UCL agrees compensation for students living in Campbell House West

A group complaint submitted by students living in Campbell House West alleging unacceptable living conditions during the 2014-2015 academic year has been upheld by the UCL Complaints Panel.

The complaint stemmed from demolition works being undertaken at Wates House, adjacent to the halls of residence.

The panel, chaired by Professor Anthony Smith, Vice-Provost (Education and Student Affairs), has recommended that all residents of Campbell House West should be awarded a full rent rebate for the summer term of 2014-2015.

In total 17 complaint forms were submitted through UCL's Student Complaints Procedure by David Dahlborn, UCLU Halls Accommodation Representative for 2014-15, on behalf of students residing at Campbell House West. Due to the significant overlap in content of the individual complaints, it was decided the matter should be taken forward as a group complaint.

Professor Smith said, "On behalf of UCL I would like to apologise for the experience that the student residents of Campbell House West faced during 2014-15 and I would like to reassure that UCL takes its responsibility towards its students' extremely seriously and values highly its relationship with the student body. As such I am sorry that on this occasion the student's experience did not match their or our expectations."

He added, "It's really important that we respect and listen to our students. When we get it wrong, as we did here, we need to apologise and put it right."

Professor Anthony Smith, Vice-Provost (Education and Student Affairs)