In Plzeň, a private university dormitory will be built within two years

Plzeň - Students of the University of West Bohemia (ZČU) can look forward to a new dormitory to be built by a private investor. The three-story building is set to arise next to the dormitories on Bolevecká street in Lochotín and will offer 130 beds. For the students lacking accommodation in Plzeň, there will also be an underground parking lot. This is reported by Právo in its regional supplement.
    "I hope that construction can start next spring. Then it would be possible to open the dormitory in September 2009," said investor Miroslav Zahout, the owner of the company Plzeňské stavitelství.
    ZČU currently has 3000 places in dormitories. However, there are about 7000 students from outside Plzeň. "Each of them receives a housing scholarship by law, and they decide for themselves whether to live in dormitories, privately, or commute daily to school," said bursar Antonín Bulín. According to him, 2500 to 3000 students secure private accommodation.
    The housing scholarship amounts to 678 crowns per month, while dormitory fees are around 2000 CZK. If a group of students rents an apartment, they can reach similar amounts per person. How much will be paid in the new dormitory will be determined by the market, according to Zahout.
    The university also collaborates with private landlords offering around 1000 beds. "We consider many of them our partners and allow them, for example, access to the university's computer network," explained the bursar.
    ZČU does not currently plan for the construction of dormitories in the medium term. It wants to focus on the reconstruction and improvement of the existing environment. However, it is negotiating with developers who would also ensure the construction of buildings with starter apartments for employees, doctoral students, and researchers. Several investors have consulted the university regarding plans for new accommodation capacities.