LACC to Become the First College with On-Campus US Student Housing

After 17,000 students experienced housing insecurity or the absence of housing, LACC will be the first college to introduce on-campus US student housing. Read to know more.

In a recent spring 2022 survey of Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) students, a staggering 14% of students expressed housing insecurity or the absence of housing altogether. Approximately 17,000 students at LACCD are reportedly facing housing insecurity for the fall 2023 semester, as per The Press Bowl. To address this pressing issue, the district organized town halls focusing on potentially constructing student housing at L.A. City College, Pierce, and West L.A. College.

According to the previous updates by LAist in student housing news, the students might not see immediate benefits from these housing initiatives. Rod Hamilton from Build LACCD predicts that if things move quickly, these projects could be finished by the end of 2028. The town halls are crucial in shaping the request for proposals, which is expected to be released in early 2024. So, while it might take a bit of time, these steps are being taken to address student housing needs in the coming years.

Sara Hernandez, a trustee, emphasized that this marks the district's initial steps in addressing Los Angeles student housing challenges. She says, "I know housing, housing insecurity, homelessness is not the beginning here in Los Angeles. This has been going on for a long time, but this is the beginning of the district's efforts around housing because we now have the money."

However, things have taken a major turn now. As per The Eastsider, L.A. City College, which covers 30 acres, doesn't have housing for Los Angeles students. However, plans are underway to change this, with LACC potentially becoming the first LACCD campus with on-campus housing. The specific location within the Vermont Avenue campus is yet to be determined. The District aims to construct dorms with 300 to 500 beds, catering to the needs of its approximately 15,000 students.

Recognizing the urgency for safe and affordable US student housing, planners organized a Los Angeles student housing town hall on Oct. 19. LACCD college spokesperson Shaena Engle states, "What stood out most was the sense of urgency for safe, low-cost housing, and how clear it has become that this basic need is critical to student success." 

As per the student housing news, the goal is to have the housing project completed and occupied by the end of 2028. Architects are being hired, and the selection of designers and builders is expected by next summer to complete this Los Angeles student housing. This development underscores the crucial need for accessible Los Angeles student housing, with plans in motion to address the growing demand and enhance student success. 

Are you curious about the evolving landscape of student housing? Dive into our blog- Student Housing Trends 2023, to watch out for and explore the latest insights on accommodations, amenities, and evolving preferences. List with amber to stay up to date with the recent happenings in the world of student accommodation.