(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — After large numbers of students opted to live in dorms and university housing this year, local universities say they've been forced to make changes — less than one month before classes begin.
Purdue changed university housing assignments for 700 returning students, but then rescinded the directive after a backlash and offered a $4,000 price cut if students accepted new assignments. The University of Illinois has offered students $2,000 and 100 free meals to leave the dorms.
Illinois freshman Seth Garcia told Channel 3 News in Champaign that the university’s actions are making classmates anxious.
“We have friends that still don’t have housing,” he said. “So, I’m kind of worried [about] what’s going to happen for them and what their experience is going to be in college.”
University leaders have cited multiple reasons for the influx of people seeking student housing, including an expensive rental market or — as Purdue’s president suggested a few weeks ago — record acceptances after pro-Palestinian protests nationwide. Regardless of what’s driving it, universities are adapting. Some have offered study abroad options for freshmen and are doubling up students in dorm rooms.
A University of Illinois spokesman wouldn’t comment on the size of the incoming class but told WBBM they are still accepting housing cancellations.
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Most Popular
Comments / 0