By Ofure Oyeribhor

At dawn in Abraka, the town slowly awakens to the familiar rhythm of student life. Motorcycles begin to fill the roads, food vendors set up their stalls, and students of Delta State University (DELSU) prepare for another day of lectures. Yet beneath this daily routine lies a growing concern that many students silently carry—the struggle to survive the rising cost of accommodation.

For many undergraduates, education is no longer only about attending lectures and passing examinations. It is also about finding a place to live that is both affordable and conducive to learning. In recent years, the cost of renting accommodation in Abraka has increased significantly, placing immense financial pressure on students and their families.

What were once considered manageable accommodation fees have now become a major burden. Rooms that were previously affordable are increasingly beyond the reach of many students. As a result, students are forced to make difficult choices: sharing overcrowded rooms, living far from campus, or spending a substantial portion of their allowances simply to secure shelter.

The Growing Burden of Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the most essential needs of every student, second only to tuition and other academic expenses. However, within the Delta State University (DELSU) community, the rising cost of rent has become a major source of stress and uncertainty. Many students report that landlords significantly increase rental fees during renewal periods, leaving them with little choice but to either pay the higher amount or vacate their apartments.

For students from low- and middle-income families, the situation is particularly challenging. Parents and guardians who already struggle to meet the costs of tuition, transportation, feeding, and educational materials are now confronted with soaring accommodation expenses. For many households, these cumulative financial demands have become overwhelming.

As a result, students are increasingly forced to compromise their comfort, health, and overall well-being just to remain in school. Overcrowded living conditions have become common, with several students sharing rooms originally designed for one or two occupants. Such arrangements reduce privacy, make adequate rest difficult, and create environments that are far from conducive to effective learning. Ultimately, the rising cost of accommodation is affecting not only students’ finances but also their academic performance and quality of life.

Causes of Rising Rent in Abraka

Several factors have contributed to the steady increase in rent around Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka.

One of the primary reasons is the growing student population. As more students gain admission into the university each year, the demand for accommodation continues to rise. However, the supply of university hostels and private apartments has not expanded at the same pace, creating a shortage that drives up rental prices.

Another significant factor is the increasing cost of building materials and construction. Essential materials such as cement, iron rods, roofing sheets, and blocks have become considerably more expensive, making it costlier for landlords and property developers to build or renovate houses. These additional expenses are often transferred to tenants through higher rental charges.

Inflation and Nigeria’s broader economic challenges have also contributed to the situation. As the cost of living continues to rise, landlords frequently adjust rental fees to reflect prevailing economic realities.

Furthermore, the limited availability of university-owned hostels has pushed a large proportion of students into the private housing market, where rental prices are largely determined by demand and supply, with little or no regulation.

---

Effects on Students’ Academic and Social Life

The impact of rising rent extends far beyond financial hardship. It has significant consequences for students’ academic performance, mental well-being, and social lives.

Many students who can no longer afford accommodation close to campus are forced to live in distant neighborhoods. As a result, they wake up very early each day to attend lectures, often arriving tired and less able to concentrate during classes.

Those living in overcrowded apartments face additional challenges. Constant noise, limited personal space, and a lack of privacy create environments that are not conducive to studying, making it difficult to prepare adequately for tests and examinations.

The financial pressure associated with rising rent also takes an emotional toll. Instead of focusing fully on their education, many students find themselves worrying about rent deadlines, transportation costs, feeding, and other basic living expenses.

In extreme cases, students reduce spending on essential academic materials—or even skip meals—in order to save enough money to pay their rent. Such sacrifices can negatively affect both their health and academic performance.

---

Coping Strategies Adopted by Students

Despite these challenges, many students have developed practical ways to cope with the increasing cost of accommodation.

Some choose to share apartments with friends in order to split rental expenses, while others relocate to more affordable neighborhoods farther away from campus, despite the added transportation costs.

A growing number of students have also taken up part-time jobs or started small businesses to supplement their income. Others earn money through social media and digital platforms by engaging in online sales, tutoring, content creation, graphic design, and freelance services.

Although these strategies demonstrate students’ resilience and determination, they also highlight the extent to which many undergraduates must struggle simply to remain in school.

---

Students Speak

The experiences of students reveal just how deeply the rising cost of accommodation affects their daily lives.

Judith’s Experience

Judith, a 300-level student in the Faculty of Social Sciences, shared her ordeal:

“My rent was increased, and there was no running water in my house, so I had to look for another apartment that was cheaper. It was very stressful finding another place, and it affected me academically, financially, and emotionally. The rent increase was over my budget, and I also had to pay a consultation fee before even getting to see the apartment.”

Judith’s experience reflects the reality faced by many students who are forced to relocate because of rising rental costs and poor living conditions.

Jessica’s Experience

Jessica, a 300-level student in the Faculty of Arts, also described the emotional burden of rising accommodation costs:

“The increase in rent affected me emotionally. My younger sister and I live together, and my parents have to pay both my school fees and hers. When my landlord increased the rent, I had to look for a place that was not too far from school so we could reduce transportation costs.”

Her story illustrates how rising rent affects not only students but also their families, who are already struggling to meet numerous educational expenses.

---

Personal Experience

As a student of Delta State University, I have personally experienced the effects of rising accommodation costs.

During my second year (200 Level), I struggled to secure affordable housing after rental prices increased. To manage the financial burden, I had to adjust my budget and eventually share a room with two other students.

Although this arrangement reduced costs, it came with its own challenges. Living with multiple roommates often led to misunderstandings, disagreements, and emotional stress. Maintaining peace while balancing academic responsibilities was not always easy.

My experience reflects the reality faced by many DELSU students who are forced to sacrifice comfort, privacy, and peace of mind simply to remain enrolled in school.

---

The Need for Lasting Solutions

The rising cost of accommodation around Delta State University raises important concerns about student welfare and equal access to higher education. If the trend continues unchecked, it could negatively affect students’ academic success, mental health, and overall university experience.

Addressing this challenge requires the collective efforts of the university administration, government agencies, private investors, and community stakeholders.

One practical solution is the construction of more affordable university-owned hostels to reduce pressure on the private housing market. The government and private developers can also collaborate to provide quality, student-friendly accommodation at reasonable prices.

There is equally a need for policies that discourage excessive and arbitrary rent increases in student-dominated communities. While landlords have legitimate business interests, rental pricing should remain fair and considerate of students’ financial realities.

In addition, expanding scholarship opportunities, student housing schemes, and financial aid programmes would help reduce the economic burden on students and their families.

---

Conclusion

The rising cost of accommodation in Abraka has become one of the most pressing challenges facing students of Delta State University. What should be a period devoted to learning, personal growth, and academic excellence is increasingly overshadowed by the daily struggle to secure affordable housing.

The experiences of students like Judith, Jessica, and countless others demonstrate that rising rent is more than an economic issue—it is an educational and social concern that directly affects students’ well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities.

As someone who has personally faced these challenges, I understand the emotional and financial strain that comes with searching for affordable accommodation. No student should have to sacrifice their education, peace of mind, or basic comfort simply because decent housing has become unaffordable.

Ensuring access to safe, affordable accommodation is not merely about providing shelter; it is about creating an environment where students can thrive academically and achieve their full potential. With coordinated action from the university, government, landlords, and other stakeholders, meaningful solutions can be found, allowing students to focus less on survival and more on the education they came to pursue.