DS's uni rent is due in a few days, he receives min maintenance loan so me and my partner pay his rent and he lives off his loan for food, laundry etc. We are not wealthy, DS receives min loan due to my DP's income (I am on min wage) he is not DS's father and has other financial responsibilities.
I am aware that some unis may be in a precarious financial position. I do not wish to see any universities going bust and potentially a situation where the only unis that remain are the ones with multi million pound endowment's and assets so I have chosen not to sign any petition for a reduction in tuition fees (appreciate and respect others feel differently)
However paying accommodation fees of £146 per week for a room DS may not potentially be able to use for four months is a bit of a kick in the teeth. I appreciate that this is beyond the universities control and recognise that funds from accommodation fees form a significant income stream for universities that contributes to their overall budgeting.
Some of the student body at DS's uni have organised an official rent strike they are asking for a 100% rent waiver for students unable to use their rooms. I would be grateful for even a 40% rent reduction to be honest.
I am considering joining the rent strike and wondered whether others have done the same. Also keen to hear pros cons of both sides of this situation.