Cambridge college informs students they can’t move into their chosen rooms when term starts

Students at a University of Cambridge college have been told they cannot move into their chosen accommodation in time for the start of term as a result of construction delays.

Fitzwilliam College informed affected students in an email (16/09) seen by The Cambridge Tab that they would not be able to move into their accommodation for nearly two weeks after 3rd October, the original moving date.

The email sent by the Bursar and Senior Tutor of the Cambridge College informed students that, until their rooms are available on 16th October, it will “offer an alternative college-owned bedroom” which does not exceed the the rent for their selected room but said “it is not possible to allocate a similar room type to all residents.”

A college spokesperson informed The Cambridge Tab that, under college’s ANUK accommodation accreditation, the college will pay “a level of compensation” to each student, which it anticipates will be £400. 

One affected student told The Cambridge Tab they were “very selective” about the accommodation they chose and now feel they could “end up in any kind of place.”

“It’s also that period where we’re all supposed to be settling in with lectures. Instead I’m in some whole other place and I know I’m going to have to move all my stuff all over again. So I can’t even really just unpack and settle,” they said.

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“I’ve spoken to [other] people in my block, and they’re also very frustrated,” they added. 

In a statement to The Cambridge Tab, a spokesperson said: “The college is in the final stages of a £13m renovation and new build of student accommodation to provide full ensuite rooms. The work will result in a major step in the decarbonisation of the college estate. The finalisation of the project means that approximately 65 per cent of the rooms will be returned at the start of the academic year (for the newly arriving first years). The rest of the accommodation will become available during Michaelmas term.

“The nature of the project has been that the college has recently finalised the arrangements with the contractor regarding timing of rooms being returned. The college has encouraged students to reach out should they have any questions or issues.”

The spokesperson added the college has “looked to ensure that students  re placed in accommodation that meets their needs in term of facilities and that they are not disadvantaged financially.”

The University of Cambridge has been contacted for comment