Although the Ministry of Education bans university students living off-campus*, many students ignore the ban and continue to rent housing outside their colleges.

In a notice issued on July 6, the ministry states that all university students should live in school dormitories*, and forbids students renting private accommodation* off-campus in principle*.

The ministry said the ban is motivated* by a concern for students’ safety, as well as a desire to simplify administration* in educational institutions.

However, there have been ample dissenting* voices heard since the ban was issued.

Xiao Na, a student at a Beijing college, said she chooses to live off-campus because she wants a quiet, free environment to prepare for exams for graduate school.

A typical university dormitory room accommodates from four to eight students. The room serves as the bedroom, the study, and the living room. There is no guarantee of a quiet atmosphere during the day.

Besides, since university dorms cut off electricity around 11 p.m., students cannot study late. In such circumstances, many students seek a more advantageous study environment off-campus when preparing for exams for graduate schools, Xiao Na explained. .

Another student, surnamed Li, a junior in the People’s University of China, moved out of his dorm only to “sleep in peace.”

With six young men in his dorm and no fan or air conditioner, Li decided to move to an apartment off-campus with an air conditioner where he could finally get a decent night’s sleep.

Because students cannot choose their roommates, some students end up having to put up with their roommates’ problems for four long years.

In addition, for safety reasons, most institutes lock dorms at midnight, shutting out students who have evening jobs.

There are also students who want to move in with their girlfriend or boyfriend.

These factors all tempt* students to look for better living conditions off-campus.

The Ministry of Education, however, has sound reasons for its ban.

Ministry spokesman Wang Xuming said that the major reason for the ban is for the students’ safety and well-being.

While few safety incidents occur in university dormitories, gas leaks, robberies and even suicide and murder cases have been reported among students renting their own housing off-campus, said Wang.

Dorm life also helps students socialize with each other, he said, and simplifies administrative work for universities.

However, some law experts point out the ban has no legal basis.

While most institutions have promised to implement* the new regulations, school policies do not make it compulsory* for students to live in the dorm. And since no punishment is associated with living off-campus, educational institutions can only “persuade” students to move back to the campus.

(SD-Agencies)