As the student housing situation across France continues to grow increasingly challenging, understanding the perspectives of those at the forefront of student advocacy is essential. In preparation for ASSEDEL’s upcoming Housing Crisis Event at the European Parliament on 17 December, we had the privilege of speaking with Caroline Knab, President of AFGES Strasbourg, elected to the CNESER for FAGE and a member of the Board of Administration of the University of Strasbourg. Her insights illuminate the structural challenges students face today and the urgent reforms necessary to ensure equitable access to housing.
Understanding AFGES: A Federation with a Mission
AFGES is a federation of student associations that unites organisations across various academic fields in Strasbourg. Its mission is twofold:
- Supporting student associations in their initiatives and daily operations.
- Representing students within university councils and institutional bodies, ensuring that their rights and needs are defended at every level.
According to Knab, “Our primary role is to support associations and to represent students within the university’s decision-making structures.”
Through these dual functions, AFGES serves as a vital link between student communities and institutional decision-makers, advocating for fair policies and sustainable solutions.
The Reality of the Student Housing Crisis
When asked about today’s most pressing housing challenges, Knab is unequivocal:
“There isn’t enough housing — and what exists is far too expensive.”
Students face difficulty not only in finding available accommodation but also in affording the rising rents. CROUS university residences, which are intended to provide accessible housing, are insufficient in number, leaving thousands of students without viable or affordable options.
Urgent Reforms: What Needs to Change?
Knab identifies several key areas for immediate reform:
1. Rent Control
Introducing a regulated rent cap would prevent excessive pricing, particularly in high-demand student areas, ensuring fairness and accessibility for all students.
2. Airbnb Regulation
The rapid increase in short-term rentals reduces the availability of long-term student housing. Stricter regulation is necessary to protect and expand the housing stock available for students.
3. Revaluation of APL
Current housing allowances no longer reflect the economic realities students face. This is especially critical for non-EU students, who pay tuition fees up to 16 times higher than French students, making access to adequate housing extremely challenging.
4. Municipal Responsibility
Upcoming municipal elections will play a decisive role. Knab emphasizes that cities must actively commit to expanding student housing and protecting tenants’ rights, demonstrating leadership at the local level.
Supporting Students in Difficulty: Practical Guidance
For students currently searching for housing in Strasbourg, Knab provides clear, practical advice:
“Look beyond the city center. It is extremely expensive, but nearby towns offer more affordable options with very good transport connections.”
Many students, she notes, found suitable housing once they expanded their search radius beyond traditional student neighborhoods.
“It’s complicated, but don’t give up — and we are here to help.”
Her guidance underscores the importance of perseverance and the crucial role of student associations in providing support during these challenging circumstances.
This conversation with Caroline Knab highlights a critical reality: the student housing crisis is structural, urgent, and solvable. Coordinated reforms, political commitment, and continued dialogue — exemplified by ASSEDEL’s Housing Crisis Event at the European Parliament on 17 December — are essential to creating meaningful change.
ASSEDEL warmly thanks Caroline Knab for her time, insights, and dedication to student advocacy. Her perspectives provide a roadmap for addressing the housing challenges students face and remind us that, with determination and collaboration, equitable access to safe and affordable housing can become a reality for all students.