Prorector: More student housing on the way

The University of Copenhagen (UCPH) has teamed up with the City of Copenhagen to try to sort out student housing issues and so far they appear to be a good match.

Their newly proposed 480 flat refurbishment in the old DSB (Danish national rail) building in central Copenhagen is looking very likely, and now they are looking for entrepeneurs wanting to build housing for the thousands of young people who move to Copenhagen every year.

The City of Copenhagen has the power to deal with administrative issues concerning refurbishment of old Copenhagen buildings and UCPH knows its students need a place to live and what they are looking for. UCPH has also been able to guarantee that they can fill at least 100-150 flats.

(Editor’s Note: Need help finding housing? Here is our 2014-updated Guide to housing in Copenhagen)

Housing fund to help internationals

These flats are predominately aimed at international students, says prorector Thomas Bjørnholm, and that the demand is apparently “insatiable”.

“It is increasingly important for us to provide accommodation for our international scientists and students. It will be fantastic to be a part of the package that we can offer,” says Thomas Bjørnholm. “We have also started a housing fund to provide accommodation – first off – for internationals.”

The fund will help cover rent if a flat has to stand empty for a couple of months in-between tenants. This way, internationals won’t have to pay rent for a flat for months where they don’t actually live in it.

More surprises coming up

The Student Council at the University of Copenhagen has criticised that the flats are expensive for the average student.

Estimated rent is DKK 5,000 per month, though this includes separate bathrooms and a little kitchen for each flat. The building will also contain two-bedroom shared flats for two – the rent for these will be approximately DKK 4000 (including bills) per student.

“We will do everything we can to get the price down. We would like it to be as cheap as possible,” says Thomas Bjørnholm.

Are there other projects like the DSB building in the pipeline?
“Yes, we have other things on the agenda,” says Thomas Bjørnholm.

Would you like to tell us anything about it?
“No. I hope it will be just as big a surprise as the flats in the old DSB building”.

universitypost@adm.ku.dk

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