The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) announced an increase in hostel fees in Feb. 2024.

A spokesperson for SUTD told Mothership that this is the first time in its 15-year history that it has done so.

"It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary given rising inflation and cost of operations," the spokesperson said.

A student group took to Instagram to criticise the move for its suddenness and campaign for what they see as "fairer housing policies in SUTD".

Fee increases

According to the SUTD spokesperson, the bulk of SUTD undergraduates living in double-bed rooms saw a 9 per cent increase in fees while those in single-bed rooms saw a 36 per cent increase.

However, freshmores, who are required to spend their first two terms in SUTD’s accommodations, were given a 10% discount.

"Somapah Hostelites", the student group, posted calculations of the fee increases in an Instagram post on May 27.

According to the post, the fee increase for those staying in a single-bed room from their third to fifth term would be from S$446.69 to S$608.62.

For those staying in a double-bed room, the fee increase would be from S$362.94 to S$396.44.

The student group added that it was a "sharp increase" and claimed it was a "massive shock to residents".

Argued for a "more gradual fee increase"

The student group argued in the post for a "more gradual fee increase" as opposed to students absorbing a "sudden 36 per cent increase".

They claim that fee projections are provided "years in advance" for other institutions.

The student group also claimed that "without clear financial aid criteria and quanta, many deserving students would hesitate to write in for aid" and miss out on financial assistance for housing.

The student group also claimed to have polled students at SUTD and posted the following pie chart to their account:

Dialogue held with students

In response, SUTD said that when they communicated the fee increase to their student population in February, they had asked those who needed financial assistance to reach out to them.

However, only "a very small number", which they said was 3 per cent of the number of undergrads living in the dormitory, reached out.

"We have been, and continue to, work closely with our student leadership to ensure that students who require assistance are looked after."

"Given the strong demand for hostel places, we are actively working on options to increase housing places for our students. We also suggest other off-campus housing options for them to explore," the spokesperson said.

Top photo from SUTD.