Busy looking for accommodation before the new school year
In the last days of August, when the sound of the summer solstice had just subsided, new students from all over the country were preparing to prepare their luggage to go to Hanoi to study. In the eager wait for the gate of the university to open, many young people are "sitting restlessly" with the worry of getting their names... looking for a room.
Cao Trong Nghia - a student at a university in Hanoi - sighed: "I have been going since yesterday to now to find a room for a friend in my hometown who is about to study in Hanoi. I have been to all 3 sessions but have not been satisfied with any room. Some places have high prices, some are cramped, and some are too far from school".
Cau Giay area - where many large universities are concentrated, affordable accommodation prices currently range from 3.5 to 4.5 million VND/month. If they were stacked together, the cost would be cheaper, but in return, the space would be cramped and lacking privacy.
Binh - a student at a university in Hanoi - shared: "After my friend from my hometown passed the entrance exam to the University of Commerce, I was asked to find a room to help. On the internet, many places advertised prices of 2 - 2.5 million VND/month, but when I went to see them, they were not as advertised. Some rooms are less than 15 square meters but cost nearly 4.5 million, not including electricity and water".
According to Mr. Binh, he and 3 friends are currently renting a room about 15 square meters, about 3km from the school. The rental price is 3.7 million VND/month, excluding electricity and water. He said: "At this time, the demand for rental rooms has increased dramatically, while the supply near universities is limited. Therefore, room prices are also pushed up".
Boarding house prices increase seasonally
A survey shows that rental prices in Hanoi are increasing compared to the same period last year. In areas near large universities, room prices range from 2 - 3.5 million VND/month for a room of 10 - 15m2. Closed rooms or mini apartments cost 4 - 6 million VND. If they accept renting away from the center, students can find a room for about 1.5 - 2 million VND/month, but have to travel further.
Mr. Cuong - a landlord in Phu Dien ward (Hanoi) - said: "My house still has many rooms with an area of 15 - 20m2, priced from 3.7 - 4 million VND/month. In the room, there is air conditioning, shared washing machines....
Mr. Cao Trong Nghia added that because the school year is approaching, the number of new students flocking to Hanoi has increased sharply, so the demand for rental is also "hotter" than ever. This leads to increasingly sophisticated room rental scams.
According to Mr. Cuong, tenants need to be very vigilant and should not believe in advertisements that are too "tescious". It is best to only sign a contract and deposit after directly checking the room, meeting the homeowner clearly, and having a firm grasp of information about the renter to avoid risks.
