UPM Dorm Residents raise concerns over food expenses, internet connection

By Mai Allauigan and Miraflor Anacio

As the new semester approaches and the university transitions towards a hybrid learning set-up in all undergraduate courses pursuant to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order №16, the demand for affordable living spaces near the University of the Philippines (UPM) rapidly increases as well. Despite having comparatively lower rent than other condominiums and dormitories, the university-owned dormitory and its many limitations barely ease students’ concerns about high living costs in the metro.

Restrictions and food inaccessibility

Like any other dormitory, the UPM dormitory has its own set of rules and regulations, part of which is the prohibition of cooking, eating, and storing food inside the dorm rooms. Students mhave complained about these restrictions because buying food daily is costly and time-consuming.

“Kailangan kong bumaba sa first floor para lang kumain. Bawal magdala ng cooking appliances. Bawal magdala ng appliances in general. Mura yung renta pero bawing-bawi naman yung gastos sa mga daily essentials tulad ng pagkain,” said El, a student who stayed in the dormitory during the first semester.

El bore that their expenses for food were around more than P1000 a week, as they usually eat at eateries outside and even skip breakfast to save money. Meanwhile, Marie*, another student who lived in the dorm for a semester, revealed that her monthly expenses for food would reach P8000, while her other roommates would spend almost P10,000.

They also noted that access to the pantry, where they could initially leave their leftovers and dishwashing paraphernalia, was revoked two months after their stay. While there are understandable concerns about pest control and cleanliness, this also gave the dormers an additional burden.

Alongside the prohibition of all appliances is the ban on doing laundry in the dorm, which is yet another hurdle and additional expense, especially for students like El who need to wear a white uniform and have face-to-face classes almost every day.

Connectivity issues

Dormers detailed that their internet access was limited, not to mention the weak internet connection because the signal is barely transmitted beyond the lobby and the study lounge. The study lounge, however, is only open until 9:55 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. in instances where an extension is requested.

El also explained that buying pocket WiFi or even spending for mobile data would sometimes be a fruitless endeavor since the cell reception was especially weak from the 4th floor — where their room is located — up to the 8th floor.

As such, some students are forced to study and accomplish their requirements by the stairs and in hallways at night, even though it is prohibited. This especially becomes challenging during midterms or finals weeks, when the communal study space becomes more cramped, and the internet connection gets considerably slower.

Unresponsive and uncertain

Marie and El both noted that responses to some occupants’ concerns about dormitory management were usually slow. Examples include dorm room repairs, noting the possibility of insufficient funding as a reason.

Meanwhile, they also expressed concerns about the uncertainty of being accepted again for the next semester. Since their contract is renewed on a semester basis, there is a possibility that other applicants would be prioritized.

*pseudonyms preferred by the students