The university students are facing high rental prices where expensiveness is crushing in households these days. The increase in rents affects the cost of living for students.
What is the situation of the students in one of the areas of the island where the cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years?
We discussed the issue with Viktor Christofides President of Proodeftiki K.F. (Progressive Student Movement) of CUT (Cyprus University of Technology) and member of the Board of Directors of the Student Union of CUT, in an exclusive interview on Voice International.
He stated that the increase in rents affects the cost of living for students, making living in Limassol unbearable, thus making the housing issue the biggest problem.
He said that Proodeftiki and the authorities of CUT are taking measures to address the housing crisis, while the government remains inactive.
Question:We could say that it is not an easy time to be a student. How are students responding today?
Christofides: In the general context, the increase in prices, inflation and the increase in rents, electricity and fuel, objectively, causes various issues for students as well. The cost of living is rising, while at the same time the support from the state, through allowances, remains at the levels that existed before, or even less.
For example, in the last ten years 24 million euros have been cut from the state student grant. So, it can
be seen that neither the previous government prioritized the needs of students nor the current
government. Since in the presentation of the budget, there is no mention for any increase in funds to support the students.
Question: What are the main issues that concern a student in Limassol?
Christofides: In Limassol housing is the main issue. It is the area where the rent increases were first seen. The increase on the rents have reached outrageous levels. For example, a studio, that last year was 500 Euros. Thus it has increased to 800 Euros ! Here is seen a huge increase in the already inflated prices. Also, another issue
arises in Limassol, due to the companies that come from abroad, which also bring their workers and rent apartments costing up to 2000 Euros, raising the prices in the market. At the same time, Limassol is
probably the most expensive city in terms of necessities and fuel, affecting the students and living
conditions. It is worth mentioning that many students are forced to come and go by bus from their
provinces and not rent or choose not to study in public universities due to the cost of rent and prefer to
study in private universities or even abroad.
Question: With the transfer of the Higher Hotel Institute of Cyprus (HHIC) to Paphos, as part of CUT, did
problems arise for the students?
Christofides: Objectively, opening a university in another city would cause both small and large problems. First, let’s say that the buildings and infrastructure for the schools operating in Paphos are equipped with the latest technology specifications, to meet the needs of the schools of HHIC. The site hosts the academy of the former HHIC and two Departments of TEPAK, which were transferred to Paphos. One of the problems that arose related to the non-functioning of the cafeteria, due to the cost of renting the space
from private individuals. So, it is the University’s responsibility to take the lead in shaping the space to
make use of it. On our own initiative, in consultation with the Presidents of the relevant Departments,
we reported the issues, either about the cafeteria or the absence of drinking water on site. We
proposed some solutions which were implemented, such as the installation of a vending machine. But
the main issue is the absence of dorms in Paphos. The agreement was recently signed and with the start
of the next academic year 200 rooms will be available.
The size of the university facilities in Paphos is huge and in the next few years it is expected to reach
1000 students. So, with the announcement of the construction of the building, the prices in the
surrounding area increased dramatically.
Question: You mentioned the housing issue as one of the main problems. What actions does Proodeftiki K.F. is
taking about this issue and what do you think should be done to resolve it?
Christofides: As Proodeftiki, since last year we managed to highlight the issue of housing with the protest we did with tents at the central buildings of CUT in Limassol. The protest took large proportions and entered the
public debate, in which we took the lead. While several others, including political parties, suddenly
remembered to deal with the issue and proposing supposed solutions, such as securing accommodation for students in hotels with the cost being increased again.
Before I move on to our own proposals, it is worth mentioning that the university is a pioneer in terms
of housing policy. It led from the beginning, replacing the inaction of the previous government. It grants,
for example, a benefit of 250 euros per month, to those who did not secure a home but are
beneficiaries. The number of residences is quite large even compared to the University of Cyprus, while at the same time CUT also rents premises in the center of Limassol. Last year, it also proceeded with a hosting program, where those interested expressed their willingness to host students in rooms for a fee
to cover operational costs.
Our proposals are divided into short-term and long-term. For example, we propose the inclusion of
students in the social tariffs, to pay reduced water and electricity bills and the reduction of the refuse
fee or the increase in the already existing discount, which we have already achieved in most of the
Municipalities of Limassol. Beyond that, the pressure on the government, to include in the budget an
increase in state student care and living allowance, must be increased, which will help in terms of rising
prices. At the same time, we propose the construction of more dorms. A process that is already
progressing at CUT and works have already begun on the construction of another 500 rooms in
Polemidia, in the Verengaria settlement, in particular. Some Faculties will also be moved to the site and it will be used for teaching and research purposes.
An issue related to housing is also the use of public transport. The available bus lines, yes they can serve to avoid traffic and not finding parking space, but on the other hand, the timetables do not always
correspond to the teaching timetables of the courses, resulting in students being late for classes. We
have also made progress on this issue, after meetings with relevant authorities and we expect the
operation of bus-only lanes to improve the use of buses.
Of course, we will continue to monitor the issue and take the appropriate initiatives and actions to deal
with the housing issue to provide better conditions for the students.
Kallis Antounas-Voice International 2023
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