce costs, including sharing rooms with multiple occupants. However, this often means sacrificing personal space and security. Sara Adel, a student at Ain Shams University, found a single room near Demerdash Hospital for 2,500 pounds per month, which includes internet, gas, and water but not electricity. In contrast, Mona Sharif, a first-year dental student, pays 3,300 pounds per month for a room in a four-person apartment in the Ahmed Ezzat Street area.
Real estate agents attribute the rising costs to increased demand and higher property rents. According to Samir Emad, a real estate agent in Abbassia, some landlords offer lower rents but without utilities, which can add to the students' expenses. The cost of electricity and water varies depending on consumption and the number of residents, so these are often billed separately.
The struggle to find affordable housing is a significant concern for students, particularly those from outside Cairo. Many students, like Noor Samah, a education student, have had to endure a long search for accommodation. She eventually found a bed in a five-person room in Qobri El-Qubba for 1,000 pounds per month, but without utilities or appliances.
Experts point out that the rising costs of living, including accommodation, are affecting students' decisions to pursue higher education. The pressure on family budgets is also impacting birth rates, with many families opting to have fewer children due to financial constraints. As the academic year progresses, students will need to navigate these challenges while pursuing their studies.
The issue of affordable housing for students is likely to persist, with many students relying on private rentals or shared accommodation. University officials and policymakers may need to explore solutions to address the housing shortage and provide more affordable options for students. For now, students like Miary Khaled will continue to search for a place to call home while pursuing their academic goals.
Key points
- Students at Ain Shams University face rising accommodation costs, with prices ranging from 1,000 to 3,300 pounds per month.
- The cost of living off-campus is a significant concern for students, particularly those from outside Cairo.
- Real estate agents attribute the rising costs to increased demand and higher property rents.
