From the freedom to move to the freedom to stay: insights into the student housing crisis in Europe.

The housing crisis is becoming a significant issue for students across Europe, as highlighted by the EU Post-Electoral Survey 2024. Rising prices and the cost of living (42%) and the economic situation (41%) were among the key factors that motivated European citizens to vote in the June 2024 European elections (European Parliament, 2024). This issue has also made it increasingly difficult for students to find affordable accommodation. This problem is especially severe in large cities, where the demand for student housing far exceeds the available supply. As a result, many students are forced to live in overcrowded spaces or move far from their universities, negatively impacting their studies and overall well-being.

This report aims to provide a clear picture of how the housing crisis is affecting students, tackling not only the issue from an exchange student perspective but also comparing it with non-mobile students. The following report is based on survey responses from 5,713 students.