Giving Voice to Housing Concerns

Graduate students had their say this spring about housing options, highlighting key findings from a 43-page report outlining their concerns, voicing frustrations with housing procedures, and offering suggestions at a meeting attended by University officials. 

The report, based on a survey completed by more than 1,400 students, recommended better research of student needs, consideration of lower-cost housing options, and partnering with nearby apartment complexes. It also suggested providing housing for students’ entire program length (this year, Princeton offered campus housing to 77 percent of regularly enrolled students who had not exceeded their program length); considering factors such as program length, research and teaching requirements, and international-student status in assigning units; and designating specific units for students with families.

Housing officials say the report will help assess future housing sites for the forthcoming campus plan. At a meeting this summer, administrators and student representatives will begin outlining work to be done over the next year.

Students say Princeton has made great strides to improve grad-student housing, but concerns remain. “There’s a lot of stress and anxiety surrounding the [room] draw process,” said Graduate Student Government facilities chair Mai Nguyen. “And finding housing in the surrounding areas — especially if you’re an international student and don’t have credit history or a car — can be a difficult and consuming experience.”