Five (unconventional) proposals to tackle the lack of accommodation for international students 

The acute housing shortage, primarily in Europe’s larger cities but also beyond, is threatening the social diversity of the population. This is felt not least by international students, who find themselves at the bottom of the housing ladder and are often downright excluded from the private rental market. Even where higher education institutions (HEIs) can rely on their own housing stock, the situation is becoming increasingly precarious due to rising student numbers and dwindling reserves of land on which to build. Teaching activities are also taking up more and more space to accommodate growing demands and improve educational settings and research facilities. 

So, what can be done for international students, particularly the vulnerable sub-category of exchange students, who are often overlooked by landlords due to the higher management costs and complexities of short-term rentals? While we firmly uphold the ideals of diversity and internationality for good reason, just as internationalisation is already conceptually inscribed in the meaning of the word "university" (universitas = totality), we must tackle the accommodations crisis just as resolutely, even if the situation may seem hopeless at first. This also means considering and promoting 'unorthodox' measures, if only to spur stakeholders and decision-makers into action and highlight the urgent need for solutions. 

The five (more or less) thought-provoking proposals outlined below serve exactly that purpose. They should therefore not be judged solely on their feasibility, but on their intent to address a problem in the first place, which can no longer be ignored. 

Room swaps 

Exchange students not only need accommodation at the host destination, but they also free up living space at home while they are away. It is therefore obvious that a room swap between an outgoing and incoming student might be a good option. HEIs should facilitate and promote such room swaps between their exchange students. 

Premiums for room providers 

 Renting rooms to international students is often seen as unappealing and costly due to cultural differences and the high turnover of tenants. How about a financial incentive? HEIs could pay facility managers and private landlords a one-off premium for each room rented to international students. 

"Scamping" or bring your own home 

Have you ever heard of "scamping"? Think of it as camping for exchange students! Camping doesn’t have to be minimalist and uncomfortable, something we’ve known since the rise of "glamping", which has started attracting comfort-loving nature lovers to campsites. Why not make interim use of existing building land reserves or wasteland as "scamping" sites? Imagine the possibilities of a few converted construction trailers, shipping containers, yurts, or even a circus tent as a common room with kitchens. Add a few open fire pits here and there, gardens with kitchen herbs and vegetables, and there you have it - the thriving student city where everyone wants to stay during their exchange semester! 
There could even be space for students who want to pitch their own tent or place their caravan. 

Reframing clusters of target groups 

The flow of migrants into cities does not only include international students, but also job seekers of different types and political refugees, all of whom need humane and dignified housing. Why not plan their accommodation together? This approach could create unity and foster social acceptance, not to mention encouraging mutually beneficial social exchange and many opportunities for informal and institutionalised support services. 

This approach could also be adapted to other traditionally homogeneous residential clusters (eg retirement homes), which would also benefit in many ways from a more heterogeneous and inclusive approach. 

Interim use and conversion of office spaces 

While the vacancy rate for residential space in cities is incredibly low, the same cannot be said for office spaces, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In many cities, there is huge potential to create additional living spaces by repurposing vacant offices. Real estate companies have already recognised this opportunity and are planning expensive apartments to add to their large investment portfolios. HEIs and municipalities, however, should work towards converting such properties into affordable student housing. For example, by allowing the necessary rezoning of certain commercial properties for the purpose of student housing.

I hope this open list of ideas will be extended by various fruitful proposals, not only to help counteract the shortage of living spaces for international students but also to contribute to enhancing the living quality in our cities and enriching the social fabric of our communities. Higher education Institutions and their international offices, in particular, have a duty to seek viable solutions to the housing crisis and to develop and promote these together with key stakeholders.