Petition for the opposition of the increase in dormitory fees:

On behalf of English programme students living in dormitories

Dear Vice president of student affairs Prof. Edmund Grzeskowiak,

I am submitting this petition in opposition to the increase in dormitory fees. I have listed the reasons below.

1. There was not sufficient notice given regarding the rent increase. The first official announcement communicated to the students was on 22/08/2014 via school email. As most students receive money via loans it takes time to apply and receive these funds. The short notice provided by the university does not offer students the chance to apply for the increased funding and for some students it will not be possible to get this increased funding for this academic year.

2. Students have not been given enough time to find alternative accomodation. Again the very short notice given means students would not have the time to find alternative accomodation now that term time has started or about to start for many year groups. Finding accomodation and occupants is a stressful and time consuming process one which is very difficult to do during term time or when students are not in the country. In addition students in their final year of studies have already left for electives and are therefore forced into accepting the new prices without a chance to move out as they are abroad.

3. The rate of the increase is too high. It is understandable that from time to time the university reserves the right to increase rent, but the rate of the increase is expected to be fair and justified. The increase of over 40% (Eskulap 480pln to 690pln) is completely unjustifiable. This increase is simply too sharp and not justified.

4. There are no clear guidelines as to which rooms are single occupancy double rooms and which are single occupancy single rooms. Many students applied for single occupancy rooms and were not given the option of a single or double room. It is unfair to expect students to pay such a large premium for a double room when most students are not even aware they are in a double room. Therefore before any changes to rent is made, students should be made aware if their room is a single or double before prices are increased.

5. There has been no improvement in living conditions. Students accept that living on dormitories is not the most luxurious option, but this is offset by the price of rent. If students are expected to pay more for rent then a proportional improvement of the facilities is expected. Whilst there have been limited renovations over the summer this has only been for a small number of rooms and the vast majority of students are in the same condition rooms as previous years and therefore does not justify paying an increase in rent.

6. The price increase has defeated the purpose of student dormitories. Students live on campus for the location and because it’s cheaper than renting privately. The increase in rent has now made living in dormitories more expensive than private rent. In City Park, one of the most expensive areas in Poznan, 2 students can rent a place for 1000pln each which is cheaper than having a single double in Karolek (1020pln). Dormitory prices should never be comparable to premium real-estate.

I strongly hope that you will reconsider the increase in dormitory rent for the above reasons. I look forward to your reply to each of the above points.

Yours sincerely

Mohamed Lazizi 3-4MD

RA Director