One of the most notable issues that have come into play in the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections for 2026 is that of student accommodation, as the political parties have taken up issues such as hostels, security, and low-cost housing as the students are set to vote on September 18.

This has been particularly brought into light after the accident that occurred recently in which a building collapsed in the Satya Niketan area of Delhi, where 5 Delhi University students have been found dead. This has put new emphasis on the problems of accommodation being faced by the students who live outside the university in paying guest and rented apartments.

There is a huge gap between the number of students and the number of hostel seats in Delhi University. According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the university has approximately 7,224 seats in the hostels whereas over half the student population requires accommodation.

A few student organizations have made inclusion of issues pertaining to housing among their election manifestos. For example, the ABVP election manifesto includes demand for construction of new hostels, Student Housing Cell and Helpline, separate girl hostels and audit for hostels and paying guest accommodation. It has also taken up some issues pertaining to fire safety, basic facilities and women’s security.

Apart from the above-mentioned organizations, other student organizations too have included housing among their electoral agendas. Thus, AISA-SFI combination has put forth some issues related to housing and Association of Students for Alternative Politics has demanded more hostels for the students.

Hostels and PG accommodation have become key areas where student organizations are able to connect with the students. This is because there have been reports of students residing in hostels and PG accommodation engaging in various informal activities of campaigns.

With over 1.51 lakh voters eligible to take part in the 2026 DUSU polls, hostel life has become an important issue within the electoral debate.

With voting underway at various venues in Delhi University, it is clear that hostels have become an important topic not only because of issues like safe accommodation and other facilities but also because of the larger discussion about representation and governance of the university.