Students living at Exeter College said they feel ‘disgusted’ and ‘let down’ (Pictures: Rex)
Students at Oxford University want to pay less rent because cockroaches have infested two kitchens and five bedrooms, they claim.
Those who live at Exeter College have threatened to stop paying their battels – an Oxford term for food and accommodation costs.
Undergraduates who moved into the residence this year were originally told they would not be able to use the first and second-floor kitchens for a few days during Fresher’s Week.
The college blamed an ‘ongoing maintenance issue’ and up to 90 students were forced to share the kitchen on the third floor, The Oxford Student reported.
The problem persisted and the kitchen closures were extended to October 17.
Students were offered a 60% discount at the Dakota Cafe and Exeter’s main dining hall as compensation.
Staff eventually admitted the ‘maintenance issue’ was an infestation on October 11, when they asked residents to make sure ‘bins are emptied frequently’ and ‘no food items are left uncovered overnight’.
By this point, the insects had invaded several bedrooms as well.
Given the spread to bedrooms, students do not think the 60% discount goes far enough.
They said they feel ‘disgusted’ and ‘let down’ by the response.
Some have demanded a reduction on their battels payments – which have already gone up by £200 this year.
Exeter College said: ‘Following sightings of cockroaches in a college building, pest controllers are taking appropriate measures to eradicate the insects as quickly as possible, including fumigation of the affected communal kitchens, which are closed, and the deployment of monitors.
‘We deeply regret this unfortunate situation and have offered compensation to our affected students.
‘We are grateful for their patience and support as we take the necessary action, and we will continue to keep them updated.’
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With two communal kitchens forced close by the infestation, up to 90 students have had to share one kitchen.