Dionysia Stamoulis
Student Housing Crisis in Greece: A Growing Concern
The struggle for affordable student housing in popular tourist destinations like Corfu and Crete has reached alarming levels,as rising rents and the prevalence of short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb exacerbate the crisis. Students report that rents have nearly doubled in recent years,wiht many landlords opting to rent to tourists during peak seasons,leaving students without stable accommodation during critical exam periods. This situation is compounded by the lack of university-provided housing,especially in Heraklion,where students are forced to rely on distant hotels,incurring additional transportation costs. As the housing crisis intensifies,students and advocacy groups are calling for urgent reforms to ensure access to affordable housing and support for those affected by the commodification of essential services.
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Setting up like youth c
STUDENT DELETIONS
“Negotiations” and bargains of rectors with Pierrakakis
In his previous sheet Beforewe expressed the opinion that the rectors are not going to choose the conflict with the Ministry of Education on the issue of the deletion of “eternal” students. However, under the pressure of the educational community, the decisions and mobilizations of student associations and school departments (opposition has also been expressed by a wide section of secondary education), it seems that they are being forced into a regular folding.
Specifically, in the meeting they had with the Minister of Education Kyriakos Pierrakakis at 107or The meeting of Chancellors in Sparta expressed the opinion that despite exceeding the time limits, which were established in 2022 with Minister Niki Kerameos, it would be unfair to delete students who make an effort to complete their studies.
Based on this argument, the rectors suggested to Kyriakos Pierrakakis that the measure be reviewed on a case-by-case and university-by-university basis, and that a distinction be made between those students who are entirely inactive and those who are trying to complete their studies. For his part, the Minister of Education reserved himself to answer and asked the rectors to provide him with specific data for each institution.
The write-offs, according to the passed law, are expected to begin in September 2025. This means that time is pressing for the goverment in relation to whether it will finally implement the measure. Data from the National Authority for Higher Education (ETHAAE) even show that it does not concern a small number of students, with 47.97% having exceeded the upper limit of studies. Which means that 333,741 students will be out of school!
The violent and authoritarian way of erasing students for ”flexible and competitive” universities must not pass. And this will only be enforced by the student unions and the struggling education movement.
Phoebus Kakamanoudis
It was published in the newspaper Before on December 14-15 sheet
Title: Unpacking the Student Housing Crisis in Greece
Scene: A cozy studio set with a round table and two chairs. On one side sits the time.news editor, Alex, and on the other side, an expert in housing and economics, Dr. Maria Nikos. A camera crew is ready to capture the insightful discussion.
Alex: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into a pressing issue that’s affecting students across Greece—the growing student housing crisis. Joining us is Dr. Maria Nikos, an expert in housing policy and economic development.Maria, thank you for being here.
Dr. Nikos: Thank you for having me, Alex. I’m excited to discuss this important topic.
Alex: Let’s get straight to it. The situation in tourist-heavy areas like Corfu and Crete seems dire. What’s driving the demand for student housing in these locations?
Dr. Nikos: Absolutely, Alex. The soaring demand for affordable student housing in these regions correlates strongly with the influx of tourists. These areas are not just popular study destinations but also prime locales for holidaymakers. Consequently, many landlords are opting to convert long-term rentals into short-term tourist accommodations. This has substantially depleted the availability of affordable housing for students.
Alex: That’s a critical point! It seems like a classic case of supply and demand tipping too far towards tourism. Are there specific challenges that students face in this climate?
Dr. Nikos: yes, students are facing multiple challenges. First, the prices of available accommodation have skyrocketed, leaving many unable to secure a place to live affordably. Second, with so many properties now catering to tourists, students often find themselves competing against short-term leases that often come with fewer regulations. It’s a situation that creates a significant burden on students who rely on stable, year-round housing.
Alex: It must be incredibly frustrating for students. Are we seeing any governmental response or policies that aim to address this crisis?
Dr. Nikos: some local governments are beginning to recognize the issue. For instance, there have been discussions on implementing regulations that limit the number of properties that can be rented out as short-term rentals, as well as efforts to incentivize landlords to offer longer-term leases. However, these measures are still in their infancy and vary greatly from region to region.
Alex: That sounds promising, but progress seems slow. What can universities do meanwhile to support students facing housing difficulties?
Dr. Nikos: Universities play a crucial role here. They can strengthen their support systems by providing resources like housing guides, referrals to local agencies, and even partnerships with developers to create more student-focused housing.Moreover, implementing crash courses on navigating the local housing market could empower students to find suitable accommodations.
Alex: Those are practical solutions, and it’s vital that universities step up. With the growing interest in studying in Greece, do you think this crisis could affect the country’s reputation as a study destination?
Dr. Nikos: Absolutely. If students continue to struggle to find affordable housing, it could discourage potential applicants, impacting the vibrant cultural exchange and economic benefits that international students bring. it’s a delicate balance that needs to be addressed proactively.
Alex: what’s your message to students who are currently navigating this crisis?
Dr. Nikos: My message would be to stay informed and resourceful. Reach out to your university’s student services, connect with fellow students to share tips, and don’t hesitate to advocate for better housing policies. You’re not alone in this, and collective voices can spur necessary changes.
Alex: Wise words,Maria! Thank you for shedding light on this issue today. It’s essential that we keep these conversations going to ensure that the student experience in greece remains positive and enriching.
Dr. Nikos: Thank you, Alex! I appreciate the chance to share insights on such an important topic.
Alex: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and bring you updates on the student housing crisis in Greece. Until next time, take care!
[The camera fades as the discussion wraps up.]