The Challenge of Studentification: The Case of the ‘Village at York University”

The paper analyzes the studentification of the Village at York University in Toronto as a unique case of urban transformation shaped by higher education expansion, housing market dynamics, and local policy responses. Drawing on critical discourse analysis and field visits, it explores the social and spatial consequences of student-driven demographic shifts, including housing adaptation and regulatory challenges. Unlike typical gentrification, studentification in the Village did not displace existing residents but altered the area’s intended middle-class character. Policy responses, including a luxury student residence (The Quad) and regulation of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), highlight tensions between safety, affordability, and livability. The Canadian case offers valuable insights for Polish cities facing similar trends, emphasizing the need for proactive, inclusive housing policies to balance student needs with urban cohesion.