Students look for accommodation with University of Calgary residences already full

The president of the University of Calgary Students' Union is urging Calgarians to consider renting a room to a student this fall with places to rent on and off campus getting very scarce.

Nicole Schmidt says residences are full and there's limited housing availability in the city — especially close to the school.

"We've been really asking Calgarians, if you have a spare room in your home or any type of suite that is safe for students to rent, please consider doing that for a student because we definitely will have university students who are in need, sort of mid-August and come September," she said.

The University of Calgary confirmed in an email to CBC News that because of higher than normal demand, its 10 residence complexes are full.

The university says it will be housing 3,047 single students and 123 families in the 2022-2023 school year.

"At this time, UCalgary cannot accommodate any new applications," the school said, noting that 545 students are waitlisted.

"Communication is ongoing with students, including those on waitlists, to help guide them to alternative accommodation options within Calgary."

The SU says it has seen a sharp drop in rental housing postings on its housing board, with just 15 advertisements purchased in June and July compared to 75 in the same months of 2019.

In an effort to get more options for students, the SU is allowing landlords to post rental ads on the housing board for free this summer.

"Students deserve to access safe, clean, and affordable housing while they pursue their studies," Schmidt said.

"The current rental market is tight and what's available often costs more than what students can afford. This is an access and affordability issue."