The Consumer Council of Fiji has labeled the current state of student accommodation at the University of the South Pacific (USP) Laucala Campus as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to tackle the delays and communication issues impacting students.
After a recent visit to the campus, the council highlighted the uncertainty many students are experiencing concerning their housing arrangements as classes have already commenced. Large crowds were observed outside the Halls Office, with some students having their confirmation emails revoked, leaving them without accommodation.
The council expressed grave concerns regarding the temporary housing conditions and the operational delays, describing the situation as a “student welfare crisis.” They have urged the university to clear the backlog, enhance communication, and provide an official account of the failures along with proposed corrective actions.
In response to the criticisms, USP acknowledged the challenges it is facing, attributing the issues to a demand that significantly surpasses its capacity. For Semester 1, 2026, the university received over 2,000 applications for only 1,073 beds. Priority in housing allocations is given to first-year students from across the region, followed by students from outside Viti Levu, and then returning students.
The university indicated that late applications and unapproved arrivals have compounded the pressure, but it remains dedicated to managing the situation with “care, empathy, and fairness.” This commitment suggests a willingness to find solutions and support students during a challenging time, potentially paving the way for improved conditions as the situation develops.
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