Student frustration after Campbell house left without adequate hot water for four months

Campbell House, maintained by Unite Students on behalf of the University of Bristol has had intermittent hot water issues since November. Due to this: “Students have fallen sick, lost their voice, have suffered from bad mental health and have not been adequately maintaining their personal hygiene.”

One student told the Tab: “We pay £9273 and yet our most basic need is not being met.”

Students first began to complain over the lack of hot water on the 7th November last year. Campbell House fixed the issue during exam week in December, after which the issue persisted.

Students told the Tab, they have: “Lukewarm water during the hours of 5am to 9am and afterwards the water is freezing cold.”

Unite told us that the building has never been entirely without hot water adding: “We’re aware that approximately 20% of the residents at Campbell House have reported experiencing intermittent issues with hot water, primarily in the evenings.”

Contractors have told Unite that the pipes in the building need to be replaced due to the build-up of limescale, as the original pipes were too narrow. Unite added: “We have identified a fault with the water system that despite a number of solutions being implemented was not easy to fix. This has included installing a new water softener into the system and replacing some pipework.”

Campbell House opened in 2022, it is one of the more expensive Bristol Uni accommodations at £194 a week. The website also advertises a cinema room and a gym.

Most Read

Guys! A FOURTH Islander has quit Love Island All Stars and this is so messy

Two Love Islanders have finally admitted they’re a couple after years of speculation

Retiring, religion and legal troubles: The Buffy cast members we probably won’t see back

Initially, students were given a £45 “goodwill” gesture. Telling students in an email: “Due to the inconvenience this has caused you, we have discussed this with your University and will be issuing a 5% goodwill on your daily rent within the period covering from 07/11/2024 until 05/12/2024. This will amount to 45£ in total.”

However, as of today, students are now being given £280 compensation each instead.

Students lodged a formal complaint on the 8th of February to Unite Students requesting a clear timeline for the full restoration of hot water, an explanation as to why alternative temporary measures were refused and a formal offer of financial compensation to all.

In a joint statement, Unite Students and University of Bristol said:

“We’re aware that some residents at Campbell House have reported experiencing intermittent issues with hot water, primarily in the evenings. We’re very sorry for the disruption and inconvenience this issue has caused, which is below the standards we strive to uphold.

“Throughout this disruption, we’ve regularly shared progress updates with residents and support as needed. This includes financial compensation to every resident and for those directly impacted we have also offered alternative accommodation at local hotels and university halls.

“The issue is the result of a developing fault in the new water heating system. The suppliers have implemented a number of temporary fixes since this issue was first reported and have been working hard to identify the cause, which has been a complex process. Further repair works have begun this week. We hope this will resolve the issue, but we’ll continue to monitor the situation closely.”