The Record-Breaking Class of 2026: A Gigantic Housing Deficit and the Fight for a Bed in a Dorm

In this situation, modern, private student residences cease to be merely an alternative choice – they become a necessary, safe solution and a guarantee of predictable costs. The conclusion? Don't wait for the university admission results. Secure your accommodation right now.

Where did the 2026–2027 "great wave" come from?

The year 2026 marks the beginning of an unprecedented siege on Polish universities. According to the Educational Information System, about 320,000 students are taking the Matura (the Polish high school exit exam). That is nearly 64,000 more people than the previous year. What’s more, forecasts indicate that in 2027 the scale of the phenomenon will be even greater – around 386,000 people are expected to take the exam. A clear drop in the number of graduates will only be felt in 2028.

Where did this demographic peak come from? It is the result of several overlapping factors in Poland: an educational reform lowering the school starting age to six (and its subsequent withdrawal), the abolition of middle schools (gimnazja), and the fact that the demographic boom from 2007–2009 is just entering adulthood. For universities, it’s a time of harvest, but for the graduates themselves – a time of fierce competition.

Higher admission thresholds: a spot at university is worth its weight in gold

Such a high number of candidates presents universities, especially the most prestigious ones, with a difficult challenge. The response to this "student invasion" is, on the one hand, increasing admission limits, but on the other – drastically raising point thresholds.

In highly sought-after fields (law, psychology, medicine, IT), getting into free public studies will require outstanding exam results. As a result, many graduates, fearing rejection, are increasingly considering studying at private universities. However, this involves a significant burden on the household budget due to tuition fees. Therefore, today, the decision to choose an educational path must be backed by a reliable calculation of how much studying in Poland really costs, taking into account not only the education itself but also the cost of living.

A gigantic deficit of places in dormitories

The huge cohort of graduates is hitting an impassable barrier: inefficient housing infrastructure. The situation in student dormitories is currently the weakest link in the Polish higher education system.

Public dormitories in Poland have only about 115,000 beds. This is enough to accommodate merely 9–10 percent of all students. Analyses by consulting firms clearly show that there is a gigantic deficit of places on the market – currently, over 400,000 are missing.

How are universities reacting?

• Earlier recruitment – at some universities, dorm applications must be submitted almost immediately after receiving exam results.
• Stricter criteria – due to the overcrowding, the allocation of a place is determined by strict limits on income per family member, distance from the family home, or health conditions. Middle-class students often fall to the very end of the queue, with no guarantee of receiving a room.
• Price increases – inflation has caused even public institutions to raise their monthly fees.

The private housing market: expensive, cramped, and risky

Students who lack space on the university campus traditionally turn to the private rental market. In 2026, however, they will hit a wall of high prices.

In the largest Polish cities, such as Warsaw, renting a small apartment (approx. 50 sqm) can cost up to 4,000 PLN, to which you must add rising utility bills and a huge deposit. Average room prices range from 700 PLN in smaller cities to over 1,800 PLN in the capital (often without maintenance fees). Additionally, market reports show that the supply of single rooms has dropped by a dozen or so percent – there are simply fewer offers, which encourages owners to raise rents.

Private student dormitories – the solution for the class of 2026

In a situation where there is a lack of places in state-owned facilities and the free market scares people away with prices, private dormitories (the PBSA sector) are experiencing a real siege. The development of this market in Poland has accelerated significantly – in 2025 alone, 12 new facilities of this type were built.

For today's international or local student, a private student residence, like those offered by StudentSpace, is not a luxurious whim, but an optimal financial strategy. Why?

1. Predictability – unlike an apartment on the private market, in the all-inclusive model, you pay one fixed rate. Utilities, electricity, fast internet, and even access to the gym and fitness classes – everything is included in one fixed price. No hidden costs.
2. Standard and security – we offer modernly furnished, private rooms with an en-suite bathroom and kitchenette, plus 24/7 security (which is extremely important from the perspective of parents, for whom we have prepared a special section with information).
3. Availability and community – it is a real guarantee of a roof over your head at a time when there is a fierce battle for every square meter on the market. However, it's more than just four walls – by choosing StudentSpace private dorms, you automatically become part of a tight-knit student community of peers from all over the world. Thanks to numerous common areas and integration events, you gain a pack of friends from day one, completely bypassing the problem of loneliness in a new, big city.

Experts calculate that in cities like Warsaw or Krakow, renting such an all-inclusive studio apartment often turns out to be much cheaper and safer overall than renting a studio flat from private hands.

What does this mean for a future student and how to act?

The conclusions for this difficult season are simple: don't get caught off guard by the student wave.

1. Act in parallel – you must search for accommodation at the same time as you apply through the Polish university admissions system (IRK). Waiting until September guarantees overpaying for rent or not finding any place at all.
2. Calculate your total budget – look at the full costs. Sometimes it is better to choose a seemingly more expensive private dorm with all fees included in the rent than a seemingly cheap room on the free market, where you have to pay extra for utilities every month.
3. Secure yourself – see right now what booking a room in a private dorm looks like step by step. You can lock in your place earlier, which will significantly reduce stress during the holidays.

Instead of worrying about the gigantic deficit of places, take matters into your own hands. Check the availability of rooms in our dorms in Krakow and the newest student dormitory in Warsaw on Woloska Street and guarantee yourself a peaceful start to student life!