Students campaign for extra study and social space at Moray House
Edinburgh University students have demanded more study and social space at Moray House, the crowded city centre campus.
Moray House facilities can no longer cater for the 2614 students enrolled, with some students reportedly forced out into car parks.
Consequently the university is facing calls to make more space available for studying and socialising.
Josh McAlister, president of Edinburgh University Student Association, said: “There's been an increase in student numbers, but there hasn't really been a change in the physical space. The estate is quite restricted in its size. There's a real problem with the lack of social space.
“This means people are using the group discussion rooms in the library to eat their lunch, and people are having to study in the canteen.
"The university just needs to open up a few rooms to relieve the pressure on the study space. But they are not being particularly helpful.
"It's a fairly straightforward problem and it should have a straightforward solution. Students deserve decent, fit-for-purpose social and study space, and at the moment this is not the case.”
As part of the protest, over 200 students participated in the ‘free range teacher’ campaign, where some students dressed up in chicken costumes and others handed out chocolate eggs to highlight the issue.
Dr Jim O’Brien, Head of The Moray House School of Education, said he met with EUSA prior to the Christmas break to discuss the matter.
Dr O’Brien said: “I advised that the School already provides a Common Room for students and has added chairs and tables and some computers for general usage to spaces within the St Leonard’s building.
“From the School of Education’s resources and space available to it on the Holyrood Campus this is the most we can offer. I suggested that EUSA might engage with Estates &Buildings to seek access to some classrooms at lunchtime under the CBR system.
“I am planning a meeting shortly with Anna Davidson, EUSA Vice President Academic Affairs, to continue to work with EUSA on this matter.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh University said: “We are aware of the issues which have been raised and we are always seeking to improve the facilities we offer students.
“We are working with the Students Association to address any concerns students may have.”
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