ThinkingNectar

It came as much as a shock and as a surprise when the news reported that NTU (Nanyang Technological University is going to convert a third of their double rooms into triple sharing rooms.

Formerly from NTU, I am not too sure how the student body might react. But it should be the same story once again. As reported in the news:

SINGAPORE: Local universities are expected to admit a bumper crop of freshmen in 2008 and for Nanyang Technological University (NTU), it may face a shortage of hostel rooms.

So to meet the higher demand, NTU’s planning to convert up to a third of its double-rooms to house three instead of two students.

About half of NTU’s students are housed in its 16 residential halls.

In fact, NTU is the only university here to guarantee all first-year students, a place in its hostel.

However, this has become quite a challenge with more students coming in next year and the delay in the construction of new hostel blocks.

So NTU has come up with alternative plans.

It aims to convert some double-rooms to accommodate up to three students.

NTU has declined to reveal details, but campus paper Nanyang Chronicle has reported that the move is expected to create more space for 900 students.

Room rates are also still being discussed.

By adding one more person in the room, it would be quite a squeeze. When contacted, NTU said it is still at the proposal stage, and is currently getting feedback from students.

NTU has also created mock-ups in two of its residential halls to give students an idea of what these ‘new’ rooms may look like.

Channel NewsAsia understands that at least one in three double-rooms may be converted to accommodate an additional student.

Some students recognise that this may be the best immediate solution to increase supply.

But this doesn’t mean that they’re happy with it.

One student said: “One day we just read it on the Nanyang Chronicle that they’re going to have triple-sharing rooms. It came to us all of a sudden, we didn’t have much warning.”

“Too many people staying in the room, there would confirm be conflict,” said another student.

Meanwhile, under the so-called ‘legal squatting’ arrangement, the student simply has to pay the university S$7 a day.

Some students have also discussed the issue online such as setting up a group page on popular social networking site, Facebook.

NTU’s Student Affairs Office said a decision can be expected at the end of March. - CNA/vm

News From CNA can can be found on this page. A preview of what was reported was earlier on Asiaone.

I do not want to come across as NTU admin bashing here and it is not my intention to do so, but I do find the reported news very amusing. For example:

By adding one more person in the room, it would be quite a squeeze. When contacted, NTU said it is still at the proposal stage, and is currently getting feedback from students.

NTU has also created mock-ups in two of its residential halls to give students an idea of what these ‘new’ rooms may look like.

It would be quite a squeeze? Honestly I am not concern about it be a squeeze. Most of us will know Singapore does not enjoy the coolest of climate. Imagine this:

3 guys, 3 bit-torrenting CPUs working 24-7, 3 piles of unwashed laundry, 6 pairs of shoes and slippers, one bar fridge and no aircon.

We are talking serious hostel room warming here. I was from the beautiful Hall of Residence 6 and at times of the day, the spacious room was warm. And I was not even bit-torrenting the whole of the internet. Or Kaaza was it was known as then.

And they added: “is currently getting feedback from the students.”

Feedback? It is a take it and you cannot leave it. The demand for rooms are there and the report did not highlight any more details on any possible alternatives.

NTU has declined to reveal details, but campus paper Nanyang Chronicle has reported that the move is expected to create more space for 900 students.

NTU decline to reveal details while the local media are reporting it. Chances are the students have no choice but to accept the changes.

This reminds me of a particular incident when I was still there. It was election day and it happens to be on an examination date. So? Take the paper in the morning and then you go and vote. Strangely, election day was suppose to be a public holiday.