Photo in circle: The current executive of the Gozitan University Group (GUG) 

The University Students’ Council (KSU) has urged the government to build a block of flats near campus for Gozitan and foreign students, warning they are unable to keep up with the rising rent prices. 

“With the rental prices going up, the student body feels it is essential to highlight the current situation faced by Gozitan and foreign students seeking residence next to the University of Malta,” the KSU said. “GUG [Gozitan University Group] representatives have repeatedly brought to light the hardships faced by Gozitan students, who have to keep up with ancillary expenses such as food, electricity and internet, which are not fully covered by the subsidies received.”

“At this point, increasing the amount of subsidy received is not seen as a viable option to cover costs because of the vicious cycle of increasing rent prices. Alternatives have already been advocated for, however have not yet been taken up by the stakeholders involved.”

The government currently grants three-monthly grants of €500 to Gozitan students to help them relocate to Malta for the duration of their studies. However, the continued upwards trend in rent prices across the island means several Gozitan students are struggling to get by. The situation was vividly exposed yesterday by a Gozitan student, who has since been offered lodging by PD MP Marlene Farrugia. 

Other than the allocation of a block of flats in Msida for Gozitan and foreign university students, the KSU has also called for the introduction of independent boards to keep the conditions and agreements between landlords and tenants in check and for the conversion of vacant property into social housing units. 

“We feels that it is essential that the educational experience of Gozitan and foreign students is not compromised because of the present rental issues and that the well-being and quality of life of the general public who are struggling financially to keep up with the cost of living are safeguarded at all costs,” the KSU said. 

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Tim Diacono

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]