UTC students upset over lack of housing
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – On-campus housing is a big part of the college experience.
However, a large number of University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) students may not be able to do so next year.
4,700 of a likely student population over 11,000 have applied for student housing next year.
A message to one UTC student saying their requested room was unavailable. (Courtesy: Georgia Wolf)
However, as UTC has acknowledged, there are only 3,600 beds on campus, leaving many wondering, where are they going to live, and are they going to be able to continue their education?
One student, Georgia Wolf, said, “I can really see the impact it has on my roommates. Like one of them was crying and in tears all week because she’s so stressed and has no clue what to do.”
She says the impact of the impending housing shortage is leaving many fellow students on edge.
Some have taken to social media to vent about the situation.
Wolf said, “Someone posted, “Like we should have a protest as a joke.” But then people were saying, “We need to pick a time, place, all that stuff.” They are willing to do it, they are angry about it.”
She is blaming a rapid increase in the number of students coming to campus, citing an above 80% acceptance rate and the policy of requiring incoming freshmen to live on campus.
UTC says that freshmen requirement, “underscores our commitment to fostering an immersive and supportive campus environment for our newest members.”
Wolf said, “I have one roommate that lives two hours away, and another that lives in Memphis, and they are really scared, freaked out, that they will not be able to find housing next year and one of them is supposed to graduate this upcoming fall and if she can’t go here, or live here, then she can’t graduate.”
UTC in their statement said quote, “We understand that this has left many of our students, and their families, managing feelings of uncertainty and dissatisfaction. Our goal is to support all of our students and provide the resources necessary to address their housing needs.”
Wolf wants to see more from the administration.
She said, “Put out some potential solutions to this issue like talking to the admissions office, making it harder to get in. Maybe having a set plan to build more dorms.”
UTC went on to say:
“The Department of Housing and Residence Life will assign students on the waitlist by application completion date as space becomes available beginning April 10, 2024 and will continue to confirm housing assignments as cancellations are received. Your patience during this process is greatly appreciated.
Please find information below regarding UTC’s support for students living off-campus:
UTC began the Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) program in Summer 2023. This program is housed in the Office of Student Outreach and Support (SOS), providing resources and support for students interested in or currently living off-campus.
-OCSS will host its second Off-Campus Housing fair of the 2023-2024 academic year on April 3, 2024, from 11am-1pm in Heritage Plaza (between the University Center and Lupton Hall).
-OCSS has staff and resources available to assist students with their off-campus housing needs. For more information, visit https://www.utc.edu/offcampus or email ocss@utc.edu.”
