In the summer of 2022, the residents of our dormitories were surveyed: How is life in the dormitory? Where is there a need for improvement? How did the search for housing go? What image do the dorms have? Students from the cities of Potsdam, Brandenburg an der Havel and Wildau were interviewed. The current tenants were able to rate their residence halls. In total, the anonymized data of 1,687 participants was evaluated. The survey could be answered in German or English. Overall, the level of satisfaction is high, but there is also room for improvement.
The student housing complexes of the Studentenwerk are already very well known. The majority of non-tenants are also familiar with the student residences. 68% of current tenants rate the image of the student housing facilities of the Studentenwerk Potsdam as (very) good. Terms that are spontaneously associated with the residence halls are primarily "affordable" as well as "good location" and "close to campus" – but also "waiting list".
At 43%, the majority of the current tenants surveyed in the housing complexes of the Studentenwerk Potsdam currently live in a shared apartment. Another third lives in a single apartment, although twice as many of the tenants surveyed would actually like to live there. The most important reasons for the current tenants to live in the dormitory are the price-performance ratio, the favorable location close to campus as well as the convenient apartment search as such and the low and inexpensive furnishing effort.
Overall, satisfaction with the residence halls of the Studentenwerk Potsdam is at a good level. Satisfaction is highest with the surroundings and location of the housing complexes, the service, and the living and usable spaces. The size of the room or apartment achieves one of the best ratings in the survey area. Washing machines and dryers, on the other hand, are rated worst and indicate a need for optimization.
With regard to additional space and offerings, the tenants* surveyed believe there is potential for optimization in both fitness and common areas. These points were discussed in March 2023 in a joint round of talks with the dormitory administration, building department and tutors in order to plan with the needs of the students in mind, especially with regard to new construction projects.
The level of satisfaction with regard to service and communication is consistently good. The majority of respondents feel rather or very well informed about the topic of student housing. With regard to the criteria for room allocation, some respondents would like to see more transparency.
The detailed results of the survey can be read here.
Thanks to all students who participated in the survey and shared their feedback with us.
