Research Driven Essay

Brandy Tanguilig, 300830108

Centennial College

COMM 170; College Communications

Shima Safdari

July 29, 2024

Affordable housing for students is a critical yet often overlooked issue that has far-

reaching consequences on their well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. In

recent years, the rising costs of living, coupled with high demand and limited supply, have

worsened the housing crisis faced by students, forcing many to settle for substandard living

conditions. This essay explores the challenges of securing affordable student housing, using

various sources to critique and analyze the current situation. By examining these sources, we aim

to highlight the urgent need for policy changes and community action to address this growing

issue.

Summary

In the article "I couldn't find affordable student housing, so I settled for a mouldy

basement" by Eric Cimic (2023), published on [Link], the author recounts his struggle to

find suitable and affordable housing as a student. Cimic describes his experience of searching for

a place to live in a competitive rental market, where high demand and limited supply have driven

prices to exorbitant levels. Despite his efforts to secure a decent living arrangement, he

eventually settles for a mouldy basement that poses health risks. Cimic highlights the lack of

affordable options for students, particularly in urban areas, and the impact it has on their well-

being. He emphasizes the need for more accessible and affordable housing options, as students

are forced to make compromises and endure substandard living conditions. The author also sheds
light on the financial burden that students face, having to balance their studies with the inflated

cost of education and living expenses. Cimic's story serves as a reminder of the challenges many

students face in finding suitable housing, and the urgent need for policy changes to address this

growing issue.

Critique

The sources reviewed in this essay provide a comprehensive overview of the affordable

student housing crisis, each contributing unique insights into the issue. However, it is essential to

critique their effectiveness and assess whether the authors present biased or unbiased opinions.

Eric Cimic's article on [Link] is a compelling and personal account of his struggle

to find affordable housing. While his narrative is powerful and relatable, it is inherently

subjective as it is based on his personal experience.“To make student housing more accessible,

the city of Fredericton needs to improve the public transit system.” (Cimic, 2023) This highlights

the physical barrier specific to the students of Fredericton, but it may not fully capture the

broader systemic issues at play. His perspective is valuable for raising awareness, but it would

receive help from added data and broader context to strengthen the argument for policy changes.

The study by Hallett and Freas (2017) offers a more empirical approach, providing data

on the prevalence of housing insecurity among community college students. This peer-reviewed

article is rigorous and well-researched, offering valuable insights into the systemic nature of the

housing crisis. The study by Hallett and Freas (2017) found the following:
 The United States Department of Housing and UrbanDevelopment (HUD,2015) reported

that housing accounts for 50% of costs at four-year institutions and over 65% of costs at

community colleges. (para. 1)

The authors present a balanced view, acknowledging the multifaceted challenges faced by

students while advocating for policy interventions. Their focus on poor students adds depth to

the discussion, highlighting the intersection of housing insecurity and socioeconomic status.

Sotomayor, Tarhan, and Vieta's (2022) article delves into the hidden curriculum of

student housing and its impact on marginalized students. This peer-reviewed source is well-

researched and provides a critical analysis of the social and economic factors that worsen

housing insecurity. The paper by Sotomayor, Tarhan, and Vieta's (2022) presented the following:

Between 2006 and 2016, Toronto’s rental affordability deteriorated rapidly, with

significant growth in high-rent luxury and condominium rental units, and 26% decrease

in affordable apartments with rent under $1000 CAD. (para. 3)

The authors present a nuanced view, recognizing the complex interplay between housing costs,

student marginality, and access to higher education. Their call for universities and policymakers

to prioritize affordability and accessibility is well-founded and supported by evidence. However,

the article's focus on urban universities may limit its applicability to rural or less urbanized areas.

Parsons and Mikita's (2019) article on novels featuring homeless students offers a unique

lens through which to view the housing crisis. By analyzing literature, the authors provide a
creative and empathetic approach to understanding the issue. The article by Parsons and Mikita

(2019) share:

We believe engagement with, and a social class critique of these novels may be a starting

point for students who are silently struggling with being homeless, for housed students,

and for teachers to deconstruct the neoliberal discourse of homelessness and begin to

reconstruct homelessness as an issue of social justice. (para. 14)

This peer-reviewed source is effective in raising awareness and fostering empathy, but it may be

less practical in terms of policy recommendations. The focus on literature as a medium for

exploring housing insecurity is valuable, but it may not address the immediate and tangible needs

of students facing housing challenges.

In terms of bias, each source may carry inherent biases based on the authors' perspectives

and the nature of their work. Cimic's personal account is subjective, reflecting his individual

experience. Hallett and Freas' study, while empirical, may be influenced by their focus on

community college students and economically disadvantaged populations. Sotomayor, Tarhan,

and Vieta's article is critical of existing systems and may carry a bias towards advocating for

systemic change. Parsons and Mikita's focus on literature may introduce a bias towards using

creative mediums to explore social issues.

Despite these potential biases, the sources collectively provide a robust and multifaceted

understanding of the affordable student housing crisis. They highlight the urgency of the issue

and the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of housing insecurity. By
critiquing these sources, we can appreciate the complexity of the problem and the importance of

diverse perspectives in advocating for change.

Conclusion

The struggle for affordable student housing is a pressing issue that affects the well-being and

academic success of countless students. Eric Cimic's personal account, supported by research and

literature, highlights the challenges faced by students in finding suitable and affordable housing.

The lack of affordable options and the financial burden placed on students exacerbate existing

inequalities and marginalization. Urgent policy changes are needed to address this crisis and

ensure that all students have access to safe and affordable housing. By prioritizing the well-being

and housing needs of students, we can create an environment where they can thrive and succeed

in their educational pursuits.

The various sources reviewed in this essay each contribute valuable insights into the

affordable student housing crisis, despite potential biases. Cimic's personal narrative raises

awareness of the issue, while academic studies by Hallett and Freas, and Sotomayor, Tarhan, and

Vieta provide empirical evidence and critical analysis, and Parsons and Mikita's exploration of

literature fosters empathy and understanding.

Together, these sources underscore the urgent need for policy changes and community

action to address the affordable student housing crisis. By recognizing the multifaceted nature of

the issue and considering diverse perspectives, we can develop comprehensive solutions that
ensure all students have access to safe, affordable, and suitable housing. This is essential for their

well-being, academic success, and overall quality of life.

References
Cimic, E. (2023, August 1). I couldn’t find affordable student housing, so I settled for a mouldy
basement. . [Link]. [Link]

Hallet, R. E., & Freas, A. (2017, August 21). Community College Students’ Experiences with
Homelessness and Housing Insecurity.
[Link]
cdi_proquest_journals_2316402214

Parsons, L. T., & Mikita, C. (2012, April 1). Bringing the housing crisis home: novels featuring
students who are homeless.
[Link]
cdi_proquest_journals_2316402214

Sotomayor, L., Tarhan, D., & Vieta, M. (2022, May). When students are house poor: urban
universities, student marginality, and the hidden curriculum of student housing.
[Link]
cdi_proquest_journals_2655621441