Every day, hundreds of students search for housing and are met with extortionate rents for substandard properties,” the statement reads. “In tourist areas, the situation is even worse, with rooms unavailable due to their conversion into short-term rentals for tourists.”

The unions also highlighted the severe shortage of student dormitories, noting that many universities don’t offer any accommodation, and where dorms do exist, the lack of communication about the admission process has left students uncertain about their housing prospects.

A crisis out of control

“The situation with student housing has spiralled out of control,” the unions declared. “Rents for even the most basic flats have skyrocketed, and the few available dormitories offer no information on when students can move in. Many of us are at a dead end, unsure whether we’ll even be able to start our studies.”

The unions further pointed to the sharp rise in the cost of living, which has made it nearly impossible for many students to afford housing. “With rents now as high as €400-500 for a studio, and many of us facing monthly expenses exceeding €1,000, families simply can’t cope,” they added, accusing the government of failing to address the issue.

Key grievances

The students outlined several major concerns, including:

  • Limited student housing: Student dormitories cover less than 7% of the demand for accommodation from those studying away from home. In 17 student towns and at six universities in Athens, there are no dormitories at all.
  • Inadequate housing allowance: The government’s recent increase in housing allowance applies to only a small portion of students and excludes those in Athens and Thessaloniki. With rents reaching as much as €500, the allowance of €125 per month is seen as woefully insufficient.
  • Misuse of university property: The unions criticised the commercial use of university-owned properties, arguing that they should be used to meet students’ housing needs.
  • Soaring rents: Rental prices have increased by 53% over the last five years, leaving many students struggling or unable to pay.

The students’ demands

The unions have outlined a set of clear demands to address the housing crisis:

  • Immediate start of the admission process for student dormitories and timely completion of all admissions.
  • Provision of affordable accommodation for students unable to afford rising rents, under the responsibility of the state and universities.
  • A significant increase in housing allowance to reflect current rental prices, with payments made at the start of the academic year and eligibility extended to more students.
  • Utilisation of university and state-owned properties to construct modern, affordable student housing, without relying on public-private partnerships (PPPs) or rental schemes.
  • Immediate renovation and repair of existing dormitories, with improved services, sufficient funding, and permanent staff.
  • Enhanced support for student welfare, including free meals, transport, and internet access. The unions are also calling for reductions in energy costs and the inclusion of student housing under the social energy tariff.
  • Broader transfer rights for students based on financial and social criteria, ensuring that all similar university departments are treated equally.

A call to action

On September 10, the student unions will lead a nationwide day of protest, with a major demonstration planned in Athens at 12:00 outside the Ministry of Finance. The unions are urging students across Greece to join the mobilisation in a united call for affordable housing and government action to address the worsening student housing crisis.

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