Students, Landlords Overwhelmed As Wash U Restricts On-Campus Housing Options [View all]

Some Washington University students are scrambling to find apartments after the university announced last week that it would decrease available on-campus housing to minimize the spread of COVID-19 on campus.

After Wash U announced its plans on July 31, students flooded Facebook groups to find housing near the school’s campus west of Forest Park.

“Hi there! A sad and confused Wash U senior here,” started one message from a sorority member looking for housing for herself and three friends. Other students described themselves as “scrambling” in social media posts.

The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in St. Louis has increased by 15% in the past year, according to Zumper’s National Rent Report. Several real estate offices leasing apartments told St. Louis Public Radio they’re now receiving far more applications than they have units to lease.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/education/2020-08-09/students-landlords-overwhelmed-as-wash-u-restricts-on-campus-housing-options?