Vice chair Jan de Jeu from the university board announced the news Thursday morning. He also promised that students who have already paid for their stay in the camp – 46 at the moment – will be getting a refund.
At first, students had to pay 12,50 a night to sleep in one of the three big tents. After a week, the cost would drop to 10,00 euro a night.
Criticized
Different parties, especially the student parties in the university council, criticized the policy. Last week, student organisation DAG demanded that staying in the tents should be free of charge.
RUG and Hanze have heeded that call, says De Jeu. The conditions for the other emergency facility, the hotel boat in the Eemskanaal, will change too. ‘At first, students could only book for a whole month’, says De Jeu. ‘From now on, they can also book for a week.’
Enrollment figures
The price per night at the hotel boat may also be lowered. Students currently pay 42,50 for a night, which includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The university is considering contributing funds to bring down that price. ‘We have enrollment figures for August now’, De Jeu says. ‘So we have a clearer perspective on the situation. We will also ask students whether they are still searching for a place to stay during the welcoming ceremony for internationals.’
Later today, the RUG will decide whether to lower the prices on the boat.