Frankfurt am Main (dpa/lhe) – Many students in Hessen will face higher costs in the new year. Not only is food in cafeterias getting more expensive, but rents for dormitories are also rising in some cities. “In particular, it is the skyrocketing costs in the food and energy sectors that we are currently facing,” said Brigitte Schwarz of the Kassel student union.
Students in Kassel currently pay an average of 290 euros a month for a room in a university residence. The all-inclusive prices already include electricity, heating and other ancillary costs. From 1 January, on the other hand, an average of 27 euros more will be due. “This increase comes from the foreseeable increase in energy costs,” explained Schwarz. According to the Studierendenwerk, around 900 students are currently waiting for a place in a university residence.
In addition to the rental prices, social security contributions from students, for example for the Asta student representation, will also gradually increase in Kassel. They will initially rise from the current 80 to 85 euros in the summer semester 2023 and to 90 euros in the winter semester 2023/2024. “It was not easy for us, as social security contributions were last increased nine years ago,” Schwarz emphasized.
In Frankfurt, students will have to pay more rent from next February. According to the Studierendenwerk Frankfurt, rooms in university residences will therefore cost an average of 18.84 euros more. Last year the average rent in the 34 residences was 310.19 euros. Contributions to the Studierendenwerk will also be increased by five euros for the summer semester 2023. “Throughout this, we will ensure that our student services remain socially acceptable,” said Sylvia Kobus of the Frankfurt student union.
In the course of rising energy costs, the Gießen student union has already had to raise rents. While the basic rent itself was not raised, the flat-rate operating costs were. That’s up about 16%. According to the student union, about 92% of the 3,425 places in university residences are below the Bafög flat rate of 360 euros per month. “We have made the price adjustments as moderately as possible,” explained Eva Mohr from the Gießen student union. The Studierendenwerk in Darmstadt has not provided any information on rents for dormitories.
Rents for residences in Marburg were also increased by 35 euros a month this year. According to the student union, the average rent in the 2,100 housing units is 260 euros a month. “In the dormitories, the main impact is of course the rising energy costs,” stressed Franziska Busch from the Marburg student union.
The price increases don’t stop at eating in the cafeteria. In Kassel, students can still get a hot meal for €2.50. “All students should be able to afford one hot meal a day,” said Brigitte Schwarz. For students who cannot afford even the cheapest menu, there are free tables, that is, free meals in the canteen. “We support with all means at our disposal.” According to the student unions, the prices of canteen meals have also risen slightly in Gießen and Marburg. These are cent amounts.
To curb continued price hikes, the federal cabinet recently introduced a one-time payment for students. Payment is expected early next year. In addition, a second contribution to the heating costs of 345 euros will follow. This should flow at the end of the year or early next year. According to Schwarz of the Kassel student union, the resolutions are “a very welcome relief”. “It is not yet possible to predict whether this aid will be sufficient even in the medium term to prevent abandonment and existential emergencies”.
