London student rent strike campaign forces £500,000 in concessions from university

After a protracted, hard-fought campaign, all 238 former residences of Hawkridge House have had their demands accepted in full by UCL. The settlement will award each student, many of whom participated in a rent strike, £1,200 each - the equivalent of a 9-week rent cut and a total sum of almost £300,000.

This follows last month’s announcement that student rent strikers at Campbell House would be awarded over £100,000 for the 'unbearable' living conditions they experienced, as well as last week's victory for the current residents at the hall of a 25% rent cut, totalling another £100,000 over the course of the year.

This marks a new beginning for the student housing movement - these tactics of disruptive protest, direct action and rent striking have been proven to be incredibly effective. Utilised on a university-wide scale, it is clear the campaign for affordable rent prices can and will be won.

On Friday at 13:00, we will be holding a rally in the Quad to demand an immediate 40% rent cut and the establishment of affordable rent prices for all those living in UCL student accommodation. Before then, make sure to sign our petition to UCL management https://www.change.org/p/university-college-london-the-rent-is-too-damn-high

Full press release and more on UCL, Cut the Rent Facebook.