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Causes

Causes

Studentification

Another approach to the causes of Gentrification is Studentification. The increasing student population that causes an area to be transformed in a positive and negative way in terms of economy, geography and several other factors is known as Studentification. University areas have observed students playing a key role in gentrification. While searching for off-campus housing cause the local residents to be replaced as students majorly rent out apartments rather than buy it which fixates a steady income for landlords. Residents who tend to buy apartments or houses are then forced to move out into other areas. With the increasing construction of university buildings, the lower income class tend to move out due to the lack of space available and to escape from the noise of daily university classes and weekend parties.

Effects

Studentification

Positive impact

Increase in student population has led to a greater development of city areas. University towns tend to attract potential businesses that aim to hire undergraduate and graduate students that seek job opportunities after completing their education. With the growing businesses actively seeking to recruit new people, an increase in the employment rate is observed within the city. An increase in employment rate causes greater income for employees which directly reduces poverty in that region. Boston being a highly studentified city recorded the crime rate to be directly affected with poverty. The crime rate in Boston observed a slight increase in 2020 where universities had shut down due to Covid-19, but in the year 2021 there was a 11.14% decrease in the crime rate as students returned back on campus. To conclude, a decrease in student population leads to an increase in crime rate within the district. Several local businesses such as grocery stores, landlords, public transport and restaurants have also benefited by earning a steady income as students become their main consumers. The overall economy is boosted as businesses are developed which leads to plenty employment opportunities and higher income sources.

Negative impact

Higher concentrations of students can cause a city to have a huge backlash if other factors are not considered. There has been an increase in demand for renting out apartments as students often look towards shifting off-campus. With students attracting companies, the office workers who earn a steady wage and are easily able to afford apartments in the area, add to the demand. An increase in demand causes the rents to increase exponentially which has become difficult for students and impossible for the locals to afford it. Small business owners who are financially restricted have trouble keeping up with the increased rents and are forced to move out to other suburb areas. Students also face a similar issue as the expansion of universities has also given rise to the problem that there are not enough dormitories to accommodate students which causes them to move out to suburb places. It has become a battle for housing space as well as being able to afford the place financially.

Name of page: Gentrification