Fears rent fee hikes will force some Monash University students to drop out of their course

Students living in Monash University’s residential halls are calling on the uni to reconsider a planned 15 per cent rent rise, saying it will force some students to drop out.

Monash Residential Services will hike rent fees. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Students living in Monash University’s residential halls will be forced to fork out almost $20,000 for accommodation after it was announced their rent would be increased by up to 15 per cent.

Monash Residential Services (MRS) will increase its fees for 2024 due to the “significant increase” in operational costs of utilities, cleaning, maintenance and food.

Students, who have lived on the Clayton campus for more than two years, have told the Herald Sun they are angered at the rent hikes, saying it could force some students to drop out of their course.

A Monash University student, who has lived on campus for almost two years, said the fee hikes would affect hundreds of students.

There are concerns some Monash University students will have to drop out because of the rent increase. Picture: AAP

“I know some people work three jobs and they’re already scraping by,” he said.

“It will increase by $50 a week and that’s a lot for students who are already struggling with the cost of living.

“It could force some students to drop out or it could impact their studies.

“We really hope MRS can reconsider the fee hikes.”

Another student said: “We get fewer working hours while experiencing a current cost of living crisis in which most of us have to maintain our degree full time and also pay higher fees.” “Increasing the rent by 13 to 15 per cent (as highlighted in the letter by MSA) is detrimental to most of us,” he said.

A change.org petition calling to maintain affordable rent prices in Monash University’s Residential Halls has also gathered almost 5000 signatures.

“Now is the time to act because the burden on students and their families is reaching a breaking point,” the petition said

“The educational journey should be about learning, growth, and personal development, not about constant financial stress.”

A Monash University spokesperson said MRS was committed to offering affordable rental rates for students, which are GST-free, and were as low as possible.

“Students who live on campus benefit from easy access to their classes and learning facilities including libraries, study areas, laboratories, and research spaces,” the spokesperson said.

“The University has invested in enhancing the student experience with a greater range of services – medical, financial, health, as well as dining options and a full calendar of events year round.

“MRS provides our students with pastoral care, support and enrichment opportunities, in addition to 24/7 live-in support with a Residential Support Team of peers and professional staff to offer guidance.”

Originally published as Fears rent fee hikes will force some Monash University students to drop out of their course