New platform for fine-tuned communication

For several years, AF Bostäder has worked in a strategic and target-oriented way on social, environmental and economic sustainability. Now, the company is introducing culture as an equal fourth perspective. The work started in 2024 with a newly written policy and a new strategy for cultural sustainability.

Being able to rapidly obtain pleasant and secure housing at a reasonable cost is an important factor when students are choosing where to study. Many people believe that it is difficult to find student housing in Lund. In a new joint report, three of Lund’s major student housing organisations show that the true picture is actually positive.

Designed in accordance with the Academic Society’s and prize-winning architect Bengt Edman’s visions of a student city within the city, and just as much loved as hated for its brutalist architecture, Sparta is constantly one of AF Bostäder’s most popular student housing areas. Sparta is now undergoing a careful renovation, so it can remain standing strong for many years to come.

AF Bostäder is driving one of Sweden’s biggest initiatives in sustainable student housing at Kämnärsrätten. Rhodos, a new quarter inaugurated in the summer of 2024, was awarded the Student Housing Prize for, among other things, pleasant accommodation, green outdoor environments and low climate impact. Students, relatives and friends gathered for the move-in and inauguration.

AF Borgen – the students’ own building in Lundagård – is the focal point of Sweden’s best student life. It is here that the Academic Society (Akademiska Föreningen) and the students arrange numerous activities, but it is also the setting for a café, restaurant, stages, festivities and much more. In addition, AF Borgen is also an ultramodern arena for Lund’s business community and cultural life.

AF Bostäder only rents out to active students at Lund University – the students’ status is verified by study checks. Now, measures are also being introduced to minimise prohibited sub-letting.

With clear targets, all those working at AF Bostäder can develop and drive sustainability management together. The targets are to be current and relevant, and ahead of 2025 it was time to renew and fine-tune them again.

Those responsible for sustainability management are constantly facing new challenges. A network initiated by AF Bostäder will give student housing companies the opportunity to share knowledge and inspiration with each other.

AF Bostäder rents out affordable housing in attractive locations to students at Lund University. The queue and rental terms, which include admission and study rate requirements, are to ensure that renting is fair and conducted via a housing queue. Sub-letting is permitted to a limited extent in order to facilitate, for example, studies abroad and military conscription.

AF Bostäder has for some time conducted risk analyses concerning everything from financing and work environment to extreme rainfall events. Now, the work on risk is being expanded and coordinated, for a better overview and reporting purposes.

Many companies buy a ready-to-use business system and adapt their processes to the system. AF Bostäder has instead chosen to design its own system from scratch. Thanks to strong engagement internally in the development work, the system is powerful, easy to use and liked by both customers and staff.

AF Bostäder dates back all the way to 1830. It was then that Akademiska Föreningen was formed to keep the students in order. Inspired by the English college system, AF offered food and accommodation to some 50 students. Sylwanska Gården became the first form of housing with student influence.

AF Bostäder aims to give students a rent trend that is as even as possible so that they can forecast their costs and keep track of their everyday finances. At the same time, stable revenues give AF Bostäder the preconditions for planning its operations with a long-term perspective.

With the building of Troja – AF Bostäder’s biggest construction start since the 1960s and the last quarter in the expansion along Kämnärsvägen – one of Sweden's most significant investments in sustainable student housing will reach the finishing line. In parallel, planning is underway for continued expansion, in careful balance with the housing needs of Lund students.

At the Service Centre, customers often receive assistance from staff who are active students. Student workers make up a unique resource in the company, and the job is often a springboard for their own careers. Meet Amanda Forslund who has gone on to become a property appraiser, and Alexander Gahnström who has continued to work within AF Bostäder.