Providing Affordable Housing for Students
Walailak University (WU) is committed to supporting students’ well-being by ensuring access to affordable, high-quality housing on campus. Recognizing that off-campus rental costs in Tha Sala District have risen significantly due to urban expansion and increased migration, WU has consistently set dormitory fees lower than market prices. By doing so, the university helps reduce students’ financial burdens and creates an environment where they can focus on their academic and personal development.
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Affordable Housing Management and Evaluation
The Center of Property Management oversees all student dormitories and plays a central role in maintaining affordable pricing and quality facilities. To strengthen student participation, the center has established Student Dormitory Committees in every dormitory. These committees represent student voices by raising concerns, providing feedback, and discussing issues—including dormitory fees—directly with the center. Regular meetings ensure that decisions reflect both the university’s standards and the real needs of students.
In 2024, a total of 5,977 students required on-campus housing. A comparison study by the center and student representatives revealed that off-campus dormitory prices range from 2,500 to 5,000 baht per month. However, accommodations at the lowest end of that range (around 2,500 baht) were rarely available within a 15-kilometer radius of the university, while most options exceeded 3,000 baht. This further highlights the importance of Walailak University’s affordable pricing policy, which ensures students pay significantly less for on-campus housing than they would off-campus.
Walailak University offered on-campus housing at affordable rates ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 baht per month. These low-cost accommodations help ease students’ financial burdens, enabling them to allocate their resources more effectively and concentrate on their academic pursuits without the added stress of high living expenses.
Comparison of Off-Campus Dormitory Prices to WU Dormitory Average Prices (2024)
The average monthly price for WU dormitories ranged from 1,000 to 2,000 baht, while off-campus accommodations ranged from 3,700 to 6,000 baht per month. This indicates that off-campus dormitories were generally 2–5 times more expensive than WU housing. The highest price difference was observed at Pan Suk Apartment 1–2 and Pava Place Tha Sala, which were 4,000–5,000 baht higher than WU dormitories, equivalent to a 200–500% increase. Overall, WU housing provides a significantly more affordable option for students compared to nearby off-campus alternatives.
Providing Affordable Housing for Students
Walailak University provides 15 dormitories with a total of 5,500 beds, offering students a variety of choices to suit different preferences and financial situations. The main dormitory group, known as Laksananives, consists of 13 buildings located conveniently on campus (Laksananives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, and 18). Additionally, WU Residence A and WU Residence A provide modern, fully air-conditioned accommodations.
Figures : Laksananives
Figures : WU Residence A
Figures : WU Residence B
Dormitory Fees (per trimester)
- Laksananives 7, 13, and 14 (No AC): 6,000 baht (≈1,000 baht per month)
- Laksananives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, and 14 (With AC): 9,000 baht (≈1,500 baht per month)
- Laksananives 16, 17, 18 (With AC): 12,000 baht (≈2,000 baht per month)
- WU Residence A and B (With AC): 9,000 baht (≈1,500 baht per month)
Figures : WU Residence A
Figures : WU Residence B
All dormitories are equipped with essential facilities such as study areas, internet access, and common spaces for social interaction. The air-conditioned residences provide additional comfort, while the lower-cost non-air-conditioned options ensure that all students, regardless of financial background, can find suitable housing.
Constructing New Dormitory: WU Residence C
In response to the growing number of students, Walailak University has constructed a new dormitory named WU Residence C. This facility was developed to ensure sufficient and high-quality accommodation for students, alleviating pressure from increasing demand. Like the other university residences, WU Residence C is priced at an affordable rate, reflecting the university’s commitment to reducing students’ financial burdens and supporting equal access to housing. The new dormitory is located near WU Residence A and WU Residence B and offers the same facilities as the other dormitories.
In addition, in 2024, Walailak University expanded the number of student dormitories by constructing a new dormitory for the nursing and medical students, located at the WU Hospital Zone.
Financial Support for Students
Beyond affordability, Walailak University (WU) actively promotes inclusive and equitable housing through the Center of Property Management and Student Dormitory Committees. This participatory system enables students to voice their opinions, take part in decision-making, and ensure that policies and services reflect genuine student needs.
To further enhance housing accessibility, WU allocates a dedicated budget to provide free accommodation for financially disadvantaged students. This initiative forms part of the university’s broader welfare policy, aiming to improve students’ quality of life, reduce housing expenses, and promote educational equality. By easing the financial burden—particularly for students from low-income backgrounds—WU ensures that every student can continue their studies effectively and without interruption.
The free housing support program also strengthens students’ sense of belonging and engagement with the university community, reflecting WU’s commitment to social sustainability and responsibility as a higher education institution. Moreover, this initiative contributes to reducing student dropout rates, expanding access to education, and fostering equal learning opportunities for all. Continuous evaluation of budget utilization is conducted to ensure that resources are used efficiently and deliver the greatest benefit to both students and society.
Walailak University recognizes that some students may face financial difficulties in paying their dormitory fees on time. To ease this burden, the university provides financial support through scholarships as well as a flexible payment system. Under this arrangement, students who are unable to pay the full amount upfront are allowed to delay payments or settle their fees in manageable monthly installments. Students wishing to request a payment delay can simply submit a form to the Center of Property Management, which carefully considers each case to ensure fairness and support.
This policy reflects WU’s understanding of the diverse financial situations of its students and ensures that housing remains accessible without the pressure of immediate full payment. By offering both scholarships and flexible payment options, Walailak University not only reduces financial stress but also helps students remain focused on their academic success and personal development. This supportive approach underscores the university’s commitment to equal opportunity and student well-being.
Student Housing Facilities and Security
Walailak University prioritizes the safety, security, and well-being of all students residing in its dormitories. Entry to each dormitory is strictly controlled through fingerprint access systems, ensuring that only authorized residents and staff can enter. The dormitory areas are continuously monitored 24/7 with CCTV cameras and patrolled by professional security personnel, creating a secure living environment. In addition to safety measures, the dormitories are equipped with essential facilities such as study areas, common lounges, and recreational spaces, fostering both academic focus and social interaction. Walailak University also operates electric shuttle buses around the dormitories, making it easier for students to travel to locations both on and off campus.
To support students’ mental health and well-being, the university has trained selected students through the Smile and Smart Center to serve as peer supporters. These trained peers provide guidance and assistance to fellow students who face mental health challenges, ensuring that help is available within the dormitory community. This comprehensive approach ensures that students can live in a safe, supportive, and affordable environment, allowing them to focus on their studies, personal growth, and campus life.
Walailak University’s approach to student housing reflects its deep commitment to affordability, accessibility, safety, and well-being. By offering dormitory fees that are consistently lower than off-campus alternatives, the university helps reduce the financial burden on students while providing them with high-quality living spaces. The availability of both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options ensures that students from diverse financial backgrounds can find accommodations that suit their needs.
Students also benefit from a secure and supportive living environment. With modern safety systems—including fingerprint access, CCTV monitoring, and round-the-clock security staff—students can live and study with peace of mind. In addition, the integration of mental health peer support through the Smile and Smart Center empowers students to support one another, creating a caring and resilient community within the dormitories.
Walailak University’s student housing program operates through a structured process of diagnostic, development, engagement, and measurement. Through diagnostic assessment, the university continuously evaluates local housing markets and students’ financial needs to ensure affordability and accessibility. Development is demonstrated by the construction of new dormitories such as WU Residence C and the introduction of financial support systems. Strong engagement is achieved through Student Dormitory Committees that allow students to participate in decision-making and management. Finally, regular measurement of housing costs, satisfaction levels, and occupancy rates ensures continuous improvement—reinforcing WU’s commitment to providing affordable, safe, and supportive living environments for all students.
Overall, Walailak University’s student housing system provides more than just a place to live. It offers a comprehensive support network that nurtures academic success, personal growth, and mental well-being, while fostering a sense of belonging and community. Through these efforts, WU ensures that students are not only housed affordably but are also given the resources and environment to thrive throughout their university journey.
