The rising cost of housing in Austin has become a significant concern for college students, often surpassing tuition as their largest expense. Senior Adrian Aguilar, a civil engineering student at the University of Texas at Austin, shared his struggles with rent, revealing that he pays around $1,000 a month for a room in an off-campus apartment. Despite securing scholarships and financial aid, Aguilar finds it necessary to work to afford housing, which detracts from his academic focus.

Austin's housing market has seen average rents increase by 20% over the past five years, a trend that has prompted university officials to acknowledge the issue. UT Austin President Jay Hartzell noted that while tuition has decreased by 16% in the same period, the cost of room and board has risen to exceed tuition for in-state students. He emphasized the need for increased housing supply, as the university currently offers fewer than 10,000 beds for its 42,000 undergraduates.

In response to the housing crisis, UT has initiated new housing projects, including a 1,000-bed dorm for undergraduates. However, many students remain reliant on the private housing market, where they face rising rents and inadequate living conditions. The university's tenants union, formed by architecture students, has successfully lobbied for improved housing standards, including a ban on windowless bedrooms.

Nationally, nearly half of college students experience some form of housing insecurity, with 1 in 12 facing homelessness. Mark Hilsman from the Hope Center at Temple University highlighted that many students are working full-time while studying, often without sufficient federal support. Although Pell Grants can assist with housing costs, their purchasing power has diminished over time, leading students to incur greater debt.

To alleviate these challenges, UT launched a housing scholarship in 2023, providing up to $23,100 annually for over 3,000 middle and low-income students. Junior Ashanti Meredith, a scholarship recipient, expressed relief at the financial support, which has allowed her to focus on her studies rather than financial burdens.

Despite the high cost of living, both Aguilar and Meredith remain committed to their education at UT. However, Aguilar's concerns about future housing costs loom large, prompting him to consider returning home after graduation—a decision that could impact Austin's vibrancy as a college town.