4 Articles by:
Mollie Simpson is a freelance journalist.
Bristol University has informed its student rent strikers that their debts will be passed onto private collectors – it’s just the latest sign that our universities are more interested in money than student wellbeing.
In order to access hardship funds, some universities are forcing students to undertake patronising courses on budgeting and ‘sensible’ spending – but inequality can’t be solved by not buying takeaways.
Rent strikes are taking place right now in 55 of 140 UK universities. It’s the biggest nationwide tenant action in 40 years – and has potential to shift housing dynamics not just for students, but for renters everywhere.
More than 50% of students are struggling with mental health problems since Covid, according to an NUS survey – but the failures that led to this point go beyond the pandemic to the corporate nature of our universities.