The Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) was visited on Thursday, 5 February 2026, by the President of the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (INEDIVIM), Ms. Anna Rokofyllou, accompanied by the Head of the Directorate of Student Welfare and Technical Services of INEDIVIM, Ms. Christina Theodoridou.
On behalf of HMU, the meeting was attended by the Rector, Professor Nikos Katsarakis, the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, Professor Fotios Mavromatakis, the Executive Director, Dr. Vanessa Simantiraki, and the Head of the Directorate of Student Welfare, Mr. Spyros Apostolakis.
The Rector of HMU welcomed the President of INEDIVIM, underlining the Foundation’s long-standing and significant contribution to the operation and support of Student Dormitories of Greek public universities, as well as the particularly constructive cooperation that has developed between INEDIVIM and HMU in recent years.
During the meeting, the issues concerning the Heraklion Student Dormitory were presented in detail, with particular emphasis on the problem of limited capacity. At present, HMU provides 296 beds, a number that does not meet the increased needs of a rapidly developing regional university, with 9,500 active students and approximately 1,700 new entrants annually.
Special reference was made to the study for the expansion of the Heraklion Student Dormitory by 200 additional beds, which is funded by the Region of Crete and is expected to be completed within 2026, so that the project will become immediately ready for tendering. As highlighted, the request for funding the construction of the new beds has been submitted to the political leadership of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, with the aim of being included in the National Development Programme for the period 2026–2030.
Ms. Rokofyllou informed the HMU administration about the planning of a workshop to be organized by INEDIVIM, focusing on the review and updating of the institutional framework governing the management of Student Dormitories. The objective of this initiative is the clear delineation of roles between INEDIVIM and the Universities, in order to enhance effectiveness and transparency in the operation of the dormitories.
The President of INEDIVIM emphasized that, although the Foundation is responsible for the financial management of Student Dormitories, it is often required to go beyond its formal responsibilities, addressing additional needs, such as the leasing of hotel accommodation for student housing during periods of increased demand.
At the same time, she described the Heraklion Student Dormitory of HMU as one of the best organized in the country, highlighting the consistent and substantial interest shown by the University in the welfare and daily life of resident students.
Subsequently, issues of student housing outside Heraklion were examined, particularly in the areas of Sitia, Chania, Rethymno and Agios Nikolaos, where intense tourist activity creates increased demand and limited availability. Ms. Rokofyllou invited HMU to submit a relevant request so that these needs may be included in the next INEDIVIM call for the coverage of student accommodation beds.
Rector Mr. Katsarakis expressed his thanks to the President of INEDIVIM for the €300,000 funding allocated for the equipment of the Heraklion Student Dormitory, as well as for the cooperation in promoting energy-upgrade projects, such as the solar hot-water systems project, with a total cost of €115,000, which is expected to be included in an INEDIVIM programme.
The visit concluded with a tour of the Heraklion Student Dormitory facilities, where discussions focused on the renovation needs of the common areas of the four buildings that accommodate students, with the aim of improving daily living conditions and overall quality of life for residents.
