Dispute over student accommodation in Corfu
CORFU. Students’ complaints and the response from university sources.
With a strongly worded statement, the association of students living in the halls of residence and in the hotels leased by the university lashes out at the university and the student welfare services. In their statement, they stress that although the energy upgrade project is still ongoing, even by mid-December there is still no hot water, while heating was only turned on on December 3. The statement is accompanied by photographs showing mould in the rooms.
The students are also protesting against the operating regulations, as well as the fact that—despite repeated requests—they have not been provided with the contracts with the hotels, while at the same time they are being asked to vacate the premises during holiday periods. Their statement concludes:
“ Mould continues to haunt our rooms, and beyond hollow promises and rigid bureaucratic procedures, the only thing we encounter from those responsible is indifference toward our self-evident demands. Ultimately, we are disappointed with a university that does not provide genuine housing, but only temporary and degrading accommodation.”
The newspaper “k.E.” contacted the rectorate authorities following the students’ complaint. The response was that the regulations have been in force since the establishment of the dormitory, which, according to them, has hot water and operates properly. As for the contracts, they are posted on the platform and are therefore accessible to any interested party.
During the current academic year, as was also the case last year, not all available beds were filled—an issue that is causing concern. The university authorities, who received 85 applications last year and 110 this year for housing in Corfu, while offering 150 beds in the halls of residence and an equal number in hotels, are investigating the reasons. They initially believe that the situation is affected by the provision of the student housing allowance, as well as by the possibility of enrollment without physical attendance.
As for the relocation during holiday periods, it is argued that this is necessary for the maintenance of the facilities. The students describe these needs as artificial and merely a pretext.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
