Queen’s quad dispute
Students at Queen’s have been forced to accept housing changes at short notice, after the college announced plans for renovations to the Queen’s Lane Quad, writes Felicity King. The college obtained planning permission for the renovations before Christmas, but students have only just been informed that they must live out.
Traditionally, the quad is home to second years, and alternative accommodation is being provided for those affected by the renovations, which will commence in September and continue for a year. JCR President Sushrut Yalamanchili said he was satisfied with the arrangements college had made since announcing the decision, but has asked that incoming first years be given advance warning in writing of the changes to housing provision. Some students are annoyed by the college’s response.
One first year, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Queen’s...[led] first-years to believe when applying that the majority of the year would receive accommodation right next to the main building. It all sets a worrying precedent for an open and honest college-student relationship.” However, Home Bursar Linda Irving-Bell said the majority of students were happy with the college. “We’ve found houses close together, and the college will bridge the difference in rent... the strategy has been viewable to students for two years.”
2nd Feb 2006