Student dormitory shortage worsens as universities take on more non-locals

Harriet Li Xinyi, 21, a year three student at Hong Kong Lingnan University, was chatting with her family in Shenzhen online, while her two roommates worked on their assignments in their Lingnan University student dormitory. 

Li left home three years ago to study in Hong Kong. However, she was not able to get a dorm room on campus for the first two years.

“I will have to go back to my home in Shenzhen if I don't get a dormitory next year,” Harriet said.

In the 2024 policy address, chief executive John Lee Ka-Chiu said studying in Hong Kong could nurture future talents, as the government-funded higher education institutions quota rose from 20% to 40% last year. The chief executive also proposed a pilot scheme allowing hotel and factory buildings to be used for change purposes to student dormitories.

Secretary for Education, Choi Yuk-lin, told the Legislative Council on Oct.30 that in September last year, there were a total of 37,600 student dormitories. A target of an additional 13500 host places will be provided by 2027 in universities.

64,200 non-local students were studying in higher education programs in Hong Kong in the 2023-24 academic year, according to government statistics.

“I initially got a place when I enrolled into the school, but there were two to three roommates in a room whom I am not familiar with, it was too crowded,” Li said.

Different universities have different evaluation criteria on whether a student should get a dorm room. At Lingnan University, the goal is to enable students to live on campus once every two years or twice over their fourth-year degree program.

At Education University, if students want to live in a dorm for two consecutive years, then they need to contribute to the university's affairs and achieve a certain grade point average. 

Li Jiaxin, 22, is a year three student at Education University. “I don’t intend to join the university’s service as achieving my study target is already hard enough,” she said

“I prefer to rent a house near the university,” said Li, “but my parents want me to live in the dormitory because it is HK$1,425 cheaper than the private apartment.”

Right now, Li l shares an apartment with three roommates in Sha Tin for HK$28,500 per month. She said there was not much choice for housing because it was near the peak season in September. 

Lee Man-kit, 35, a senior account manager from Midland Realty, said some landlords had tentative measures for students.

 “They will have a buffer within a month and offer up to 15% off for the rent if they sign up for two years,” Lee said.

 He said the demand for private units is usually high at locations close to campuses. 

“Students will often ask for a multi-room flat at a convenient place, which some university dormitories can’t provide,” he said.

“I heard from my classmates that the hygiene in the dorm was a concern, the washing machine and toilet were dirty,” said Li, “but I am satisfied with my house here with a private and clean environment.”

“It was quite a far walk to the supermarket. The canteen also closed early, so we didn’t have much choice,” Harriet added.

In June, Metropolitan University bought a hotel in Hung Hom that can accommodate 480 non-locals for HK$8000 monthly rent. They are all single rooms in the first year and have their own toilet and television. 

Li was instantly attracted by the private space in the latest student hostel format. 

“I will definitely apply for this type of student dormitory. It's a good option,” said Li, “my parents definitely agree to better security in the downtown area.”

Li and Harriet Li are currently trying to figure out how to get their ideal living arrangements and hope for more options in the future.

“Finding a stable place in Hong Kong is difficult for students, but the education reputation in Hong Kong is high. Maybe it was the cost that we needed to pay,” they said.