Housing Crisis Threatens Student Access at University of La Laguna
A severe housing shortage at the University of La Laguna is hindering student access to education, as limited public accommodation forces thousands to navigate an increasingly expensive and restrictive private rental market.
The housing crisis in San Cristóbal de La Laguna has moved beyond a simple economic issue; it is now a major barrier to higher education. Recent research into the student body at the University of La Laguna (ULL) shows that the right to study is effectively tied to a student's ability to navigate a strained housing market with very little public support.
The gap between the university’s housing capacity and its student population is stark. With 22,000 students, the ULL offers only 550 spots across its four residences—San Agustín, Santa María, San Fernando, and the Parque de las Islas. This covers just 2.5% of the demand, forcing most students—especially those from other islands—to rely on a private rental market defined by high prices and low availability.
The local rental market is increasingly restrictive. Data from the portal Idealista shows a shortage of housing, with small studio apartments costing up to 750 euros per month and rooms in shared flats averaging around 450 euros. This financial strain has caused some students to drop out or choose not to enroll at all, while others are forced to move to neighboring towns. This leads to longer commutes, a heavier reliance on public transport, and extra costs for late-night travel.
As the application process for public housing opens in April, many students face a period of significant uncertainty. Adding to the pressure, the ULL Social Council recently decided to raise accommodation fees by 2.8% for the coming academic year. Current monthly rates range from 135 to 300 euros for basic residences, and 270 to 750 euros for halls of residence, depending on family income and service type.
To address this, the local government and the university have planned a new residence on the Guajara Campus. A February urban planning report confirmed the site is suitable for at least 50 new spots. However, the project is still in the early stages of approval, meaning it will not provide immediate relief. In the meantime, students continue to struggle, as their ability to pursue an education remains largely dependent on finding affordable housing in an increasingly difficult market.