Walailak University Expands Affordable Housing for Employees Amid Growing Demand  

19Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University Expands Affordable Housing for Employees Amid Growing Demand  

As Walailak University continues to expand, the demand for affordable housing has grown, particularly among the increasing number of university employees. With the university employing 2,535 staff members in 2023, comprising 1,965 professional and general staff and 764 full-time academic staff, the pressure on local housing markets has intensified. The rising cost of living in the surrounding areas has left many employees in need of affordable accommodation. In response, Walailak University has implemented a comprehensive housing plan aimed at alleviating these challenges by providing affordable, high-quality housing for its employees, both in the form of direct housing options and financial support.

Figure : The map highlights staff dormitory areas.

Click on the map for a clearer view with more details

Evaluating Affordability

With the rapid expansion of Walailak University and the surrounding urban areas, the cost of housing in nearby regions has surged, making it increasingly difficult for employees to find affordable accommodation. In 2023, the university employed 2,729 staff members, divided into two categories:
      • Professional and general staff: A total of 1,965 people
      • Full-time academic staff: A total of 764 people
The growing workforce has led to higher demand for housing, especially among staff members who cannot afford the rising rents of external housing options. Recognizing this challenge, the university has undertaken efforts to provide affordable accommodation within the campus to support its employees and alleviate financial burdens.

Providing Housing

Walailak University has implemented a comprehensive housing program, offering free accommodation to staff for the first five years of employment. In 2023, this initiative continued to address the housing needs of employees through the provision of on-campus housing. The Walainivas 5th dormitory, operational since 2021, accommodates numerous staff. With 96 fully furnished single rooms for unmarried employees, the dormitory offers essential facilities, including water dispensers, washing machines, co-op working and relaxation spaces, and security alarms.

The university’s on-campus housing is part of its broader goal of becoming a Residential University, which aims to foster a vibrant campus community where staff can live and work comfortably. The housing categories provided by the university include:
      • Single room: For unmarried employees
      • Family room: For couples
      • Family house: For couples with children
By 2023, the total employee housing units on campus included:
      • Walainivas Area:
          • 100 family houses
          • 60 rooms in Walainivas 1 (40 family rooms, 20 single rooms) 
          • 80 single rooms each in Walainivas 2, 3, 4 
          • 96 single rooms in Walainivas 5
      • WU Hospital Employees’ Accommodation Area:
          • 25 V houses 
          • R 1 apartment: 160 single rooms 
          • R 2 apartment: 96 twin single rooms 
          • R 3, R 4, and R 5 apartments: Each offering 76 family rooms and large single rooms 

Figures : V houses 

Figures : R 1 Apartment (small single room)

Figures : R 2, R 3, R 4, R 5 Apartments (large single rooms)

Figures : R 3, R 4, R 5 Apartments (Family rooms)

This well-structured housing system ensures that employees have access to affordable, safe, and comfortable accommodation during their tenure.

Financial Support

Beyond providing housing directly, Walailak University also offers financial support through a cooperative savings program for employees. This initiative helps employees manage their finances effectively, particularly those who have completed their initial five years of free accommodation. After five years, staff members have the option to continue living on campus at affordable rates, significantly lower than market prices.

For employees staying in the Walainivas Area, the accommodation fees are as follows:
      • Single room: 
          • 700 baht per month (Walainivas 1, 2, 3, 4) 
          • 2,500 baht per month (Walainivas 5) 
      • Family room: 1,300 baht per month 
      • Family house: 2,700 baht per month 
In the Walailak University Hospital Area, the fees are:
      • V houses: 6,000 baht per month 
      • R 1 apartment (small single room): 3,000 baht per month 
      • R 2, R 3, R 4, R 5 apartments (large single rooms): 4,000 baht per month 
      • Family rooms: 5,000 baht per month 
In cases where on-campus housing is unavailable, the university provides financial assistance for off-campus accommodation, based on actual expenses incurred. This financial support underscores Walailak University’s dedication to ensuring that all employees, regardless of their financial circumstances, have access to affordable, comfortable housing.
Through these initiatives, Walailak University not only supports its employees but also fosters a strong sense of community, aligning with its vision of a sustainable and thriving Residential University.
Walailak University’s commitment to supporting its staff through affordable housing initiatives reflects its broader mission of fostering a sustainable and inclusive university environment. By offering free accommodation for up to five years, subsidized rates for extended stays, and financial support through cooperative programs, the university is ensuring that its employees can live comfortably without the financial strain of high rent costs. Through these efforts, the university not only enhances the well-being of its staff but also promotes a thriving, residential community that aligns with its vision of becoming a “Happy Green University City.”

Related links:

https://csp.wu.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/171065-2.pdf

https://csp.wu.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/171065-3.pdf

https://csp.wu.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/171065-4.pdf

https://hro.wu.ac.th/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3.ระเบียบฯ-ว่าด้วยที่พักบุคลากร-พ.ศ.2562.pdf

https://www.wu.ac.th/th/news/3931/หอพัก

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