Translation: Julie Summers

As we all know, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted society in an untold number of ways, and Student Services (FS) is no exception. Because of the pandemic, there are fewer international students coming to Iceland to study at UI than were expected and, as a result, fewer students applying for housing through FS. In addition, with most classes being held online at the moment, fewer Icelandic students who live outside the capital region are moving to Reykjavík. For these reasons, many rooms in student housing are currently unoccupied.

Mýrargarður, which opened in January 2020, is the largest student residence in the country, with space for around 300 individuals. Since its opening, waitlists for student housing through FS have shortened considerably, which is great news. However, due to current circumstances, there is less demand for student housing than was expected. As a result, FS has decided to adjust their allocation rules so that, for the first time, individuals who are not studying at UI can rent from FS. Rooms available to non-students are single occupancy with private bathroom and shower and access to a shared kitchen and common room. These rooms are located in Oddagarðar on Sæmundargata as well as in Mýrargarður.

Graphics / Margrét Aðalheiður Önnu Þorgeirsdóttir

Speaking with a Student Paper journalist, University of Iceland Student Council President Isabel Alejandra Díaz says that they are happy to welcome anyone who may benefit from the opening of student housing. “The student residences [operated by FS] have always been thought of as being for students at the University of Iceland, and understandably so. But we now have an opportunity to offer other students affordable housing, and of course we are glad to welcome those individuals. Unfortunately, students often find themselves in a weak position on the rental market because they don’t have steady incomes and therefore often can’t live in the same place long-term. FS was founded by students for students, and the goal has always been to offer excellent service, so it’s great to be able to serve more people, especially in light of the current situation,” says Isabel.

University of Iceland students will continue to have priority for housing allocations. Applications are prioritized as follows, from highest to lowest priority:

Current residents who fulfill the general allocation requirements
Foreign students who have priority (Fixed number of students with grants from the Ministry of Education, University of Iceland, or Fulbright Institute. Priority access to shared two-person apartments and rooms in Gamli Garður.)
UI students – legal residence outside the capital region
UI students – legal residence within the capital region
Students from other universities
Students from junior colleges or technical schools
Individuals not currently enrolled in school

This order of priority will also apply for the autumn semester. All pertinent information about allocation rules, eligibility requirements, and the application process for FS student housing can be found on their homepage, www.studentagardar.is.

Student Housing Opens Up to Non-Students