UGent is making a significant investment in additional, affordable, and high-quality student housing. At the start of the new academic year, the university is opening two new student residences: Home Irène Van der Bracht on IJzerweglaan with 341 rooms and Home Henri Pirenne on Nieuwewandeling with 148 rooms. Following extensive renovations, Home Boudewijn on Harelbekestraat (456 rooms) will also reopen its doors. These three projects mark a milestone in UGent's student housing master plan.
The pressure on Gent's housing market is high, making it difficult for students to find affordable accommodation. UGent aims to address this by developing, purchasing, renting, renovating, and sustainably managing student housing itself. The ambition is to expand the housing offer to 6,000 student rooms in the coming years.
Rector Petra De Sutter emphasizes the importance of affordable and quality housing for students, especially for those facing greater difficulties in finding a room. Flemish Minister for Housing, Energy and Climate, Tourism and Youth Melissa Depraetere highlights that cost should not be a barrier to living in a student residence and commends the collaboration between Flanders and the universities.
Home Boudewijn, a landmark with iconic blue facade panels dating back to 1966, is ready for a new generation of students after two years of renovation. The refurbishment included both rooms and common areas, with investments in accessibility, energy efficiency, fire safety, and living comfort. The surrounding area has also been redesigned, including a new bicycle shed.
Home Irène Van der Bracht increases the supply of affordable student housing within cycling distance of the campuses. Home Henri Pirenne specifically caters to international doctoral students, aiming to provide them with housing security and facilitate their integration into Gent. Logistics manager Jeroen Vanden Berghe notes that the expansion specifically targets students who find it harder to secure a room, such as scholarship students and international students, which is crucial for accessible higher education.
The student housing master plan is far from complete. UGent expects to bring approximately 500 additional rooms into use in the next two years and will continue to invest in new and renovated student housing, focusing on affordability, sustainability, good location, and quality of living.
