Housing

The GSG continues to advocate for four improvements in housing: quality, safety, quantity and affordability.

Quality
Currently, there are only two graduate housing complexes- Graduate Gardens and Graduate Hills (GGGH). These properties are owned by the University and managed by Southern Management Corporation (SMC). Students living in GGGH have reported the poor quality of the buildings and the lack of renovations.

Safety
Safety continues to be an issue as many crimes have occurred near GGGH. It is imperative to increase security. Additionally, the properties lack sprinkler systems, sufficient fire equipment per apartment and safe fire escape routes.

Quantity
Currently, about 5% of graduate students live in graduate housing options, which is extremely low in comparison to peer institutions and other large public universities. There will be new housing in East Campus but even though this housing is publicized as “graduate housing”, current rent projections are fat from affordable.

Affordability
Every year, SMC continues to unexpectedly increase rents in GGGH. Residents are paying for overpriced housing.  SMC continues to compare themselves with luxury apartment complexes while setting their benchmark rents. The new East Campus development promises new housing units for graduate students but at rates that are not affordable.


For housing resources click here.