Ideas

I discovered yesterday that laundry prices have been raised—despite previous concerns that they were already unreasonably high. Many students had hoped for a reduction, not an increase, given the continued current cost-of-living pressures. Taking away the 10 free laundry washes and increasing prices will undoubtedly impact on students living on campus, many of which already struggle financially. In addition, on-campus housing fees remain disproportionately expensive. In fact, many staff-only accommodations off-campus are more affordable. This is illogical, as students—who often have limited income—should reasonably pay less than working professionals. The university’s inability to diversify its income sources raises serious concerns about financial sustainability. Instead of relying on students through inflated service charges, the university should focus on attracting talent and investing in revenue-generating initiatives that support student welfare and long-term growth.