14 May Public Release of the Report on Post-Secondary Student Housing Need for Publicly Funded Institutions on Prince Edward Island
Public Release of the Report on Post-Secondary Student Housing Need for Publicly Funded Institutions on Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown, May 14, 2025 – Over the past few years, the UPEI Student Union (UPEISU) teams have advocated to the Provincial Government for improvement to student housing and in the Winter of 2024, partnered with the Government of PEI, Holland College, College de l’Isle, UPEI and Turner-Drake & Partners Ltd. to create PEI’s first Post-Secondary Student Housing report, an in-depth study about the affordability and accessibility challenges students face when dealing with housing. This study details the economic impact of student dollars, how students are exploited in the housing industry, and the difficulties they face in finding a place to live.
Over the years, students have increasingly faced the pressures of the housing market in Prince Edward Island. Often excluded from housing support programs, the release of this report is a significant step forward in addressing the student housing crisis. Students face unique challenges in housing; they often require eight-month leases instead of twelve, they need housing close to their institution, and while going to school, they are often unable to work full-time. According to the report, an average student going to school on PEI spends $930 on monthly housing expenses (56% living with at least one roommate), against an average wage of only $18.24/hour. “With rising tuition costs and living expenses, many students are forced to prioritize finding accommodation that fits their financial means, often compromising on other preferences.”
While current trends suggest conditions have improved since the report’s commission, the student housing crisis remains unresolved. Changes to the Federal immigration policy are expected to reduce international student enrollment by approximately 20% by 2026–2027. However, Overall enrollment is expected to return to 2023–24 levels by 2028–2029, demonstrating the continued need for affordable student housing investment.
The UPEISU would like to thank the Department of Housing, Land, and Communities and the Canadian Mental Health Association – PEI Division for their generous contribution. Additionally, over the past year, representatives from Holland College, the Holland College Student Union, Collège de l’Île, UPEI, Turner-Drake & Partners Ltd., Upland Planning + Design Studio, and the Government of PEI have worked together as members of the project’s steering committee, alongside UPEISU representatives. This report would not have been possible without their collaboration.
“This report is the first dedicated look at the student housing situation on PEI, informed by input from hundreds of Island students,” said Noah Mannholland, former Vice-President Academic of the UPEISU and Chair of the Project’s Steering Committee.“It offers critical insight into a widespread issue that has long gone unexamined, and we hope it serves as a foundation for future research and advocacy.”
The UPEISU remains committed to working with the provincial government to address the student housing crisis and looks forward to continued collaboration.
Please click here to access the report.
Media Contact:
Leena Daboo // Marketing and Communications Manager // communications@upeisu.ca