ROME - Around 600 students from outside of Siena, who meet the criteria for housing placements have still not been allocated rooms in the University of Siena residences, according to Fatto Quotidiano.

 The lack of available rentals has forced many to search for temporary solutions or waiting for months.

 Rachele Matteucci, student and member of Cravos, an independent student body, during the inauguration of the new academic year at the University for Foreigners of Siena, said:

 “We have received many reports. It is a absolutely an emergency situation and the fact that students have ‘benefited’ from a rent contribution is not a measure that goes far enough.”

 Much of the public student housing is closed for construction, reducing a large number of available beds for those who are there to study. 

 Many students shared their experiences with Ilfattoquotidiano.it with one, who wished to remain anonymous commenting:

 “I live in Pisa and I put in a request for accommodation but in the current ranking system I am in the 80^th place.

 I had thought that in two or three months I would have a place but instead I am still having to commute.”

 For those who are able to commute, it does not make the matter any easier, to come to Siena from Pisa takes around two hours, with a change at Empoli station. 

 “The trains are often cancelled or late. One morning, when I had exams, I arrived at the station to see that all trains had been cancelled. 

 Other times when I have lessons at 8:00 a.m., I have to get up at 5:00 a.m. to take the first available train. 

 When I finish up at University late, I have even more problems going home, not to mention the safety issues at Empoli station.”

 Rocco Pagni, member of the Territoral Student Council of Siena, denounced the poor management of the accommodation situation saying to Ilfattoquotidiano.it: “less than half the students excluded from receiving accommodation have received the ‘rent bonus’.

 The works on student housing were to end by December 2024, yet in February many buildings are still closed.”

 The so-called ‘rent bonus’ is around 250-300 euros per month which, was received by less than half the students in crisis, is expected to cover the rental of a bed but a search on immobilare.it shows that single room in Siena is around 300-480 euros per month. 

 The Right to University Study organisation (D.S.U.), however, offers a completely different perspective stating that ‘the wait for the completed restoration of the aforementioned buildings will go ahead at the scheduled times and this is known to the student representatives.’

 ‘The Tuscan D.S.U. is able to give an exhaustive response to the housing needs to those use off-site accommodation without the means to pay for it according the I.S.E.E. requirements. and are unable to access university education without public financial support.’ 

 Giorgia Miolano, a student waiting for accommodation, commented “I came to Siena in 2022 from Piemonte and that year they closed half the student halls of residence. 

 I had applied and I waited a whole year but they did not assign me a place. 

 This year I applied again, as well as for a bursary and I have not received anything. I pay 300 euros of rent every month (in an apartment shared by 4 others) it is very difficult to balance work and lessons. I used to work in the Co-op with a part-time contract of 20 hours per week. 

 Then on the weekend I used to work 15 other hours Saturday and Sunday.”

 Professor Stefania Lamponi, a delegate of the rector for student services, confirmed that the problem is not the direct fault of the university.

 “The D.S.U. had to undertake building works for the safety of the residents but guarantees the assignment of a ‘bonus’ to the students that fulfil the requirements and are still without a room,” said Professor Lamponi to Ilfattoquotidiano.it.

 “In the meantime we have created a free platform to help students search for rooms. 

 The rent contribution is paid and integrated according to the funds available. Siena, in respect of other cities, has managed to maintain lower [rental] costs.”

 Rocco Pagni, warned, however that “there is talk of cuts to both state and regional funds and the D.S.U. could handover part of the management of accommodation to private individuals. 

 This could entail even less places for those who have the right to study, creating more spaces for those who can afford to pay.”

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