Resolution on Student Housing in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago with a population of only 55,000 people, nevertheless maintain a strong university sector. The University of the Faroe Islands currently serves approximately 1,000 students and offers a growing number of study programmes. The University is moving closer towards greater European integration through the Erasmus programme and the Bologna Process, alongside political ambitions to establish a unified university campus. However, despite these positive developments, around 40% of each graduating cohort still chooses to move abroad after high school, primarily to pursue higher education.

This demonstrates significant structural challenges, and one of the most urgent unresolved issues is the lack of accessible and affordable student housing. Currently, fewer than 50 student rooms or apartments are available for approximately 1,000 students in higher education, in addition to around 1,800 apprentices and students in vocational education and training. As a result, most students in the Faroe Islands are forced either to remain living with their parents, often commuting long distances to attend university, or to compete in an extremely expensive housing market in and outside Tórshavn, requiring many to work extensively alongside their studies.

Accessible and affordable student housing located near the university campus is essential for students to thrive academically and socially. Adequate housing also plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to higher education, regardless of socioeconomic background, family circumstances, or disability.

The current situation is unsustainable and negatively affects equal access to education, student wellbeing, and the long-term development of Faroese higher education. Furthermore, it risks undermining future internationalisation efforts. If the University of the Faroe Islands fully joins Erasmus cooperation in 2027, the demand for affordable student accommodation will increase even further in order to host incoming exchange students. The Faroese Government should therefore not rely solely on long-term development plans, as the expansion of student housing is urgently needed already now.

Therefore, with the united voice of European students, ESU and MFS call upon the Faroese Government to:

Take responsibility for ensuring adequate, accessible, and affordable student accommodation in the Faroe Islands.

Significantly increase the number of student housing units in line with current and future demand.

Prioritise the development of student housing near the university campus to support student wellbeing and academic success.

Ensure that the cost of student accommodation remains affordable and proportionate to the level of student financial support.

Prioritise student housing as a key component of the development and internationalisation of higher education in the Faroe Islands.

Guarantee that future Erasmus and other international students have access to suitable and affordable accommodation.

Ensure that the expansion of student housing includes immediate measures to address the current urgent shortage.