An in-depth exploration of housing insecurity experienced by CBU students

Abstract

Housing insecurity refers to a broad set of challenges, including the need to move frequently as a result of substandard, unsafe and/or low-quality housing, and/or ongoing difficulties paying for rent, utilities, and other basic necessities. Cape Breton University (CBU) students are particularly vulnerable to housing struggles due to increasing tuition, high rent, and a lack of affordable rental supply in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM). There is a strong need for research given recent housing crises experienced by influxes of international students at CBU as of 2019. The present study aimed to better understand CBU students who have experienced housing insecurity during their time at CBU, and their perception of the impact of housing insecurity on their academics, mental health, physical health, etc., as well as the effectiveness of the support services (or lack thereof) offered. Nine participants took part in one-on-one semi-structured qualitative interviews to discuss their experiences with housing insecurity, its impact on their lives, what resources have helped them cope, and what they feel can be done in terms of providing better support services for students. Grounded theory analysis was conducted in order to identify common themes across all interviews. The ten major themes from this analysis were: Non-Local Students Struggle to Find Housing on their Own; Trying to find housing results in Panic because Nothing is Available; Exploitative Landlords Taking Advantage of Student’s Desperation; Terrible experiences Living in Infested, Substandard Housing; Extreme Stress/Negative impacts on Health & Academics; “Students helping Students” Gain Somewhat Better-Quality Housing using New, Local Connections; Insight on what CBU can do to Genuinely Help; Solutions; CBU Off-Campus Housing Not Useful/Helpful; CBU On-Campus Housing Too Expensive; CBRM Tenancy/Access Services Unhelpful. These findings reveal that students have been struggling mentally and academically as a result of housing insecurity, most see the problem as widespread but unacceptable, and there are multiple areas in which CBU can improve their ways of supporting and accommodating its student body.