Counter-proposal

The increase in student intake, and hence the increase in demand for hall accommodation is inevitable. We do recognize this problem and hence would like to offer some alternative solutions to this issue.

Off-Campus accommodation
Off-Campus accommodation may be much more costly than hall accommodation.

However, it does have its benefits as well. Unlike Hall accommodation, students are not compelled to take part in any activities to gain points to stay. It is true that off-campus accommodation deprives us of hall life, but for students who would like to take part in external activities and find it too busy to be involved in school events; this would be a very viable option for them to consider. Also, this accommodation provides the student with much more privacy as compared to hall communal style of living. Moreover, off-campus accommodation at times is more conducive for studying as it is less noisy than halls.

Currently, the school does have a department overseeing off-campus accommodation. However, in my opinion, this option is not much publicized. Hall life is much more promoted in the University. It is true that staying in a hall is much more convenient than staying in apartments outside the university. Yet, I’m sure that there will be international students who will not mind getting a taste of residing in an off-campus apartment as the experience that they get is much different from hall communal living.

The school can consider hunting for more of such apartments, and actively promote them to incoming students as well as existing students. This will help to cut down demand of hall accommodation. This being a short term measure to curb with the delay of construction of new halls is much more viable as it will not lower the standard of living in current halls.

Renovating of ‘Block 19’, the building of Old Hall 3
This building can be renovated and refurnished into one that is suitable for accommodation. It can house around 300 residents and help to relieve some of the increase in student intake. Moreover, some of these rooms can be converted into triple sharing to allow students who do not mind staying to try out the living conditions. They can then provide valuable feedback to the school before the full-fetch triple room conversion takes place. Also, since it’s going to be re-renovated, the school will be able to improve the facilities over there to help cater to the number of residents residing there.