Construction of a student dormitory worth 216 million kuna in Dubrovnik has begun

The construction works on the complex of the student dormitory of the University of Dubrovnik were ceremonially opened on Wednesday evening, and the Minister of Regional Development and EU Funds Gabrijela Žalac emphasized that this is the largest project financed through the operational program “Competitiveness and Cohesion” after major transport and infrastructure projects.

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She added that improving the quality of life for the student population is one of the priorities of the Government of the Republic of Croatia.

The student dormitory will have 254 accommodation units and will be able to accommodate 503 students, of which 290 students are from disadvantaged social backgrounds and 5 students with disabilities. It is expected to open in a year and a half.

“I am glad that the University of Dubrovnik will receive the dormitory it lacks, and it will be the largest and most valuable in Croatia. This is truly a significant investment, with 75 percent financed by EU funds. This is the benefit of Croatia’s membership,” emphasized Minister Žalac.

The State Secretary in the Ministry of Science and Education Branka Ramljak highlighted that the growth of student standards is one of the pillars of the national reform program.

“This university is the only one of the eight public universities in Croatia that does not have a student dormitory. I am glad that we have managed to reach this phase. If students are provided with an adequate standard, their completion of studies will be better,” said Ramljak.

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The rector of the University of Dubrovnik Nikša Burum pointed out that a significant amount of work has been done so far in preparing documentation and implementing public procurement procedures.

“We have a university, but we are not a university city until we get a dormitory. I am glad that the dormitory is intended for students from weaker social backgrounds. This will ensure their studies in Dubrovnik, an expensive city where it is difficult to live if you do not have an apartment,” stated Burum.

He noted that the university’s academic calendar is currently being aligned with the availability of private accommodation. He added that out of a total of 2200 students at the University of Dubrovnik, about 30 percent are from outside Dubrovnik.

The mayor of Dubrovnik Mato Franković said that alongside the future student dormitory, a kindergarten is being built, and a new elementary school will soon be constructed.

“This is a project of continuity with the support of a number of city administrations and rectors. It is a symbol of Dubrovnik’s community,” emphasized Mayor Franković.

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The director of the Central Agency for Financing and Contracting of EU Programs and Projects (SAFU) Tomislav Petric stated that the project is entering a calmer phase of its development and that SAFU will partner with it until the end.

The deputy of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Žaklina Marević said that many students from the county, who had to study elsewhere due to a lack of accommodation in Dubrovnik, will soon have the opportunity to study in Dubrovnik and be closer to home.

The director of the Dubrovnik Student Center Marko Potrebica emphasized that the project would not exist without strong support from the Government of the Republic of Croatia, while the president of the Dubrovnik Student Council Jakša Ćebo noted that the construction of the student dormitory will enable uninterrupted studies without the fear of being evicted from apartments.

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The contract for public works on the construction of the student dormitory complex, with a total value of about 216 million kuna, of which 151 million kuna are non-repayable funds from European funds under the operational program “Competitiveness and Cohesion,” was signed at the end of June this year.