Skip navigation
view all news

Pan-European Student Housing Cooperative Association (PESCHA) Conference: A Gathering of Innovation and Cooperation

Students sitting on graduated steps

PESCHA Conference Participants

On October 3rd and 4th, 2024, the Pan-European Student Housing Cooperative Association (PESCHA) held a two-day conference in Geneva, Switzerland. Hosted by urbaMonde and Cooperative Housing International, the event focused on the transformative potential of student housing cooperatives across Europe.

Day 1: Housing Tour of Geneva

The first day offered participants an insightful tour of Geneva’s cooperative housing landscape, with visits to three exemplary cooperatives in the eco-neighbourhood of Les Vergers de Meyrin:

La Ciguë: A pioneering student cooperative, offering affordable, eco-friendly housing since 1986. Known for its communal spaces and emphasis on self-management, La Ciguë provides students with both low-cost living and a strong sense of community.

CODHA: Established in 1994, CODHA is a larger cooperative promoting participation and solidarity, with over 750 housing units. It offers a range of shared spaces including gardens, a gym, and guest rooms, fostering a close-knit community.

Equilibre: Focused on sustainability, Equilibre has been promoting eco-conscious construction and collective planning since 2005. The cooperative is currently testing compostable toilets as part of its commitment to sustainable living.

Students looking out over a balcony

Day 2: Collaborative Exchanges and Workshops

The second day featured a series of presentations, workshops, and discussions with students from Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and the UK, along with experts in student housing. Topics included:

– Conflict resolution and cooperative governance.

– Financing and loans for cooperative housing.

– Perspectives on student cooperatives from different countries.

– The role and future of the Pan-European Student Cooperative Housing Association.

Participants shared experiences, explored innovative strategies, and discussed ways to strengthen student housing cooperatives. The event highlighted the importance of cooperation and collective action to create affordable, sustainable housing for students.

This conference not only provided a platform for learning and networking but also inspired students to bring new ideas back to their housing cooperatives. Building on the momentum created in Geneva, student co-ops across Europe will continue collaborating on shared goals for a stronger, more connected cooperative housing movement.

For a glimpse into the event, check out this video from Cork Student Housing Co-operative, which captures the conference’s highlights.

Stay tuned as students and housing cooperatives work together to shape the future of student housing across Europe!

 

back to top