With No Place to Stay, Some Students Squat on Campus

Langston University is facing a housing shortage on its campus, as ongoing renovations have reduced available dormitory space. While the University plans to accommodate students in newly completed buildings, the remodeling projects have created a temporary squeeze. Students are now facing uncertainty about when they can move in and what to do in the meantime. 

The current housing crisis at Langston University stems from a variety of factors. The university enrolled a significant number of students, even as it undertook extensive remodeling projects on several dormitories. This decision has created a mismatch between student enrollment and available on-campus housing. As a result, students are now facing difficult circumstances, including the need to find off-campus accommodations, rely on the generosity of friends, endure lengthy commutes from nearby towns like Guthrie, or, in some cases, confront the harsh reality of homelessness.

These shortages have led to significant challenges in students’ daily lives. Four students shared their experiences and concerns in recent interviews, shedding light on the impact of this crisis. Because campus policy prohibits unauthorized residency, the following students have been granted anonymity to share their experiences.

A sophomore business administration major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, described the daily uncertainty of not having a permanent residence. “I have to consistently stay and sleep in somebody else’s dorm,” she explained, emphasizing the lack of personal space and stability. “It’s hard not to have my own space to be able to do my own things.” At the time of the interview, she had been squatting for three weeks after trying to do school from off-campus. “I need, like, in-person teacher help. I can’t just try to figure it out online.”

A special education major from Dallas, Texas, voiced her frustration with the University’s housing management. While she secured a room, the reality of her accommodations in Young Hall fell short of expectations.

“What are we paying all this money for if we can’t get the housing that we want?” she questioned. She pointed to the cost of attendance and the quality of the living conditions in Young Hall, particularly the shared and unsanitary shower facilities. “Choose wisely on where you want to stay,” she advised fellow students, “because that’s where you’re going to be for the rest of the year.”

Beyond the physical conditions, she also expressed the challenges of living in a shared space, especially as someone with ADHD. “I’m big on privacy,” she explained. “I like to be by myself because one, I have ADHD, so I like to move around and stuff. And so being in Young Hall is not great for people with ADHD.” She further detailed the limitations, such as the need to turn her TV off or lower her computer volume at certain times. “Having to share kitchens and bathrooms, I don’t like that. I really don’t.”

A senior majoring in biology and education from Houston, Texas, offered insights from their perspective as an RA. The student noted the increasing number of students commuting or squatting due to the shortage, underscoring their resilience: “It’s not that people aren’t enrolled, it’s just that people don’t have any housing,” she said.

As an RA, the student explained the chain of command involved in addressing housing issues, “It’s such a chain of command… it’s not because of the RAs, it’s not because of the RDs, it’s not because the AEDs that’s in housing,” she explained. “It’s further down the line of people not doing their job,” so she advised students to “advocate for themselves” within the university’s processes.

A sophomore criminal justice major from Dallas, Texas, shared her difficulties in obtaining a meal plan because she is not officially assigned on-campus housing. “I wasn’t able to get a meal plan, because technically, I’m not on campus, because if you don’t have housing, it’s like you’re not on campus, but if you’re still living with somebody else on campus, it’s still like you’re not here.”

She expressed that the issue is the lack of available housing, yet the university continued to accept new students. “But what was irritating about it was that they still had enrollment open,” she reported. This left both upperclassmen and freshmen scrambling for accommodations. “Upperclassmen that was already here weren’t able to get housing, and then it was still, like, there’s still freshmen that don’t have housing.”

She emphasized the additional challenges faced by students due to the housing crisis, particularly concerning access to essential services. “Some of the teachers don’t make Zooms for you to be able to come on to, like, be able to hear the lesson and things, so you won’t be behind… it can mess up your grade, and it has messed up my grade.”

The housing shortage at Langston University is clearly impacting students’ living conditions and access to essential services. As students continue to navigate these challenges, the need for effective solutions becomes increasingly urgent. As of this writing, 45 students remain waiting for their housing assignment.