Continuation of HBAC rent reduction is justified

It is astonishing that the college requires students to pay full rent for living on what, in reality, remains a noisy and dangerous construction site. First and foremost, there is the noise. From 8AM (sometimes earlier) to 4PM, my room is rendered uninhabitable due to constant drilling and hammering. The college has just informed students that, in the coming week, there will be (in the college's own words) "loud intermittent pneumatic percussion sounds during (sic) day." The college has been unable to provide a prospective completion date for the noisy Sarah Acland House, which is directly adjacent to my room. With exams coming up, I am worried that I will not be able to work in my room. I use large and heavy textbooks which cannot easily be carried to the library (the college library was also subjected to noise during an important part of the academic year because the college hall has also been under construction). Second, there are security concerns. A lot of dust accumulates in the inhabited parts of the site. The strong wind this week led to (in the college's own words) "flying objects" threatening serious harm to anyone crossing the quad. The premises are subjected to constant noise disturbances and are dangerous. They are not fit for purpose (sleep and study). This clear continuing breach of contract by the college must be remedied. The 50% discount which has been applied until January MUST continue.

The noise is still too loud in the mornings (and throughout the day) often waking me up, especially on weekends. I was nearly knocked over by a railing when the wind was high (on a day we did not receive a cautionary email) and tripped over a misplaced tile in the quad the other day. If the builders are still wearing hardhats, I find it impossible to believe we are living in an environment that is deemed entirely safe. The laundry room is not open often enough, making it difficult to maintain clean sheets and wardrobe. Furthermore, whenever I make complaints to college, although I receive replies, nothing is ever done to fix the issues I raise. University life is stressful enough without having to constantly chase up college when I am home. It is exhausting. Surely as a college it is their responsibility to reduce the stress of their students, not add to it.

I cannot work or sleep properly in my room, which has had major impacts on my well-being. Crossing the quad is a major safety hazard which requires safety gear, which we do not have. Given the email that was sent out on 03.03, HBAC is clearly aware that students' health & safety is put at risk.

I have had to leave my room and go home during periods when my workload is too intense, as the noise and works is too disruptive. My room doesn't heat properly, and my door does not lock unless forced (which is a safety concern).

I fully support this initiative.

Below is a copy of the email I sent to Roger Boden earlier this month, regarding the continued disturbance and noise during the day, rendering my room uninhabitable. Dear Mr Boden, Thank you for all the work that has gone into making HBAC ready for residents. I understand that BAM are working to strict deadlines, and are trying to get everything done as quickly as possible, but as a result my room is rendered uninhabitable from at least 8am-4pm every day, including most weekends. My room is closest to the work that is being done on the old Victorian Building, with only a thin door between the corridor and the work being done. Not only am I unable to stay in my room during the day due to the noise (for any purpose, work or otherwise), but I often come back to find large amounts of dust and work left in the corridor. I would like to kindly request a further rebate in light of the exceptional circumstances in which I am placed, due to the proximity to the continued noisy work. I do not believe residents in other areas of the building are in the same position, as most are not subject to this daily noise and are now able to inhabit their rooms during the day. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind regards, Sophie

terrible laundry service at HBAC Have to go back and use the college main site washing machine :-(

The gym is still not available.

There has been no noticeable changes or improvements to conditions for those of us living in HBAC since the rent reduction ended. I feel that this is a breach of contract on the part of college and as such I am strongly opposed to paying full rent.

Construction noise is significant (especially in the mornings) at the northwest, outwards facing corner as the new building appears nowhere near completion

Continued drilling and disturbance, missing and/or furniture, incomplete ceiling construction, etc.