Nearly 70 students in Dundee are now in a rush to find new places to live this academic year after the collapse of Marketgait Apartments, a student housing block in the city center. The building, which had 68 rented rooms, went into administration in mid-July, leaving students scrambling to move their belongings and secure alternative accommodation. The sudden closure came just weeks after the property was actively marketed to students as a "perfect home" with modern amenities and a prime location near two local universities. This is the latest example of a growing crisis in the UK's student housing sector, where companies are failing or selling off properties due to financial pressures. The housing crisis is driven by several factors, including a decline in international student numbers for the third consecutive year, rising living costs, and increased expenses for construction and maintenance. These challenges have been compounded by events like the war in Iran, which have affected the availability of materials and labor. While the number of domestic students is at a record high, many are choosing to live at home to save money, leading to a rise in "commuter students" who travel to university from their hometowns. The student housing market has also been hit by a boom in new-build properties in recent years, which led to an oversupply in certain areas. Cities like Coventry, Leeds, and Nottingham now have more student housing than needed, while places like Glasgow, Bristol, and London still struggle with shortages of affordable rooms. Modern, purpose-built student housing is often more expensive than traditional university dorms or private rooms, making it unaffordable for many domestic students. As a result, these properties are mostly occupied by wealthier international students. Marketgait Apartments, once a popular choice for students, was still being promoted just weeks before its collapse. The 116-room building offered amenities like a concierge, shared lounge, and even a pool table. However, by July, the property was in financial trouble due to falling occupancy rates, leading to an inability to cover essential fire safety upgrades. The new owner, ATK Property, is now carrying out these repairs, but the building remains closed in the meantime. Students affected by the closure have been left with the difficult task of moving out quickly, some even paying for third-party storage services to hold their belongings. The situation has left many students anxious and stressed, highlighting the broader instability in the UK's student housing market.