No rentals for a whole week
Knowing that she had passed the entrance exam and had completed the admission procedures, Nguyen My Hanh - a new student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi - and her family have been looking for a room to rent around the school area for the past week.
For Hanh, the joy of passing the university entrance exam is quickly mixed with the worry of finding a place that is both affordable and convenient for studying.
Many rooms are not as spacious, about 20m2, the price can be up to 3.5 million VND/month. The advantage is that just a walk to the classroom, but this price is beyond the family's ability. Meanwhile, in the suburban area, many rental rooms with such areas are advertised at prices of over and under 2 million VND/month" - Hanh shared.
Hanh added that although he really wants to be near the school for transportation, with the money his family can support, he will consider choosing a further room with less amenities.
Similarly, Chu Dieu Linh - a new student of the Academy of Journalism and Communication - was also hesitant and could not find a room as desired.
Linh shared that many rooms are only about 15 square meters wide, both cramped and cramped, so she had to consider living together to save costs.
"In addition, I have been quite satisfied with the room many times online, but when I arrived, the reality was far different from the image, so up to now, I have not found a place to live" - Linh said.
Demand increases, rental prices also escalate
According to Lao Dong reporters, in early September, rental prices in Hanoi - especially in areas around universities - are increasing sharply. The specific price depends on many factors such as area or accompanying amenities.
In Cau Giay ward (Hanoi), a rental room of about 20 square meters is closed, without a balcony and is being rented for 2.9 - 3.5 million VND/month, an increase of 400,000 - 500,000 VND compared to the previous month. Private accommodation costs from 4.2 million VND/month for a 25m2 room, while a fully-furnished mini apartment of about 25m2 is rented at 6.5 million VND/month.
In Khuong Dinh ward (Hanoi), small rooms of about 15 square meters, limited amenities and no more cost from 1.5 - 2 million VND/month. Meanwhile, rooms with an area of 25m2 with more amenities are rented out for an average of about 3.8 million VND/month.
Ms. Tran Hanh - a landlord in Tu Liem ward (Hanoi) - said that every time new students enter school, the demand for rooms increases, causing many boarding houses to be full after only a few days of posting the news.
Ms. Hanh added that the current rental price ranges from 3 - 3.5 million VND/month for rooms with an area of about 20m2, which can meet the housing needs of 2-3 people. However, in reality, many students choose to hire through brokers to save time, leading to increased costs. In this case, the rental price can increase to 4 million VND/month or more.
"The situation of prices being pushed up is not uncommon at the beginning of the school year, when the supply of rooms is limited while the demand is very high" - Ms. Hanh said.
