To be eligible for our housing list, you have to be admitted at Lund University, and study actively (and preferably diligently). The annual study checks release a large number of housing places to active students.
AF Bostäder is a foundation whose task is to provide housing for Lund students. AF Bostäder’s statutes state: “The foundation’s task is to own and manage buildings intended as inexpensive and fit-for-purpose housing for active students who are also members of the Academic Society in Lund, as well as for other individuals or groups decided on by the foundation’s board.”
“Our entire operation is built around what is best for Lund students,” says Claes Hjortronsteen,” Rental Manager at AF Bostäder. “We build housing, we manage housing and we rent out housing to those who come to Lund University to study. Everyone who lives here has an active relation to Lund University.”
Landlords sometimes give priority to customers based on the length of tenancy. Such rules favour already established tenants. Sometimes, customers are prioritised in other ways, via point systems.
“In Lund we apply a straightforward housing list system in which everyone waiting for their turn is treated equally,” says Claes Hjortronsteen. “What applies here is that housing applicants and tenants are active at the university or higher education in Lund and are members of the Academic Association. No one gets extra points for seniority, membership or suchlike.”
The definition of an “active student” is that you are to gain the equivalent of at least 15 credits per semester in order to retain your housing or place on the housing list. Every year, AF Bostäder checks that all tenants are either newly admitted or gain sufficient credits to be considered as active students. The checking procedure is carried out in cooperation with the LADOK study documentation system. Several hundred housing places are released each year and can then be offered to active students or newly admitted students.
“We are very clear about what applies right from the moment you sign the contract with us,” says Claes Hjortronsteen. “And our tenants know our rules inside out. They all know that when you have finished your studies in Lund, you give notice on your housing and give up your place on the housing list.”
One of Lund University’s success factors is the ability to attract students from far away. AF Bostäder provides extra support to new students who live beyond commuting distance, i.e. outside the county of Skåne.
“New students from outside Skåne are dependent on housing to be able to start their studies,” states Claes Hjortronsteen. “They also have the most difficulties getting a foothold in the housing market in Lund. This group creates considerable demand for housing.”
“Historically, we have earmarked around 500 housing places each year for this group and in 2015 we increased this to 720 housing places with successful results,” says Claes Hjortronsteen. “Normally, you get a place on the housing list based on the date you registered. But in the case of new students from outside Skåne, we assign all the applications to one and the same date – then we draw lots for the housing list places. With this system, everyone has the same chance to get a contract in time for the start of the semester, which is much appreciated.”
Latest update July 13, 2018