P.E.I. post-secondary students struggle to find housing in super-tight rental market

Prince Edward Island's housing shortage means some post-secondary students starting classes in September are having a very tough time finding somewhere to live.

Prince Edward Island's housing shortage means some post-secondary students starting classes in September are having a very tough time finding somewhere to live.

As the province's population grows at a record pace, there isn't enough housing to accommodate everyone — and that includes students moving here from other countries or elsewhere in Canada.

The rental housing vacancy rate on P.E.I. was an ultra-low 0.8 per cent in 2022, according to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

University of Prince Edward Island said it has a total of 810 student spots in its residences.

"The UPEI residence office is still working through requests from students," the email statement read. "We will have a more definitive picture of the situation in mid-August."