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Two people in sunchairs. On top of the picture there is written "AF Bostäder 40 years".

Lund students’ own student housing company celebrated its 40th anniversary

AF Bostäder dates back all the way to 1830. It was then that Akademiska Föreningen was formed to keep the students in order. Inspired by the English college system, AF offered food and accommodation to some 50 students. Sylwanska Gården became the first form of housing with student influence.

In the mid-1940s an enormous expansion began in order to address the need for housing when applications to the university increased dramatically. In the early 1980s AF Bostäder’s offering grew to 6 000 apartments and rooms, but finances were hard- pressed due to renovation needs and changes in the regulations for state student housing loans.

With the reorganisation into a foundation in 1983, the operations could continue, and the housing was saved for future generations of students. Forty years later, AF Bostäder is one of Sweden’s largest student housing companies, a stable organisation with good financial solidity, a focus on long-term development of sustainable student housing, and it continues to be Lund students’ own housing company.

Latest update June 24, 2024
Several hand are fistbumping
Long-term and responsible actor

New sustainability network

Those responsible for sustainability management are constantly facing new challenges. A network initiated by AF Bostäder will give student housing companies the opportunity to share knowledge and inspiration with each other.
A male student with a folded moving box
Long-term and responsible actor

Secure sub-letting

AF Bostäder rents out affordable housing in attractive locations to students at Lund University. The queue and rental terms, which include admission and study rate requirements, are to ensure that renting is fair and conducted via a housing queue. Sub-letting is permitted to a limited extent in order to facilitate, for example, studies abroad and military conscription.

Three people stand around some papers
Long-term and responsible actor

New coordinated risk analysis

AF Bostäder has for some time conducted risk analyses concerning everything from financing and work environment to extreme rainfall events. Now, the work on risk is being expanded and coordinated, for a better overview and reporting purposes.
Hands over a computer keyboard
Long-term and responsible actor

Strong engagement in our own business system

Many companies buy a ready-to-use business system and adapt their processes to the system. AF Bostäder has instead chosen to design its own system from scratch. Thanks to strong engagement internally in the development work, the system is powerful, easy to use and liked by both customers and staff.
Long-term and responsible actor

An even rent trend is a high priority

AF Bostäder aims to give students a rent trend that is as even as possible so that they can forecast their costs and keep track of their everyday finances. At the same time, stable revenues give AF Bostäder the preconditions for planning its operations with a long-term perspective.
An illustration of Troja
Long-term and responsible actor

New vistas await when Kämnärsrätten is completed

With the building of Troja – AF Bostäder’s biggest construction start since the 1960s and the last quarter in the expansion along Kämnärsvägen – one of Sweden's most significant investments in sustainable student housing will reach the finishing line. In parallel, planning is underway for continued expansion, in careful balance with the housing needs of Lund students.
A young woman stands behind the desk at Service centre, smiling at the camera. In front of her a student.
Long-term and responsible actor

The student worker role at AF Bostäder – a good start in working life

At the Service Centre, customers often receive assistance from staff who are active students. Student workers make up a unique resource in the company, and the job is often a springboard for their own careers. Meet Amanda Forslund who has gone on to become a property appraiser, and Alexander Gahnström who has continued to work within AF Bostäder.