NUI Galway Students' Union are outraged by the University's decision to increase rent in on-campus student accommodation by 4% for 2020/2021.

By applying the maximum 4% increase in a rent pressure zone, the University is exploiting 19,000 students and their families who already cannot afford the rents they are forced to pay. This means that from September onwards, a single room in  Goldcrest student accommodation will be €750 a month. 

NUI Galway recently launched their 2020-25 Strategy highlighting 'affordable and sustainable' on-campus accommodation for students as a key 'priority' in 'Building for the Future.' Yet again, the University has shown that it is more focused on commercial gain rather than actually supporting students. The €3000 student contribution charge, coupled with the cost of accommodation and living expenses remain the largest barriers in accessing third level education. 

We are asking for the decision to increase the rent by 4% to be revoked and that the value of 'Respect' and 'Openness' as outlined in their 'Shared Vision Shaped by Values' Strategy be shown towards their students. 

Student Need, Not University Greed! 

#BreakTheBarriers #RentFreeze