BUFFALO, N.Y. — Students at the University at Buffalo have the option to stay on campus during winter break, but based on a new housing contract — it's going to cost them.
They can expect to pay at least $40 a night.
Student Shawn Combs says the timing of the change couldn't be worse.
"Apparently we didn't read the agreement, but why would you raise your housing prices in the middle of a pandemic?" said Combs. "It doesn't make sense to me."
A representative for UB says they wanted to give all students enough time to make decisions about living arrangements during breaks. Adding communication about the change began this summer.
"There is no explanation for why we are charging you this extra money," Combs added.
Another SUNY student says she left home downstate thinking part of her classes would be in person. However, after the first few weeks, all classes became remote. She’s on campus paying full room and board.
"They have no legal recourse, but at the bare minimum, don't they have some moral obligation to students?" said Combs. "Just because you control the student housing, just because you have an exclusive asset, doesn't mean you have the right to exploit the price of it."
Each SUNY school appears to be taking a different approach to student housing.
Over at Buff State, students are moving out of the dorms before Thanksgiving and continuing classes remotely for the rest of the semester.
They will not have an option to stay on campus during the break.
To see the new housing contract and accommodations available for residential students visit the following link.
