Since universities can only offer a limited number of beds at their dormitories, many students must stay in rented rooms or private dormitories. However, a lot of problems are still existing in the dormitories.

The first privately-run dormitory in HCM City, located in Go Vap District, was established by Huynh Phi Chau in 2006. Since then, many others have opened, including Thanh Binh Dormitory, also in Go Vap district. This was once a complex of rooms for rent refurbished as a dormitory.

At privately-run dormitories, every student’s “territory” is a bed on which they can do everything, from sleeping, eating, studying and entertaining. Every student can also use a certain space around his bed. At Thanh Binh dormitory, for example, every student can use two square metres. Nineteen students share a 35 square metre room, while the path through the room is just large enough for two people.

Meanwhile, at Quang Ninh dormitory in Go Vap District, run by Quang Ninh Company, there is no place for parking. There, outdoor entertainment activities are considered “luxury items”.

Any student can become a resident of these dorms, if they can pay the rent, which is double that at university dormitories.

Students staying at HCM City Industry University dorms must pay 1.5 million dong a year, while students staying at Thanh Binh dormitory must pay 2.5 million dong. Students at university dormitories can use electricity and water for free, while owners of private dormitories always charge electricity and water at levels three times higher than prices set by the State. At Thanh Binh Dormitory, for example, students pay 2500 dong per every kwh.

Education experts think that private dorms are good investments that ease the shortage of student accommodations. Yet existing problems need to be settled.

“Many people criticize us for charging high fees to students. However, if we do not charge high fees, how can we get back the capital we spent to build the dormitory?” queried Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh, owner of Thanh Binh dorm.

“We know that students complain about the lack of private space and entertainment areas. But if students want these items, they must pay higher rent, and will they be able to afford it?” she added.

Phan Dinh Mai, Director of HCM City University of Technology dormitory, also mentioned that existing private dorms can only provide accommodations, not good conditions for studying and relaxing. Mai thinks that, to develop privately-run dormitories, the State, private investors and universities need to cooperate to create the best models for students.

Source: Sinh vien Vietnam