UTMSU is connecting UTM students with off-campus housing options for less than the $400 they would pay to stay on residence for the two-week winter break.
Through Places4Students, international student affairs coordinator Agita Wijaya secured offers from 11 registered landlords to house students at a discounted rate. The negotiable prices range from $300 to $400, and include Wi-Fi, a bed, and up to three meals a day.
“Students have been complaining that fees are too high to stay on campus during the winter closure,” said Melissa Theodore, UTMSU’s VP external. “The costs can be anywhere from $400 to $500 and only include housing. I came up with an idea that would help reduce fees for students who would not be going home over the winter break.”
The idea of staying with local families was also mentioned by Dale Mullings, UTM’s director of residence and student life, at a meeting with students last month where he also stated that he did not intend to change the fee.
The two-week break will begin when the university closes on December 20; the university will reopen on January 5.
The deadline for applying for a winter housing extension from the university was November 29.
Dec 10, 2013 @ 13:11:00
Thanks for the mention! We’re glad we could help UTM students find temporary off-campus accommodations during the winter break.