Sustainable and Innovative Solutions for Student Housing to Promote Integrated Urban Regeneration: The Case of Ferrara

Over the past three decades, Italy has experienced a significant expansion of university campuses. While this growth has boosted local economies, it has also intensified the demand for rental housing in regions unprepared for such pressures. Currently, 40% of Italian students reside off-campus, a figure increasing annually by 2.5%. However, only 10.5% of these students have access to dedicated student housing. As a result, students are pushed into the private rental market, where rents have risen by more than 5%, driven by higher mortgage costs, reduced housing availability, and the growing prevalence of Airbnb-style short-term rentals. In Ferrara, the University accommodates over 30,000 students, with 79% living off-campus as of 2023—a figure that previously peaked at over 85%. Student housing availability remains critically low, with only a few hundred beds available (283 managed by ER.go and 230 by ACER). A 2023 survey conducted by the Union of University Students (EDU) highlights severe housing challenges, revealing that 68% of students struggle to find accommodations due to room shortages and high costs. Additionally, 60% face significant financial difficulties in covering housing expenses, leading nearly half of the students to resort to informal or illicit rental arrangements. This study seeks to assist the University of Ferrara (UniFe) by providing analytical insights, methodological support, and actionable solutions for developing effective student housing policies. These policies aim to balance students' educational rights with the profit expectations of private sector stakeholders. The study proposes an evaluation model to determine the optimal number of student beds required while ensuring fair compensation for private investors. Tackling the student housing crisis is vital for fostering urban sustainability, often involving the revitalization of underused properties and their integration with city services. Effective solutions demand a nuanced understanding of local contexts and the adoption of best practices. Coordinated efforts among local authorities, universities, and real estate stakeholders, supported by robust public-private partnerships, are essential. By employing flexible value/return frameworks that align with market conditions, cities can incorporate circular economy principles into their housing strategies, thereby advancing sustainable urban development.