Student Organization of Slovenia warns of housing and talent support challenges

The Student Organization of Slovenia (ŠOS) has identified several critical challenges facing students at the start of the new academic year. A primary concern is the shortage of affordable and high-quality housing. According to ŠOS, there is a deficit of at least 3,000 beds in public student dormitories, with the situation being particularly acute in Ljubljana and the Primorska region due to rising private rental prices.

ŠOS is calling on authorities to prioritize the planning and construction of new public student dormitories. Additionally, the organization is advocating for better support for talented youth, suggesting that the current Zois scholarship system should evolve beyond financial aid to include more systematic talent development. A conference is planned for November to discuss these issues.

Regarding entrepreneurship, ŠOS expressed concerns about proposed models for student entrepreneurs, warning that they could lead to students being exploited as cheap labor. Instead, they propose the use of limited liability companies to allow students to develop business ideas while maintaining their student rights.