BU residences filling up fast amid rental crunch

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This article was published 13/08/2024 (390 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon University’s on-campus housing is nearing full capacity, with about 85 per cent of spaces already filled as of Monday, ancillary services manager Jackie Nichol told the Sun.

Nichol said the development marks a significant recovery for the university’s residence services, which are still rebounding from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re nearing a sellout, estimating about 85 per cent of available spaces have been booked,” she said on Monday. “Each year after COVID, we’re seeing the numbers increase … We haven’t seen this since COVID.”

The recent jump in demand for on-campus housing, she said, reflects broader trends in student housing preferences as the world emerges from the pandemic and students increasingly seek convenience, especially those who are new to the city.

At the same time, local property owners have reported an overwhelming surge in inquiries for rental properties, indicating a broader shortage of available housing in Brandon.

Ashleigh Hamm, a local landlord, shared on social media that the surge has grown in recent last weeks, with Hamm receiving more than 250 inquires on a rental house.

“The task of just managing all the inquiries was too much for my brain to handle,” Hamm said. “I generally get a lot of interest, but that’s insane. What is happening?”

Reta Saborowski, another property owner, was also flooded with inquiries.

“I got 100 inquiries within the first 48 hours of posting a one-bedroom apartment for rent — totally overwhelming,” Saborowski said.

This heightened demand for housing in the wider Brandon area makes the availability of university residences even more critical for students.

Nichol said on-campus living not only offers convenience, but also helps alleviate the stress of finding off-campus accommodation in a highly competitive market.

The university, on its website, says it offers several accommodation options. The “Super Saver” plan, costing $4,575 per term (estimated), includes a double room in McMaster Hall and the Value Meal Plan. The “College Single” plan, at $4,975 per term, features a single room and the Value Meal Plan.

In a statement provided to the Sun, the university said it believes its residence is priced reasonably for the local market, particularly when considering everything that is included that may not be a part of off-campus rentals, including utilities and internet.

The room prices include all utilities and Wi-Fi service at no extra cost, Nichol said, adding the buildings always have security guards, ensuring a safe space for residents.

Students who live on campus are also guaranteed a parking space and do not have to face the rush to buy their permit in fear of sellouts, she said.

“Meal plans, irrespective of cultural and dietary need, are in place for all students offering diverse food options and a Food Services team that will work to ensure the best possible food experience for students.”

However, Nichol stressed that the value of living on campus goes beyond the cost and variety of services but includes a strong sense of community.

“You know that your neighbour is going to be a classmate and a colleague, maybe at some point in time,” she said. “For students coming from other countries, this is such an easy transition. All their classes are just a few steps away, there’s no need for a vehicle, grocery shopping, or other things that would be hard to adapt to culturally and internationally.”

The university’s residences are not limited to Brandon University students. The institution has partnerships with Assiniboine College and the Brandon Flight Centre, among others, to house students from these institutions as well.

“It is first come, first served, as far as the application system goes and no preference is given to BU students.”

Nichol said the university is always exploring opportunities for expansion to meet growing demand.

“We do have the ability to change and grow a little bit within our footprint,” she said, hinting at possible adjustments such as increasing the number of double rooms if demand continues to rise.

With applications still coming in daily, Nichol expects the residence to reach full capacity soon.

“We do anticipate a sellout,” she said, advising students still seeking housing for the fall semester to apply immediately.

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