THE GOOD LIFE: Do universities put profit before students?
After four years of university education, I have to question the not-for-profit status of the institutions. I understand that, in their nature and most certainly on paper, they are established in this way. Yet, while on a university campus, there is no denying that there is a profit being made.
The situation occurring in Trinity College at the minute reminded me of the financial failings of my own university and caused me to wonder if profit is placed above students on the pedestal of what matters to universities. Trinity College has fined its student union €214, 000 for financial losses incurred as a result of protests that took place throughout the academic year. The protests highlighted fee increases, student accommodation issues and the university’s stance on the Israel Palestine conflict. As the demonstrations went on, access to the Book of Kells was blocked, meaning it was inaccessible to tourists. The figure asked of the students union is to make up for partial losses due to the protests. To me, it seems student interests are catered for, so long as they don’t interfere with money-making aspects of the university. The college has said it is a not-for-profit organisation, which relies on such funds.
My own university reeked profit, from paid parking to the cost of on-campus accommodation. Within the University of Limerick, there are two free car parks where you are welcome to leave cars for as long as you like. The others range from €3 per day to €20. You can guess which one fills up the quickest. One of the free car parks is situated beside the university gym. Upon exiting the publicly accessible student gym, with music blaring, most likely an umbrella, a couple of jackets and a gym bag slung across me, I would always have desperate drivers tailing me back to my car. Sometimes I notice them, but most times I have returned to my parking space before I give a commiserating shake of my head, mouthing the word ‘sorry’. Drivers are waiting at the carpark entrance, which is closest to the gym, in the hope that gymgoers will be headed elsewhere. This happens every morning, without fail. It’s a very small thing, but it always reminds me of the profits being made at the expense of students on Irish campuses.
Those brazen enough park in the staff carparks, which of course are free. Others abandon their vehicles along roadsides or on kerbs, completely illegally. I’ve often found myself late for a lecture due to parking and been tempted to do the same.
Such students, come back to a ‘No Parking Here’ notice on their car with a warning attached. Clamping is also threatened, although I do not know of anybody who has actually had their car clamped. The alternative is to park in one of the neighbouring estates, where break-ins are common, or walk, the latter of which is impossible for most due to the distance between accommodation and the university. People, not just students, can’t afford to pay €20 a day for car parking.
To any new students starting university, I would love to be able to tell you to enroll in university accommodation. It is the best way to meet new friends, you are close to campus amenities, and I do feel it is the safest option. However, UL campus accommodation for the academic year ranges from €5,343 to €7,798 for nine months. The highest advertised online is in the Rhebogue complex, where an ensuite room will cost you €9,755 for 12 months. The fees listed include utilities and are to be confirmed in summer of this year. For now, they are only an indication.
The Rhebogue development mentioned above has been a point of contention for the University of Limerick. In their most recent purchase, UL paid €12.85 million to develop 20 homes to be used for student accommodation, almost €630,000 per property. In a letter sent to staff, the university admitted to paying above the market price for the properties. While I understand that students need accommodation, I believe they need more affordable accommodation, making this a costly move on the university’s behalf for everybody involved. The purchase has left university with a €5.2 million loss in their accounts.
While this has been going on in the background throughout the academic year, not being able to park my car on campus has become ever more frustrating when you see how haphazardly university money is being spent elsewhere.
This alongside news of a student union being fined for protesting their interests, sadly makes me wonder how much universities care about the education and wellbeing of students.
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