The cost of living crisis will see hundreds of students leave lecture halls and tutorial rooms in protest.

  After the Budget 2023 failed to cap rent for college students, hundreds will walk out of classrooms and lecture halls today in protest. By 2024 there's expected to be a shortage of 20,000 student beds. According to The Independent:

"This will take place at 11 minutes past 11am, where hundreds of students will gather in college meeting areas or outdoor spaces to shine a light on the financial struggles that many are facing."

Students have a number of demands with this protest, including a cap on student rent, as well as intervention with public funds to subsidise the construction of affordable, purpose-built student accommodation. They are also asking for an immediate ban on evictions, and hoping that housing becomes a "constitutional right". Students are also "protesting for the rights of students in digs tenancies and short-term tenants will be eligible for rental protections." The Independent reports that,

"The union is also calling for the abolition of the Student Contribution Charge and purpose that minimum wage will increase to match the current living wage of €13.10 an hour."

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