Housing crisis not due to influx of international students: UW

The housing crisis is impacting communities across the country, with rising rental costs, a lack of availability, and the cost of living skyrocketing.

But the root of those causes, is not international students, according to the latest study from researchers at the University of Waterloo (UW).

In fact, the team at UW found international students are impacted the most by the current housing crisis, following 21 international student families living in Waterloo Region over two years.

“The needs of international student families haven’t really been discussed,” Dr. Alkim Karaagac, a researcher in Waterloo’s Department of Geography and Environmental Management and the principal investigator of the new study, said. “There is an invisibility and silence, which is a perfect recipe for vulnerability and exploitation.”

Dr. Karaagac added those students often have trouble navigating the local housing market, with a lack of support and lack of knowledge of the area.

The study entitled, Learning from International Student Families, also shows one in five international students live with their partner and children during their studies and need higher quality housing to fit their needs.

“One thing that international students should receive is more accurate information on university housing, waiting lists, the cost of living and housing in their local regions,” Karaagac adds. “They also need hands-on support when applying for housing, so they don’t fall victim to fraud as they navigate their first week.”

According to researchers, Waterloo Region is one of the least affordable housing markets among Canadian university cities.