University students experience accomodation difficulties

A few days after the new academic year, some students still have difficulties in finding accommodation often because of the bad attitude of former occupants who usually do not hand over the keys.

Several University cities in Cameroon like Soa, Maroua, Dschang, Douala and Ngoa Ekellé, the situation was not the same. Each student had to complete administrative conditions before having a room.

At Cité Universitaire in Ngoa Ekellé for instance, the students said that having a room was not easy even after they had fulfilled all the necessary conditions. Priority was given to disabled people and students who come from far places.

"I had completed all the required formalities but when the list came out my name was not there. I was obliged to go for a room in the neighborhood. Among the former students, some confiscated the rooms even though they had completed and already working. Others gave the rooms only to their relatives," fumed Aurélia, a second-year student.

On the contrary, in the university town of Soa, students had a lot of opportunities; there were about 16,000 rooms. There were rooms which were priced differently. "I chose my room based on the proximity to the campus, the peace and security of the premises," said George, a student.