Together for the Future of Student Housing
At the end of last week, SGS Studentbostäder invited representatives from the Gothenburg Association of Student Unions (GFS), as well as members from Göta Studentkår and the Sahlgrenska Academy student union, to an evening at our office at Kaserntorget. The goal? To create an open dialogue about our mission, our work, and our shared responsibility to ensure quality and reasonably priced student housing – today and in the future.
About the evening
The evening began with presentations from several of our staff members. Participants were given insights into both our history and our day-to-day operations – from upcoming construction projects and property management to IT and security, as well as marketing and communications.
We emphasized something that is often forgotten: SGS is a foundation, established by the City of Gothenburg and the Gothenburg Association of Student Unions with a clear mission – to provide affordable, high-quality, and varied housing options. Our operations are run on commercial principles, but without a primary profit motive. Any surplus is reinvested into the organization – for the benefit of the students.
Our board includes representatives from the City of Gothenburg, GFS, the University of Gothenburg, and Chalmers University of Technology – a composition that reflects our mission and our close connection to the realities of student life.
Workshop: How Do We Communicate the Idea of a Foundation?
In the second half of the evening, student union members took part in a workshop focusing on one key question:
How can SGS better communicate what it means to be a foundation – and why that matters for rent levels and long-term planning?
We received many valuable insights and ideas from the student unions. Here are some recurring themes:
- Presence and Dialogue: Several groups suggested that SGS participate in panel discussions, lunch lectures, and become even more visible on campus in collaboration with the student unions.
- Clearer Communication about the Foundation Model: What does it mean that we’re a foundation? How does our economy work, and where does the money go?
- Transparency Around Rent Levels: By showing how rental income is used – for example, for maintenance, renovations, and new construction – understanding can increase.
Our Promise to the Students
Being a foundation also comes with challenges. We receive no special benefits despite building and managing housing for students – on the contrary, we have high turnover in our apartments, which means more wear and higher costs. But we remain committed to our vision: Hem för bättre studietid. We believe that good housing provides the foundation for both academic success and personal growth.
Since 1951, we have stood by the students. And we intend to continue doing so – in close collaboration with the student unions and the student movement. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed with engagement, ideas, and valuable perspective!
