More Housing for Students: New Dormitory in Downtown Villach

Good study conditions don’t end at the campus gate. With the continued development of CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences | Hochschule Kärnten and the increasing mobility of students, the issue of suitable and affordable housing is also gaining importance. Forty new housing units for students are now being built in downtown Villach.

Studying means more than just classes, exams, and projects. The surrounding environment is also crucial: affordable housing, good accessibility, and a study location where academic life and daily life can be easily balanced.

For CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences | Hochschule Kärnten, the expansion of student housing is therefore a key component of creating attractive study conditions in Villach.

Housing as a Key Location Factor

“Sufficient and affordable housing is a key factor in the attractiveness and competitiveness of CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences | Carinthia University of Applied Sciences and the Villach campus as a whole. Especially in light of the rising number of international students and the increasing mobility of students from other federal states, the creation of suitable housing is becoming increasingly important,” emphasizes FH-Prof. Dr. Martin Waiguny, Managing Director of CU.

40 new housing units on Gerbergasse

A concrete step is now being taken at Gerbergasse 29. Due to the condition of the structure, the existing building housing the municipal youth center will be largely demolished and replaced by a new four-story building. The project is being implemented by the housing cooperative “meine Heimat” and will provide space for 40 students in the future. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027.

For FH-Prof. Dr. Martin Waiguny, the project is therefore more than just the creation of additional rooms: “With the new student residence, we are taking an important step together to provide students with affordable, high-quality housing in Villach. In doing so, we are not only improving study conditions but also sustainably strengthening Villach as a center for higher education and business.”

Study and live in the heart of Villach

A particular advantage is the new residence hall’s central location. The housing units are being built right in the heart of Villach, offering short distances to everything and easy access to city life.

At the same time, the project demonstrates how closely the development of a university town is linked to the broader context surrounding higher education. The university, the city, and the housing developer are working together to create the conditions that allow students in Villach not only to study but also to enjoy a high quality of life.

With the addition of these new housing units, not only is the supply of student housing expanding–the university and the city are also growing closer together.