Comilla University, located at the foothills of Lalmai in southeastern Bangladesh, is facing a severe housing shortage as about 76 percent of its 6,484 students lack dormitory access. Despite the university’s two-decade history, residential facilities have not expanded proportionately. Only 1,239 seats are officially available, accommodating roughly 19 percent of students, though overcrowding has pushed the number of residents to 1,554. Many students are forced to share beds and study spaces, while nearly 4,930 others live off-campus in rented housing.

Students report that overcrowded dorms hinder study conditions and personal comfort, with two students often sharing one bed, table, and locker. Female students, in particular, face safety and financial challenges when renting outside housing. University officials acknowledge the crisis and note that four new ten-story dormitories are under construction on a 200-acre new campus, expected to add 4,206 seats once completed. However, the project requires an additional 2.41 billion taka and has been delayed due to funding complications with the University Grants Commission.

Administrators expect the new campus to ease the accommodation crisis once operational, though interim overcrowding remains a pressing concern.