Recently, my colleague Olta Shehu and I visited the newly renovated dorms of Tirana, located in “Qyteti Studenti” (literally means Students’ city). First of all, it is of great importance to mention that me and Olta were amazed by the work that had been done there. The main reason was that before, the dorms were a nightmare for every student, but now that they are renovated, they are a haven for students who will come or already study in Tirana, primarily at the University of Tirana. These new dorms offer students a comfortable, modern, and environmentally responsible living space. Before, continuing further on, this transformation couldn’t have been done without the support of the European Union and the German Bank for Development. Even though we only visited one of the renovated buildings, dorm number 4, still they all shared the same planimetry.

The integration of Solar Energy

One of the most impressive aspects is that the dorms are powered by solar energy, which makes this building more cost-effective for students and also eco-friendly. The shift to this renewable energy shows a commitment to the transition to green energy and sustainable one. The solar panels are positioned on the rooftop, where I got the opportunity to check them, and there were rows and rows of solar panels! What needs to be noted is that this dormitory has set an example for other universities to follow, as these are the first dormitories in Albania to be powered by solar energy!

Modern facilities

These dorms are a far cry from traditional student housing. The building has been fully modernized, with every detail thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of today’s students. The dorm is spread across four floors, each designed for both comfort and functionality. Each floor has dedicated study rooms, allowing students to focus and study in a quiet and peaceful environment. Whether for individual study or group work, these spaces offer the perfect balance of solitude and collaboration.

In addition, there are kitchens on every floor, providing students with the ability to prepare their meals in a convenient and shared space. This communal setup encourages interaction between residents while ensuring everyone has access to basic amenities. The dorms themselves are designed for maximum comfort, with each room accommodating up to two students. These rooms are spacious, well-lit, and thoughtfully laid out, providing the perfect environment for rest and study. Funny enough, we had to wait a bit to see how a room looked inside because firstly every room was occupied and secondly the room we would enter was a bit messy so we waited for the student to clean up (can’t blame him, we all have been in that situation)! Also, an important aspect was that there were specific rooms for students who have disabilities, which shows that the dorms are inclusive for everyone!

The price and high demand

As we see all these good aspects of the dorms, we need now to see the monetary and demand part! As you can imagine the popularity of these dorms is undeniable. Due to the high demand and exceptional quality of the accommodations, the dorms were completely booked just one hour after opening for reservations! That’s crazy! Imagine if you didn’t set an alarm to wake up early and missed the chance to reserve a room! This rapid fill-up is a testament to the demand for modern, sustainable, and affordable student housing in Tirana. The combination of high-quality facilities and the unbeatable price has made these dorms a favorite choice among students, in comparison to choosing to rent an apartment.

The cost of staying in the dorms is 65000 Albanian Lek or around 650 euros per year, with a one-time yearly payment rather than a monthly fee. This simple payment structure is perfect for students who prefer a predictable and manageable financial commitment. With the price covering all the essential living costs, it’s an affordable option compared to many other housing alternatives in the city. Especially taking into consideration that the average rent price in Tirana is around 300 euros per month! Moreover, the process of reserving a room in these highly sought-after dorms has been made incredibly convenient thanks to the “Tirana Ime” app. This easy-to-use mobile app allows students to secure their place directly from their phones, streamlining the entire reservation process. Students can browse availability, choose their room, and confirm their booking all within the app, eliminating the need for long queues or complicated paperwork.

The Future it provides

Before continuing, I need to mention that if I wasn’t from Tirana, I would choose one of the dorms to stay in during my studies in Tirana, but anyway! Renovating these dorms is not just about providing students with a place to stay, it’s about creating a vibrant, sustainable community. With their eco-friendly design, modern amenities, and focus on security and convenience, these dorms represent a new era of student housing in Tirana. They offer students a place to live, study, and interact with others in a space that encourages both personal growth and academic achievement.

These newly renovated dorms in Qyteti Studenti are a prime example of how non-state actors, such as the European Union and the German Bank for Development, can make a tangible difference in the lives of students. By focusing on sustainability, affordability, and modern living, these dorms have become more than just housing, they are a model for future student accommodations in Albania and the Western Balkans.