Overview: A growing housing crisis at UNAM
The University of Namibia (UNAM) is facing a significant student housing crisis at its Main Campus in Windhoek. Early data for the 2026 academic year show a stark mismatch between demand and available bed space: 2,389 students have applied for just 1,150 beds. This imbalance underscores mounting pressure on accommodation for campus residents and raises questions about how the university and policymakers will address the shortfall in the coming months.
The numbers behind the shortage
UNAM’s spokesperson, Simo N., confirmed the figures, highlighting a long-standing gap between applicants and on-site capacity. With roughly two new applicants for every available bed, students are increasingly turning to off-campus housing, which can be scarce, expensive, or far from campus facilities. The 1,150-bed figure refers specifically to the Main Campus and does not capture housing demand at other university residences or affiliated colleges.
Impacts on students and campus life
The shortage is likely to affect not only daily living arrangements but also academic performance and campus engagement. For many students, secure, affordable housing is a prerequisite for reliable attendance, access to study resources, and participation in campus activities. When accommodation is limited, students may face longer commutes, higher living costs, or delays in starting their studies altogether—outcomes that can ripple across the university’s enrollment and graduation rates.
What UNAM is saying and next steps
UNAM’s administration is weighing its options to alleviate the pressure. Potential measures being discussed include expanding existing housing capacity, accelerating planned student residence projects, and exploring partnerships with private providers to increase off-campus options that meet safety and affordability standards. The university has emphasized that it remains committed to transparency and student welfare as it navigates these capacity constraints for the 2026 academic year.
Student voices and potential solutions
Students are calling for a mix of short-term relief and long-term planning. In the near term, improving access to verified off-campus housing listings, negotiating better rates with landlords, and establishing a student housing task force could help mitigate immediate pressures. Long-term solutions may involve prioritizing residence expansion, revising admission policies to manage demand, and pursuing government or private sector funding for new student housing projects. The situation at UNAM mirrors a broader trend in higher education where rising enrollment meets limited on-campus resources.
Looking ahead: what to watch
As 2026 approaches, indicators to monitor include the university’s housing waitlists, the pace of new residence construction, and the availability of affordable, safe off-campus options. Stakeholders—students, faculty, administration, and policymakers—will need to collaborate to develop scalable, sustainable housing strategies that support academic success without compromising student safety or financial viability.
