Students are not at the bottom of the food chain
The concept of “studentification” has been much talked about in recent months. Residents claim that the “ghettoes” formed by our student take-over are disruptive and dangerous. In contrast they also complain that these areas are undesirably deserted during the summer months. Whilst these claims may be valid in certain areas, it is reasonable for students to try to live near each other in an affordable area that is close to their university. Perhaps York even benefits from some quiet during the tourist season.
A report written by people at York has, surprising as it may be, defended us by condemning the stereotypical views on students. After all, we’re not all noisy, dirty and drunken. They have also said that it’s less than 1% of areas where the student population is more than 10% making these problems the exception and not the rule.
Some councils in the UK have previously been trying to convince the local authorities to cut down the number of Homes of Multiple Occupation in certain areas: usually student homes. Rugg and Rhodes, who wrote the report, have said that doing so is discriminatory and to do this to any other faction of society would be considered so. As students are an important section of society, they should be offered the same respect and care as any other member of society would. This would require them to have a roof over their heads.
This report has, thankfully, been backed by the NUS. It must be understood that students cannot always be considered as at the bottom of the food chain. They are actual, productive people: contributors to society. Students are employed, study and volunteer in the same community as other residents. Many partake in charity work, proving that they can be organised and motivated. Their contribution and dedication to various areas are not to be belittled or ignored.
It has now finally been recognised that some sort of framework needs to be set up to ensure that university students are able to live close enough to their University to not be considered commuters. The NUS Vice-President also encourages Student Unions to liaise with local councils if the university has problems with housing off campus. Apparently the government is planning to create more University provisions for students in 20 towns and cities, whether this includes York or not is yet to be seen, but we all know it needs it.
It seems to be quite rare for anybody in the country to actually defend the student population and we can only hope that this report has the necessary effect on halting studentification legislation.
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