Our history
AF Bostäder has its roots in student life in Lund and in Akademiska Föreningen, which was founded in 1830. What started as a way to keep track of students has, over time, become something very different: a rich student life with housing, culture and community. Today, we are part of the AF Family, working together to create the best possible student life in Lund.
Where it all began
When Akademiska Föreningen was founded in 1830, the goal was not only to bring students together, but also to keep an eye on them.
Students at that time were young men, often just 15 or 16 years old, and far from home. They had little money and sometimes got into trouble.
One of the founders, Professor C A Agardh, wanted to create more structure. He was inspired by the English college system. The idea was to offer food and housing to around fifty students, while guiding them towards a more “proper” way of living.
Students under supervision
The plan was simple. Students would live together and be supervised by four unmarried teachers. Other staff were preferably from France or Germany, so students could practise languages. It is easy to imagine that this was not very popular.
Over time, students took more control themselves. The student nations became more involved, and a more student-led way of living developed. Student life also changed, with traditions, spex and social activities that still shape Lund today.
Housing for a growing number of students
After the Second World War, things changed quickly. More students came to Lund and there was a shortage of housing.
Akademiska Föreningen and other student organisations started working to create more homes. With support from the state and the municipality, building increased.
In 1952, Tomegapsgården was completed. It was AF Bostäder’s first modern student housing building and is still part of our housing today.
A foundation for students
In 1983, the housing operations were separated from Akademiska Föreningen and AF Bostäder became a foundation.
As a foundation, we do not distribute profits. Any surplus is reinvested in our housing and in our operations. Our mission is still the same: to provide good, affordable student housing in Lund.
Today and the future
Today, we own and manage around 6,200 student apartments in Lund and are part of the AF Family together with Akademiska Föreningen and AF-borgen.
Much has changed since 1830. Students no longer live under the supervision of teachers, and we do not place any demands on “proper behaviour”.
But the main idea is still the same: to create safe homes and good conditions for studies, community and a good student life.
Want to learn more about how we work together with Akademiska Föreningen and AF-borgen? Read more about the AF Family.