Students at San Diego State University (SDSU) are facing mounting housing challenges as rising rental costs and the growth of short-term vacation rentals reduce availability in the neighborhoods traditionally populated by students. Many students who once found affordable housing in the College Area say they are now being priced out, leading them to move farther from campus or consider dropping out. Longtime SDSU traditions, like walking to class or attending nearby campus events, are becoming less common as housing becomes more inaccessible.
The surge in vacation rentals, largely driven by platforms such as Airbnb, has made it more profitable for property owners to rent to tourists instead of students. This shift has reduced the rental housing stock and driven up prices, affecting students’ quality of life and creating a growing tension between long-term residents, students, and short-term visitors. Critics are calling for policy changes to protect student housing and preserve the community fabric around SDSU.
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