On 23rd – 25th September 2022, student members and SCH directors went to Zurich and Geneva for a housing symposium hosted by Co-operative Housing International to explore the benefits of a European umbrella organisation of student housing co-operatives.

Student members from Belfast, Cork and Manchester attended.

European Student Housing Co-op Convening : Developing a United Front

Date : September 23-  25, 2022

Location : Zurich and Geneva

Co-organisers : Cooperative Housing International, urbaMonde, Studentendorf Berlin, NASCO, Student Co-op Homes (UK), La Ciguë

Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for university students. The housing cooperative model has proven to be an interesting alternative to the traditional housing market for this population, offering affordable rents, good living and studying conditions, and an enriching experience in relation to community life, solidarity and self-help. This event will explore some inspiring examples of student housing cooperatives in Europe and elsewhere, focusing on the importance of adequate financial and technical support brought by public actors and through cooperation with other housing cooperatives and their local federations and networks.

Event Highlights

Cooperating among cooperatives: working together for more student housing

Architecture and its influence or impact on student living

Roundtable: The right to education and housing

Developing guidelines and a framework for a European Association of Student Housing Cooperatives

Guided Discussion: Establishing the groundwork for cooperation in Europe

Guided Site Visits