U of C students getting a break on residence fees

Lunch and dinner may cost students a bit more but university housing fees will be frozen or even reduced in the coming year.

The University of Calgary Board of Governors has approved a zero increase to residence fees and a 12-per-cent decrease on fourbedroom units in Cascade and Olympus halls.

“It’s a really positive change that shows the university is listening to students and they’re making changes in response,” said Stephan Guscott, president of the Student’s Union.

He believes the decrease in the four-bedroom units, typically used by students in their upper years, will bring more back to campus.

“They elect to live somewhere cheaper because cost is one of the motivating factors. I believe it has impacted occupancy for those rooms. So by decreasing the cost and making it competitive with the rental market, it will help add to the number of students who consider residence as an option in their upper years.”

All of the student residences on campus are furnished, and rental rates include utilities along with Wi-Fi, housekeeping, TV and study rooms, social activities and events, counselling and tutoring.

The freeze in accommodation costs is offset by students paying three per cent more for meal plans. But Guscott said the increase is minimal.

“I think it is reasonable when it comes to the increases we’ve seen in labour costs and food costs, especially with the $15 minimum wage. Most of the concerns I’ve heard from students have to do with food quality and not necessarily the costs.”

Many residences have cooking facilities but some buildings are dorm-style with no kitchen facilities. These students can buy meal plans to eat on campus. The university says rising food prices and labour costs, including minimum wage, have contributed to higher costs for providing food.