We, the students of The University of Essex, have moved on to University campus and surrounding areas with the promise of “dual delivery learning” only to find the majority of classes online. We are struggling. We are in cramped accommodation all day with little opportunity for social interaction offline, made worse due to an ongoing lack of mental health support from the University. Security are seemingly free to enter accommodation unannounced to hand out unreasonable disciplinary procedures which can increase anxieties among students. The University has failed to provide proper hygiene products such as soap and toilet paper to quarantining students, as well as unsuitable and extortionately priced boxes of food.
Though the University prides itself on being a ‘truly international institution’ there has been little consideration for international students in this pandemic, most have paid to be locked in their accommodation and their precarious position with border closures means they have no choice but to stay. On top of this, international students already pay higher tuition fees
Accommodation on campus is already priced higher than what can similarly be found in the town centre and surrounding areas. The University’s lack of preparation and support during this pandemic has resulted in a lonely and disorienting first term, yet the students are still being required to pay full tuition payment and rent.
The government has mishandled this virus from the beginning, letting universities open for face-to-face teaching in the autumn term, against SAGE advice, allowing the universities to open and collect tuition fees and rent from students. The Vice Chancellor for the University of Essex has announced, in response to a referendum that saw 4,247 students vote in favour for a reduction in tuition fees, that it would not possible to give a tuition fee reduction or refund en masse to the student body as it must be considered on a ‘case by case basis’.
We, the student body, should be angry. While the Vice Chancellor lives on campus rent free and, along with upwards of eighteen other university bosses, earns a hefty six figure salary. Students have had to continually pay greedy tuition fees and rent while constantly being asked to change their plans and lower their expectations due to the University’s lackluster response to the pandemic.
A rent strike has the power to mobilise the University and respond to the student body in a meaningful way. Our power is strongest as a collective. We have the support of a wave of rent strikes at University campuses across the country from Manchester to Bristol, who have all seen meaningful gains for student renters.
This rent strike is about more than just the students. We must stand with all workers at the University of Essex who are also suffering due to the ever increasing marketisation of higher education that leaves staff overworked, underpaid and undervalued. This system does not work for any of us.
Our Demands
CUT THE RENT: The University of Essex will reduce rent in its accomodation by 30% for the remainder of the 2020/21 year. It should also reduce rent by 10% for the subsequent 3 years and agree to a real rent increase freeze during this time (no increases above inflation).
PROTECT STRIKERS: The University of Essex will not pursue any disciplinary action against those choosing to withold their rent, to do so would put them at odds with the vast majority of universities in the UK and would not be conducive to a resolution of this dispute.
SUPPORT STUDENTS: The University of Essex will improve the conditions for those students who have been asked to isolate due to Covid regulations in their university accomodation. Proper food and adequate amenities (toilet paper e.g.) will be provided rapidly in the event of a positive test result.
NO MORE JOB LOSSES: The University of Essex will not use these demands as an excuse to pursue more cuts and job losses among the most precarious workers at this university. If cuts have to be made (and they do not), expenses spent on upper management, such as the Vice Chancellor, should be cut.