The PhD Race’s Spotlight Series highlights the research journeys of PhD students from around the world. Our stories of discovery and resilience deserve to reach far beyond the small circle of our advisory committees. Read on and celebrate the inspiring work of those pushing the boundaries of knowledge.
Today, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Žaklina Grgic, a PhD researcher from the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia, who is digging deep into a fascinating and pressing issue: why do young adults in Croatia stay with their parents longer than anywhere else in the European Union? With an average age of 33.4 before leaving the parental home, Croatia’s young adults face unique challenges to independent living, and Žaklina is determined to find out why.
Her journey to this topic is personal. Having grown up in Zagreb, Žaklina experienced firsthand the complexities of Croatia’s housing market. After hearing stories from her friends back home and comparing them to her experiences abroad, she realized the scale of the housing problem young adults face in her home city.
Now, she’s working to give a voice to those struggling to find a place of their own in Zagreb.
Understanding the Housing Puzzle in Zagreb
Žaklina’s research focuses on the housing experiences, aspirations, and obstacles young adults face in Zagreb as they try to establish independent living. Her work is not just about numbers and statistics. It’s also about understanding the personal and cultural influences that have shaped Croatia’s housing landscape.
Traditionally, Croatia has been caught between Eastern and Western Europe, with layers of cultural and political complexity.
Being part of the Mediterranean, yet ruled by Central European monarchies, Croatia is a blend of influences.
However, when it comes to housing, most academic research has focused on Western European communities, which doesn’t reflect the local realities of multicultural impacts on Croatian life.
One of the most striking facts? In the 1990s, following the transition from socialist Yugoslavia to an independent Croatia, the government sold apartments and houses to citizens at just 10-20% of their value. This caused homeownership rates to soar to over 92%, a level that remains today. While that sounds positive, it means that younger generations are now facing a housing market with fewer available options, especially as tourism booms in Zagreb. The number of tourist apartments in the city skyrocketed from 532 in 2011 to 10,588 in 2019, leaving young adults with even fewer choices for affordable housing.
As the capital city of Croatia, Zagreb has a very centralized role in providing employment and education opportunities and, as such, has the highest concentration of young adults (18-35) in the whole country. Knowing that, what can be done to create a more efficient housing market for young adults which would ease access to long-term, independent housing?
Changing the Narrative
Despite being a significant part of society, young adults are often overlooked in academic research. Most studies focus on older age groups like seniors, leaving the struggles of young people largely unheard. Žaklina’s research aims to change that, bringing attention to why it’s so important to understand their challenges
“This research is a small, but important, shift in the narrative,” she explains
By focusing on the experiences of young adults, Žaklina hopes to bring visibility to their difficulties and offer insights that could lead to better housing policies for the future.
Personal Journey meets Academic Curiosity
Žaklina’s own experiences of searching for housing both in Zagreb and in different countries have played a big role in shaping her research. Though she never had trouble finding a place to live in her hometown, her friends’ stories, paired with her global perspective, opened her eyes to just how tough the housing market is for young Croatians.
While she hasn’t yet hit an “epic fail” moment in her PhD journey, she admits that her preconceived ideas about her research topic have been challenged since moving to the USA.
“Not everything I considered normal in Zagreb is normal elsewhere,” she reflects.
It’s a reminder that stepping outside of your comfort zone can help you see things in new ways, a valuable lesson for any researcher.
Balancing PhD-life
Žaklina is an organization queen, using Notion to manage her life and research.
She also keeps her spirits high by always planning a trip at the end of each semester, something exciting to look forward to! But Žaklina’s adventures don’t stop there. At just 22, she completed a 360-degree solo trip around the world. Talk about an explorer’s spirit!
Another fun fact? Žaklina speaks multiple languages, a talent that undoubtedly adds depth to her global understanding of housing and cultural dynamics.
When Žaklina’s not immersed in her research, she loves to read, learn about psychology, and swim. These activities help her unwind and maintain balance while juggling the demands of PhD life.
Žaklina’s Advice for Fellow PhDs
Her advice for other PhD students? Stay organized and always have something to look forward to! Whether it’s a trip at the end of a long semester or simply taking time to reflect on how your experiences shape your work, having a healthy balance is key to enjoying the PhD journey.
To follow Žaklina’s research and adventures, check out her recent conversation with EURA here
Here’s to exploring housing challenges and making a difference for young adults in Zagreb!
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