Quality of food creates strain

POOR food and facilities are just two of the problems endured by City University students paying some of the highest hall of residence rents in the country, according to the welfare office.

The National Union of Students survey of accommodation costs shows that City is charging Pounds 69 a week on average for single self-catering blocks in 1996/97. Half board costs an average Pounds 74.

Education/welfare officer Sarah Boorman said: "There is a feeling that halls are overpriced. The rent issue has been considered within the university but we are fighting a losing battle. There is also the long-running unhappiness over the food in part-board halls. The menus tend to be unimaginative, concentrating on stodge and lacking in healthy options."

A spokeswoman for City said that the institution's finances did affect student accommodation and she pointed out that the food, in the older catered halls, cost more than than the amount students are charged for it. She said that the university was open to suggestions from students regarding menus.