Campus housing expansion coming

University leaders are moving forward with plans to build new student housing at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage campuses. The projects could add hundreds of beds near both campuses.

Student housing shortages have pushed more students into the private rental market in recent years. That competition has tightened supply in nearby neighborhoods.

More on campus housing could shift some of that pressure back onto university property. Areas near UAA and UAF could see fewer students competing for apartments and small rentals.

The university system says enrollment growth is part of the reason new housing is needed now. More students means more demand for places to live.

This could have a major impact not only on the students, but other residents searching for housing in the area.