Housing Resources for College Students

August 12, 2022 | by Laura Ross

Categories: Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Rental Housing

The country is facing an affordable housing crisis. The cost of housing, whether it be rental or for purchase, is rising quickly while inventory remains low.

See our recent blog post recapping the 2022 State of the Nation’s Housing Report, which documents the rising cost of housing across the country. 

As kids return to school, students going back college will acutely feel the impact of housing costs. A recent article by Housing Matters indicates that while college enrollment has increased over the last decade, comparable on-campus housing to match this increase in students hasn’t kept pace. This has led to a rise in costs for both on- and off-campus options, leading many to experience housing insecurity and homelessness. 

According to a study by The Hope Center for College, Community and Justice, more than 55% of students in Texas have experienced housing insecurity, and 16% have experienced homelessness. The study also found that students of color and LGBTQ+ students were much more likely to experience housing insecurity while attending a 2- or 4-year college or university. 

The impact this can have on a student’s success can be severe. Housing insecurity can cause uncertainty, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to poor academic focus and performance and may cause students to drop out of college entirely. 

There is no easy solution to this problem. Building more housing is unfeasible for most colleges due to the associated costs and availability of land. That said, many resources are available to students that can help ease the financial burden caused by increasing housing costs. 

Colleges across the country (like The University of North Texas and Texas A&M University San Antonio)  have created resource centers that provide emergency grants, food and housing assistance to their students. In addition, organizations such as Texas Student Housing provide housing scholarships and assistance to high school and community college graduates. 

Resources also exist at the federal level. Students can apply for a Pell Grant through the US Department of Education that can be put towards their education and housing needs.  

Housing insecurity can have dire effects on a student’s college experience and future, but raising awareness of the resources available to assist them can have a huge impact and improve their chances for success. 

Helpful Resources

Texas Student Housing

US Department of Education

University of North Texas

Texas A&M University San Antonio
 


On the House blog posts are meant to provide general information on various housing-related issues, research and programs. We are not liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the information provided by blog sources. Furthermore, this blog is not legal advice and should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed professional attorney.

Comments

rdeleon

Hi Madison,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Please contact your counselor or college resource center for more information. It’s important to have these conversations so you don’t stress.  Federal and state grants, institutional aid from colleges and universities, private scholarships and grants, federal and private student loans, and work-study programs are all options. Using any combination of these allows students to effectively help cover tuition, fees, books, housing, and other college-related costs.

Madison B

Hello, I am a sophomore student living in an apartment at Sam Houston State University. Currently, I am living with 3 other roommates, and I am living off of financial aid refunds. I still have 3 months of rent I have to pay for this semester and I do not know how I am going to pay for the rest of the semester after this months payment. I am in dire need of financial assistance just so that I can pay my rent.

rdeleon

Hello Tabitha,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Your cost of attendance usually covers both your tuition and basic living expenses, including housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and travel costs and personal expenses. Please contact the college’s housing office. And, encourage your son to connect with other students looking for a roommate.

For off campus resources, there are student housing websites designed to help students find housing near the college (ie: Craigslist, Zillow, or local real estate agencies).

Tabitha Edge

I’m trying to make sure my son has housing or a dorm room when he gets to college at UNT so far I’m getting the run around he has financial aid and scholarships but when I go to apply for housing there’s no link I don’t know if it’s closed or what I am disabled single mom of two I can’t afford to move to Denton myself to have him live with me unless funds are helped or he received helped for housing himself please help me

rdeleon

Hello Naomi,

Thank you for writing in.  Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation is a non profit organization that helps first time homeowners with down payment assistance. 

You may qualify for rent payment assistance with The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). The Texas Rent Relief program helps Texas renters pay rent and utility bills .  Please see what assistance you may qualify for at:  https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us

naomi ramos

i’m a 17 year old mom and i am currently living with my boyfriend and his family but we are planning to move out within 2 months but it’s hard to pay for his college and an apartment and taking care of a 3 month old. only my boyfriend works so we are trying to make it work but we need help.

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