TasCOSS welcomes the University of Tasmania’s announcement of the purchase of the Midcity Hotel in central Hobart to provide additional student accommodation in the south of our State.
“Students, especially those who are on low incomes or come from low income households, face numerous barriers to attending university in Tasmania,” Kym Goodes, CEO of TasCOSS, said.
“This increase in long-term, affordable student accommodation will go some way to breaking down one of those barriers.
“The location of the accommodation in the heart of Hobart will also provide opportunities for students to more easily balance income-supplementing work in hospitality, retail and other areas with their study.”
Ms Goodes said the increase in reliable student accommodation in Hobart would also assist students from other parts of the State to access university study.
“Moving from your family home and away from family and community supports to undertake tertiary study comes with many new stresses for all students, not just those on a low income,” Ms Goodes said.
“By lessening the stress around the most of basic of needs—adequate, affordable and reliable accommodation, the University of Tasmania will improve the chances of educational participation and attainment.
“The increase in student accommodation in the Hobart CBD is a welcome addition to the city, which will become ever more diverse as a result.
“Diverse communities are more innovative, more vibrant and more open to new ideas and the Hobart community will be improved as a result.”
Kym Goodes, CEO of TasCOSS
