As the school year begins at UB, students from across the country are moving in their rooms and preparing for a semester of learning and hard work. But while most students were moving in to dorm rooms, 155 students are moving in to nearby hotels in order to alleviate a housing crunch.
Students living in hotels will have the same amenities provided to those in dorms in terms of furniture, cable and Internet access, but it is remains be seen how those students will react and how long they will be living in a motel.
The students living in the motels are paying the standard rate for a double room, and the university is footing the additional costs. Funds were necessary from the University Residence Halls, but because of the nature of the situation, they were able to get a workable rate. Rooms have also been rented out for Residential Advisors, and for lounges and offices. While it is costing the Residence Halls money, they are making the best of the situation, and trying to stay efficient while providing everything necessary for the students.
The Spectrum believes that it would be unwise to point fingers as to who is responsible for the housing overflow. Less-than-ideal situations like this can be expected due to the fluid nature of the college admissions process. Universities accept many more students than they have room for, since some applicants will choose not to attend or live on campus.
Students are told to send in housing deposits by May 1 to guarantee housing, and once the deposit check has been cashed, the university must fulfill their promise to provide a bed.
Assigning blame for the overflow could be harmful to the students involved, as it places value judgment on the situation. It is unfair to tell those students they are being shortchanged, as their experience will be what they make of it.
The Spectrum believes UB and the students involved are making the best of an unexpected situation. Students have an excellent opportunity to create a tightly knit community through the bond of mutual hardship.
While the present arrangement seems to be working out well for everyone, it is certainly not an ideal situation. Knowing how to handle it is not an excuse to let it happen again, and it should be avoided in the future. The university should also work to give students regular dorm rooms as soon as possible.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
