Rizvi Ahmed arrived in Australia from Bangladesh less than three weeks ago.
“I’m enjoying the country and the culture and everything else, the transportation system- everything.”
But when it comes to accomodation, the IT students says it’s been “tough.”
“The housing expenses is very much higher than I expected,” Ahmed said.
“I have to go to university from Sydney to Wollongong.
“I have contacted almost thirty to fifty people (to find a place in Wollongong).”
So far Ahmed says he’s had no luck.
He’s not alone.
Last month, University of Wollongong staff received an email asking them to house students.
You know the housing crisis is bad when your employer is asking if you have a spare room pic.twitter.com/3TV0uTJbHG
— Alistair Sisson (@AlistairSisson) January 27, 2022
This month, the university reversed plans to sell International House in response to demand and set up the Accomodation Support Hotline for students in housing crisis.
“The welfare and safety of our students are our highest priority, and we want you to know that we are here to support you,” a email to students announcing the hotline said.
Students can contact the hotline on 4221 5777 on weekdays, 9am to 4pm.
Education Officer of the Wollongong Undergraduate Students’ Association, Sean McLachlan, acknowledged the university’s response, but criticised the move last year to sell three student residences, including I-House.
“The university has responded in some way but in terms of the university’s role in the crisis, I don’t think it has aided the situation that they have sold or put for sale three of their housing accomodation,” McLachlan said.
“Also, the cost living on campus for most students is not a preferable option. I mean, I could have never lived on campus at the prices that they charge, which are close to Sydney prices.
“This is a compounding crisis in terms of student living conditions, which have been declining for years.
“There’s no easy solution to any of these crises, but I think there is a battle to be won in terms of defending all conditions for students, and housing is one of them.
“The university can do much more.”
A UOW spokesperson said the university made the decision to sell residences on the information available at the time.
“The Illawarra housing market has changed since then in ways that weren’t predicted,” the spokesperson said.
“Like many other areas of regional NSW, Wollongong is experiencing a severe shortage of private rental properties. The rental vacancy rate is the lowest it has been for a number of years. This issue is affecting many people across the Illawarra and South Coast, including students.
“Consequently, the University has brought International House back online to help meet increased demand for UOW Accommodation.
“UOW Accommodation prices are comparable to and competitive with those of other universities in NSW. They include many supports and services that private rentals don’t offer, which students will factor in when comparing the costs and benefits of on campus accommodation living experience versus private rentals.”