Core Points - The accommodation issue for professional master's students has gained attention as Zhejiang University plans to rent off-campus housing for its 2026 cohort, allocating a budget of 23.6 million yuan for the first year [1][2] - The increasing number of graduate admissions has led to a shortage of on-campus housing, prompting universities to explore alternative solutions [1][3] Summary by Sections Accommodation Challenges - Zhejiang University will rent off-campus housing for its 2026 professional master's students due to tight on-campus accommodation [1][2] - The university's procurement announcement indicates a need for at least 3,000 beds within a 5-kilometer radius of the campus [1] - Other universities, including Peking University and Fudan University, have also stopped providing accommodation for professional master's students, reflecting a broader trend [2][3] Enrollment Trends - The total number of graduate admissions in China has significantly increased, from 621,300 in 2014 to 1,356,800 in 2024, marking a 118% rise over ten years [3] - The proportion of professional master's students has grown from 42% in 2014 to approximately 68.99% in 2024 [3] Student Experiences - Students like Xiao Xiong express mixed feelings about moving off-campus, noting the loss of campus facilities and community [4][6] - The financial burden of renting off-campus is a concern, with costs ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 yuan per month [6] - Some students feel that the lack of accommodation is unreasonable given the high tuition fees for professional master's programs [7] Institutional Responses - Policies have been introduced to address accommodation shortages, including guidelines for improving student housing and encouraging universities to utilize off-campus resources [8][10] - Some universities are providing transportation subsidies to help students cope with the costs of commuting from off-campus housing [10] - The integration of on-campus and off-campus housing resources is suggested as a viable solution to balance current needs and future demographic changes [11]