Student accommodation prices have reached record levels, with single rooms costing around €350 per month, as reported by the Cyprus Federation of Student Unions (Pofen). The situation is exacerbated by a severe scarcity of beds in dormitories, particularly in Limassol and Nicosia.
According to Pofen representatives, the University of Cyprus currently has only 208 rooms available in Nicosia, while the Technical University of Cyprus (Tepak) offers 250 in Limassol and another 150 in Paphos. These limited spaces are primarily designated for first-year students, leaving many others in search of housing.
Student accommodation: Growing Demand vs. Limited Supply
Constantinos Karseras, chairman of Pofen, highlighted the pressing demand in Limassol, which far exceeds the available supply. This imbalance has led to ongoing construction of new dormitories in both Limassol and Nicosia, raising hopes for an eventual improvement in the accommodation crisis.
“We at Pofen are monitoring the procedures for the student dormitories for both the University of Cyprus and Tepak,” said Karseras. However, he voiced disappointment regarding delays in Nicosia, with the tender for the University of Cyprus dormitories recently cancelled. Progress at Tepak appears more promising, with the first 300 new rooms slated to be available by October 2026.
Increasing Student Enrolment and Housing Shortages
Despite the optimism surrounding new constructions, Karseras expressed concern that the dormitory plans were based on 2020 data. Tepak has since expanded its programmes, resulting in an increase in enrolment. “With the three new programmes at Tepak, about 100 new students are added, who will increase to 400 as time passes,” he explained, highlighting the growing pressure on student housing.
Financial Burdens and Available Support
In Limassol, the price for a subsidised dormitory single room stands at €350. To alleviate financial pressures until new facilities are completed, Tepak is offering a rent subsidy of €2,500 for ten months, granted based on socioeconomic criteria. The Limassol bishopric contributes by providing one free meal a day, while both the University of Cyprus and Tepak offer annual scholarships for eligible students.
For those still seeking alternatives, Tepak’s website lists 250 beds in rented buildings, with studios priced at €300 per month, one-bedroom flats at €350, two-bedroom flats at €500, and three-bedroom flats at €600. In Paphos, an arrangement with the municipality has resulted in 150 subsidised studios available for €350 for eligible students, alongside 50 studios priced at the full rate of €550.
Efforts to Assist Students in Finding Housing
Pofen has initiated a Facebook page aimed at mapping available apartments in the area, aiming to simplify the search for roommates and reduce the burden on students. This network has proven effective over the past two years, assisting over 500 students in securing accommodation. While older students have managed to find year-round accommodation for as little as €400 per month, first-year students, who often face more challenges in finding housing, are prioritised for dormitory placements.
Market Trends in Limassol and Nicosia
General rental prices in Limassol are soaring, with one-bedroom flats typically ranging from €600 to €880, and two-bedroom options averaging between €1,100 and €1,300. In Paphos, the market is somewhat more affordable, with one-bedroom flats reaching up to €700, two-bedroom flats up to €1,000, and three-bedroom options starting from €1,100.
In Nicosia, the rental landscape is similarly daunting, with prices near the University of Cyprus reaching €700 for a one-bedroom flat and €650 for a studio. The demand for more two-bedroom flats is critical, allowing students to share expenses effectively. New residential blocks are currently under construction around the university, with expectations of providing an additional 350 studios and one-bedroom flats.
The Private University Sector
For students attending private universities, the situation is equally challenging. Pofen member Andreas Gregoriou noted that dormitory rooms in these institutions can cost up to €800 per month, inclusive of utilities. The limited availability stems from a higher concentration of foreign students at private universities, further straining the housing market. Privately-owned one-bedroom flats in the surrounding areas can also reach up to €800 per month, with additional bills to be paid separately.
