More Students in Tartu Choose to Pay Extra for Single Rooms Rather Than Share Dormitories
Tartu University has received over 700 accommodation applications for just under 600 spots, but expects everyone to find a place. The pandemic has increased demand for single rooms, with waiting lists now up to 1.5 years.
Tartu University's dormitories have received more than 700 accommodation applications, while only slightly less than 600 places are available. However, it is expected that by the start of the academic year, all applicants will receive housing, as some students refuse offered rooms if they are not in their preferred dormitory, or cancel contracts with 30 days' notice. Last year, additional vacancies also appeared due to fewer international students arriving than expected.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, more students want to live alone. Currently, the waiting time for a single room can be up to one and a half years. For studio apartments, of which Tartu University has only four in the entire city, the wait reaches three years. A similar trend is observed at the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
"Studios, where you don't have to share any room with others, are one of the most demanded types of housing. The number of applications for private rooms exceeds the number of available spots, so we cannot always meet all such requests. This prolongs the allocation process, as we have to offer alternative living options," said Roland Ain Kask, executive director of the Roheme campus.
A studio in a dormitory costs students approximately 400 euros per month, including utilities. On the private market, one-room apartments rent for about 350–500 euros per month without utilities. Both universities note that more students are willing to pay extra for the opportunity to live alone.
"Of course, there are still students who rent one apartment among several people. But in my opinion, such cases are becoming rarer. The ability to live independently, make your own decisions, and not share space is increasingly valued. If finances allow, students are ready to pay for such comfort," explained real estate broker Peep-Ain Saar.
Overall, no housing shortage is expected for students – space will be found both in dormitories and on the private market, where supply has slightly increased compared to last year. Currently, about 500 rental properties are available in Tartu.
