The University of Calgary says a record number of first-year students have chosen to live on campus this year despite a recent decrease in rental rates throughout Calgary.
“When I look at the first-year numbers, we’re up about 150 to 200 students,” said Randy Maus, the associate director of residence services at the U of C.
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The University of Calgary said 1,200 first-year students applied to live on campus this year. Of those, there are 850 students moving in. That’s compared to previous years, when approximately 600 to 700 first-year students wound up living in residence.
When asked why he thought the university had seen an increase in students living on campus, Maus pointed out the university offers perks that landlords often don’t, like utilities and internet included in the cost of rent.
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“From my point of view, I think a big reason people choose residence is for the experience,” Maus said.
“You’re dealing with a lot of people who are all going through the same experience together.”
Maus said there are also number of services available to students such as tutoring and mentoring.
“We are not the cheapest option out there, but we’re not the most expensive either,” he said. “I don’t think people choose us because of the price.”
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