At University College London students face constant increases in rent.
The average rise of a basic room at UCL accommodation has gone up by 5% since last year (higher than inflation!) while student loans have gone up by a measly 1%.
Though increased marketisation of universities across the country is ensuring university halls are becoming more and more expensive everywhere, UCL seems to have a particular problem with giving its students decent and affordable rooms to live in.
A year ago, upon its completion, UCL’s newest hall (appropriately named New Hall) was voted the worst new building in Britain, with many commenting that rooms in nearby Pentonville Prison are likely to be nicer. HSBC (not known for its caring attitude towards students) recently accused UCL of having the priciest halls in the country, with an average room costing £157 a week. For comparison, the cost of a standard room at nearby King’s College London is £127.50.
This year however, students are organising a fight back. The first step will be a motion to the student union General Assembly to demand that UCL lower its rents and commit to no above-inflation rises in rents year by year.
If UCL continues to ignore students’ welfare then activists should argue for and plan an organised student rent strike.
Students will only be able to stand these absurd rents for so long.
