Protestors Demand More Housing Options and Better Living Conditions for Students
Today, October 17, students protested at the University of Limerick, demanding real action from the institution regarding the student accommodation crisis. Around 20 students positioned themselves at the two university gates.
The protest was organized by UL Student Life during the university’s first open day of the academic year.
“Today, we’re just trying to send a message that students aren’t happy, and there’s a lot of anger, frustration, and disappointment among them,” explained student officer Ronan Cahil.
“I know that currently, there are at least 600 students on the on-campus waiting list. Last year, there were a couple of thousand waiting. So, it really is past the word ‘crisis’ at this stage” he remarked.
The protest featured the slogan: “Study at UL, but sleep on a couch,” a spin on the university’s own tagline. “We’re trying to convey to prospective students that the harsh reality is there’s a real lack of accommodation,” Ronan added.
A Growing Crisis: The Struggles of Student Accommodation in Limerick
Student Welfare Officer Síofra Foley also struggled to find accommodation in her first year. “I was lucky to secure a place in my second year, and I’ve been able to stay there. However, many of my friends have been couch-hopping and commuting long distances,” she said.
Other students shared similar experiences regarding the accommodation crisis.
“I currently have to commute three hours every day, which has been very difficult for my studies and everything else,” said one attendee. “It even made it hard to come to this protest.”
“I didn’t get accommodation, and the university was no help,” another student remarked.
The primary demands of the protesters were for more housing. However, they also criticized the high living costs, poor living conditions, and shortage of parking spots.
Recently, the accommodation crisis made headlines when the University of Limerick overpaid €5.2 million on student housing projects.