Johanna Persson, chair of Studentföreningen Campus Skellefteå (student association at Campus Skellefteå).
The Swedish National Union of Students (SFS) is a national association of student unions at Swedish universities that annually assesses the housing conditions in the country's university towns.
Skellefteå, which previously boasted a "housing guarantee" for students and earned a green rating in the SFS survey, has now fallen to a red rating. A red classification indicates that the city is unable to provide housing for all incoming students during the autumn semester.
– The number of students is growing, but new housing construction isn't keeping pace with the demand, explains Johanna Persson, chair of the student association at Campus Skellefteå.
– We're facing the same housing market challenges as everyone else.
Skebo claims that students can secure their own housing at a reasonable rent within a month. However, the student union reports that the process typically takes around six months.
– We understand that Skebo is doing its best to address the situation, says Persson.
– But many students aren't even aware of the housing guarantee, so I hope more information can be disseminated.
Persson has recently heard numerous distressing stories from students in the city.
– Some students are currently staying at campgrounds, she says.
– I recently heard about someone who had to stay in a hotel. There are many more such cases this year.
Anna Ersson, customer and marketing manager at Skebo, finds the new low rating perplexing.
– We're somewhat puzzled. We've reviewed our own statistics and believe that everyone who contacts us receives housing assistance. Initially, it might be a temporary solution, but we help everyone who reaches out.
What are you doing to improve the housing situation for students?
– Improving the housing situation for students is a top priority at the highest political levels. We're actively working on various projects and initiatives to address this issue, says Ersson.
Rankings
Green: A study location that can guarantee students housing within one month.
Yellow: A study location that can offer a long-term lease for the entire autumn semester.
Red: A study location that is unable to provide housing for all incoming students during the autumn semester.