Students struggle to find housing near universities
More rooms are available on university campuses this year but some students in Halifax are still struggling to find housing.
University students, including Patrick Cormier, head back to class in about a month. He’s been hunting for an apartment, but so far, the only thing he’s found is his name on a waiting list to live on campus.
“I’ve messaged so many people and it’s really hard to even get an email back,” said Cormier.
Dalhousie University has more than 2,300 beds this year, compared to 1,800 beds last year, but rooms are already full.
Saint Mary’s University residences are also full. Communications Manager Cale Loney notes this typically happens late by July. That’s when the school starts a waitlist.
“That began a little earlier in July this year,” Loney said.
University of King’s College residences are also full.
In an email sent to alumni, professors and students, the University of King’s College’s Dean of Students urgently asked people to consider renting an empty bedroom or in-law suite to a student for the academic year.
According to the email, there are 15 first-year students and 10 upper-year students who cannot find housing.
Aparna Mohan, Dalhousie Student Union’s President, is noticing rental costs are up and so is the frequency of scams.
“Where they’re asked to place security deposits and complete credit checks and have information potentially stolen from them without any actual housing,” Mohan said.
According to data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Halifax’s vacancy rate is one per cent.
Mohan said she’s hearing more students who are being priced out of the peninsula and the downtown core of Halifax.
“And moving to places like Clayton Park and other suburbs,” she said.
Akuei Diing lives 20 minutes outside of Halifax and commutes to school.
“Right now, especially because a lot of buses aren’t in operation, it’s tough,” Diing said.
Mohan believes Nova Scotia needs to bring about practical changes such as more affordable housing, permanent rent control and help for international students.
“Helping international students to co-sign onto apartment listings since they don’t have credit history,” she said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.