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As students of the University of Sheffield, we expect the institution to provide access to essential resources that support our academic and personal growth. The Diamond building, a critical facility designed to cater to our needs around the clock, has become indispensable to thousands of students. Its recent closure overnight (from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) has disrupted our studies, diminished our productivity, and undermined the values that this university claims to uphold.

For many of us, the Diamond is more than a study space; it’s a lifeline. It offers specialized equipment such as high-spec computers, CAD and simulation software, engineering and computing labs, media editing booths, and quiet study rooms, all within a collaborative environment. The Diamond provides essential access to 969 study spaces, 272 computers, 19 laboratories, and 9 lecture theatres. Many students, particularly those without personal laptops, depend entirely on the Diamond’s computers to complete assignments requiring specialized software. Even students who own laptops rely on the Diamond’s resources for essential programs that are unavailable or unaffordable for individual purchase.

Additionally, the university has recently removed remote desktop access, further blocking students from accessing essential resources outside the Diamond. This means that the Diamond’s facilities are not just beneficial but necessary for many of us to succeed academically.

The university claims that closing the Diamond overnight saves energy, but let’s look at the reality: the closure only saves around 588 kWh of electricity and 1,041 kWh of heating energy daily (Diamond Closure Announcement), which translates to £209.02 per day (based on OFGEM’s current electricity and gas rates) or approximately £76,307 per year. According to HESA, this daily saving amounts to just 0.44% (0.0044) of the university’s total daily energy consumption. To put this in perspective, this annual saving is equivalent to the tuition fees of only two or three international students, while the university’s total income from tuition fees and education contracts reached £398 million in the 2022/23 financial year. Compared to the critical impact on student well-being, academic performance, and the university’s educational standards, these savings are negligible.

We support sustainable practices, but not at the cost of our education and success. The university could implement smarter energy-saving measures, such as motion-activated lights, reduced screen use, and restricting access to certain areas during low-usage times, without depriving us of this essential facility.

Reinstating 24/7 access to the Diamond is not just a request; it’s a necessity for maintaining the quality of education the University of Sheffield promises. We call on the administration to reverse this short-sighted decision immediately. Your signatures on this petition will show our unified stance and our demand for facilities that genuinely support our academic journeys. Please sign and share widely to help us reclaim what we need to thrive.

Fill this survey using this link Google Form to give opinions and suggestions.

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