Student Housing Survey

This survey is intended for current higher education students only. Please refrain from answering if you do not fall into this category. Thank you! 

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Which institution do you currently attend?

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Are you an undergraduate or graduate student?

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Are you a full-time or part-time student at your institution?

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Have you been deemed eligible to receive a Pell Grant?

A Pell Grant is a need-based federal aid for students in college or other post-secondary education to help low-income student pays for college costs. To explore eligibility criteria, follow this link: https://blog.prepscholar.com/pell-grant-eligibility-and-requirements-do-you-qualify

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Are you a First Generation student?

The Higher Education Act of 1965 and 1998 defines a first-generation college student as "a student both of whose parents did not compete a bachelor's degree, or in the case of students who live with and are supported by only one parent, a student whose only such parent did not complete a bachelor's degree."

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Which option best describes your current residence?

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What are your most important factors when searching for potential housing? (higher ranking indicates higher importance)

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What are the weaknesses of your current living situation? (select all that apply)

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What is a "deal-breaker" that would prevent you from selecting a certain housing accommodation? (select all that apply)

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How interested would you be living in this type of housing?

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How is the quality of university-owned housing at your institution?

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How often do you worry about affording rent or housing?

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Have you ever experienced homelessness as a student?

Homelessness is defined as not having stable or reliable housing (e.g. living on the street, in vehicles, motels, short term rentals, camp grounds, single occupancy facilities, or couch surfing in other people’s homes for temporary sleeping arrangements)

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If you selected yes to the previous question, how long were you homeless during the school year?

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Do you have any additional thoughts about your own or your institution's housing situation that you would like to share?

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The City is committed to engaging with a diverse group of students on this issue. If you are interested in participating in a focus group covering housing needs and challenges at your institution, please leave your email information. There will be a one-time meeting in November and the City will reach out if you are selected to participate.

Project Overview

Background

Students play a vital role in Austin's community, economy, and character yet often struggle to find affordable and accessible housing. Tuition costs, limited income, and the need for proximity to campus can make traditional housing options financially inaccessible. 

Purpose

By ensuring affordable and accessible housing for students, the city fosters a diverse, and vibrant community that benefits all of Austin. The Student Housing Study will help the city to better understand:

  • The specific challenges that students face in finding housing
  • The partnerships and strategies needed to encourage the creation of student housing near campuses
  • Policies that could support these partnerships and strategies

Engagement

The City will engage with the community in several ways. 

  • Students: The planning process will include collaboration with the College Student Commission and relevant student groups.
  • Higher education institutions: Meetings will be held with leaders of these institutions to develop partnership and strategies that encourage the creation of student housing near campuses. 
    • ​Austin Community College
    • Concordia University
    • Huston-Tillotson University
    • University of Texas at Austin
    • St. Edward's University
  • Public: The City will provide the recommendations to Council and the public by the first quarter of 2024. 

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the resolution does not specifically call for changes to existing affordable housing programs. Instead, its primary focus is to formulate policy recommendations and explore opportunities for partnerships that address the unique housing challenges faced by students in Austin.

No, the resolution does not call for any changes to UNO. Its main goal is to provide policy recommendations and explore collaboration opportunities to address student housing needs in Austin.

The City will provide the recommendations to Council and the public by the first quarter of 2024.  Any additional information or engagement opportunities will be posted on this page

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