Lethbridge students struggling with rent prices

An August report by Rentals.ca has released new information about the state of the rental market in Lethbridge. Our city came in at number 32 out of 35 for the most expensive areas to rent. Meanwhile, at the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College, there is a waitlist for students who are looking to get into on-campus housing for the upcoming year. According to staff from the U of L Students’ Union, they are struggling. BCN’s Micah Quinn has the story.

Maleeka Thomas, the president of the U of L Students’ Union says many students are not able to afford rent in Lethbridge.

The August report from Rentals.ca, says a one bedroom unit costs $1,168 a month to rent and a two bedroom will net you a $1,375 price tag.

Trevor Lewington, the CEO of Economic Development Lethbridge told us he’s not surprised by Lethbridge’s ranking on the report. 

Laura Correal, the associate director of Housing Services with the U of L, says the post-secondary is seeing an increase in demand over the past few years as the university is back to in-person classes. 

Nancy Russell, the Dean of Student Affairs with Lethbridge College sent us a statement on the current status of housing for students, “For the 2023-24 academic year, Lethbridge College residences are close to capacity, and residence staff members are just finalizing last room assignments. We have started a waitlist, as there is an especially high demand for family housing. However, if individual students are still interested in living in residence, they can contact us at residence@lethbridgecollege.ca to see if we have any availability.”

Over in Calgary, Mount Royal University, SAIT, and the University of Calgary all have waitlists for on-campus housing for students.