The number of first-year students coming to the University of Connecticut Stamford in the fall has ballooned by over 50% compared with last year, and that's led to a housing crunch for students seeking spots in on-campus residence halls.
The Stamford Advocate reports that the number of first-year students is expected to be 975, up from the 622 who started at the downtown university last year.
Mike Enright, deputy spokesperson for the university, said there are roughly 70 students on the waitlist for student housing. Another 120 returning students were told in the spring that they may not have access to campus housing.
Enright said first-year students get priority for housing, and all of those who apply prior to the deadline for housing are guaranteed a bed. However, about 70 students applied after the deadline and they have been placed on a waiting list. And since incoming freshman have priority, some returning students have found themselves without a home near or on campus.
The university is working on adding more housing. Last month, the university's board of trustees approved three two-year leases totaling $2.47 million for the next school year that would add 130 beds.
In total, the number of beds available has increased from 480 to 650, Enright said.
The largest lease is at Allure Harbor Point at 850 Pacific Street, where the university will spend $1.04 million for 21 units to house 50 students.
A similar deal was executed for 19 units at NV Harbor Point Park to house 45 students. The price tag will be $945,000 the first year and $973,350 the following year.
"There has definitely been an increased appetite for UConn Stamford housing," Enright said. "We’re looking to increased the number of students housed at UConn Stamford."
