Issue 145

Housing Crisis

25th September 2006

New students arriving at Swansea University looking forward to their first taste of independence, have been told that there may not be enough accommodation for them. The problem threatens to disrupt Freshers' Week for many students as they try to sort out housing before their studies begin.

A university spokesperson has said that "Swansea University has had its best ever year for application and admissions. As a result, there is an unprecedented demand for university accommodation."

Simon Wright, Director of Student Services, has said that the university is meeting all of its guarantees. He added that few universities are able to accommodate people from clearing and that this position is no different than recent years.

The university is working with the Students' Union to help those students who chose Swansea as a second choice to find private accommodation. Sixty students will be housed in the Cefn Bryn halls of residence for a week until accommodation has been found for them. Some students that live close to the university have been asked to commute in order to help ease the situation.

The University will provide transport for those students who chose Swansea as their second choice, to view and to move into private accommodation. According to Simon Wright, "it is important for students to form groups so they have a better chance of finding accommodation."

Students who went through clearing were not guaranteed accommodation and will have to stay in Bed and Breakfasts and hotels. Although the students will have to pay for this, the University did try and ensure that they were made aware that there would be no accommodation, when they had gone through clearing and that students have had reasonable time to sort it out.

It is also understood that some International students may be affected by the accommodation shortage. Hotel accommodation has been arranged and every effort was made to try and communicate the problem to International students..

It is thought that the university may incur costs as a result but Simon Wright is adamant that "where the university has a guarantee to students, that the guarantee is met and that students do not suffer financially."

If students are affected by the accommodation situation, a group has been established by the university to deal with each individual complaint. Students who feel they have suffered a financial detriment will be asked to provide evidence of the costs by submitting receipts. The deadline for complaints is 31 October. Simon Wright should be the first point of contact. His email address is s.w.wright@swansea.ac.uk.

Jason Sannegadu