SUMMARY
The cost of housing has risen steeply in recent years, including for college students. Living in a dorm or renting an off-campus apartment can be the single largest expense a student faces, even more than tuition. Laura Barrón-López reports on how students are coping with the high cost of living and how some universities are responding. It’s the first part of our fall series, Rethinking College.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Who are some of the students interviewed in this story, and what are their backgrounds?
- Where is the university that is the focus of this story?
- Why are housing costs for students becoming an increasing concern?
- How are some students adapting to high housing costs?
- What are some ways the University of Texas is trying to address housing costs?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- How do you think high housing costs can affect the quality of education and success students experience?
- Do you think public universities and colleges should prioritize housing for students who can't afford it?
- After watching this video, what do you think students can do to address high housing costs?
Media literacy: This story focuses mostly on one university in a fast-growing city. How do you think the story might be similar or different for students in other campus settings?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to learn more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do: Higher housing costs don't just affect students. Watch the video below about another segment of the population that is especially impacted by higher housing costs. Then discuss — what are some creative ways to address some of the challenges of tight housing markets?
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.
