Housing instability and homelessness among tertiary students

Limited data on how housing instability and homelessness affect students.

Housing instability and homelessness among tertiary students are not well captured in current data. Information gathered across the tertiary sector indicates limited visibility of students’ housing situations.

In the absence of consistent data, student experiences provide important insight. Some students are living in temporary or unsuitable housing, including overcrowded conditions or couch surfing. These situations can affect wellbeing, financial stability, and the ability to engage fully in study.

Strengthening data collection in this area would support a better understanding of how housing instability affects students, and help inform more targeted responses across the system.

As housing continues to be a key concern for younger people, there is an opportunity to better understand and respond to the housing-related challenges students face. 

Data Source: OIA declines, no data held by Tertiary Education Commission