^{Mikala Hope-Franklin (left) and Anahita Mires.}

Two graduate students in Grenfell Campus’s Transdisciplinary Sustainability PhD program provided their insights about student housing in Corner Brook at the Corner Brook Student Housing Forum.

The forum, hosted by Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL), brought together students, community leaders, housing providers and policymakers to discuss challenges and opportunities in student housing in the area.

Graduate students Mikala Hope-Franklin and Anahita Mires addressed the forum with their personal experiences as international students.

Ms. Mires works as a chalet residence advisor, and explained the many services that are in place at Grenfell to make the transition to a new home more comforting.

“One area that is lacking, however, is transportation,” she said. “The bus service here operates from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with no services available on the weekends. Many students want to be able to access grocery stores and shopping after their school day has finished. But the service stops at 6 p.m.”

Ms. Hope-Franklin talked about the importance of connecting with the right people.

“I was fortunate – I connected with the good networks – and I had a positive experience when finding housing,” she said. “Others are not so fortunate, and may find themselves victims of housing scams before they even arrive at their new home. Because that is what this place should be – a home. Students have made the decision to make a commitment for the duration of their program. There need to be supports in place so they connect with the good networks and be comfortable and safe.”

Their remarks were met with appreciative applause, from representatives of the City of Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Qalipu First Nation, MNL, Grenfell Campus and College of the North Atlantic, among others.

An open discussion assisted by Carole Spicer of Spicer Facilitation flagged concerns such as lack of regulations with respect to housing rentals/inspections, mistrust of student tenants, racism, questionable quality of housing, accessibility and mental health.

“With the growing demand for safe, affordable and accessible student accommodations, this forum served as a platform for collaboration and innovative solutions,” said Brian Coleman, MNL Housing Capacity Building Officer.

For more information about the forum, or to connect with Mr. Coleman, email bcoleman@municipalnl.ca.