Students’ residential mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Québec, Canada

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ABSTRACT Many students face considerable housing precarity given their frequent moves, short-term stays in their city of study, and limited incomes, which may make them more susceptible to pandemic-related housing disruptions. As universities transitioned to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, many temporarily returned to the parental home, while for others, the departure of roommates or loss of income may have left them unable to pay rent on their own. The need for better Wi-Fi and working space at home may also have prompted students to move. We investigate how the pandemic affected students’ residential moves in the province of Québec, how these impacts differ between students, and the reasons for – and outcomes of – these moves, drawing on a survey of students’ demographic and housing characteristics undertaken in 2021. We find that non-male respondents and non-Québec residents were more likely to effectuate pandemic-related moves, and that moves were also associated with financial precarity. Mental health concerns were an overriding reason for moving, followed by physical wellness. Some, but not all, outcomes of moves differed by gender, race, and students’ geographic origin. As underlying vulnerabilities persist, these findings suggest better supports are needed to ensure satisfactory, affordable housing for students.