Protest by Ionian University students over holiday shutdown of halls of residence
CORFU. The main student hall of residence is NOT a hotel facility; it does not accommodate tourists but students who are striving to pursue their studies on an extremely expensive island.
Students are holding a protest gathering in front of the halls of residence on Friday, March 6 at 11 a.m., demanding that the change to the student housing regulations not be implemented. In their announcement, they state:
“Following a General Assembly of the Association of Ionian University Halls of Residence Students, it was decided that residents of the main Student Hall of residence would remain during the Easter holiday period. However, on February 18, 2026, a new Government Gazette was suddenly published entitled ‘Update of the Student Housing Regulations of the Ionian University’ (Government Gazette 884/18-2-2026, Issue B).
This regulation, in contrast to the previous one (Government Gazette 2323, issue no. 2296), provides for the removal of resident students during all holiday periods, based on contracts with affiliated hotel units and the Halls of Residence Operating Regulations, which either have not been produced or have not been delivered to us in full. Furthermore, we have observed a tightening of the regulations with the introduction of a provision that directly threatens eviction and disciplinary prosecution against all individuals who resist and wish to remain during Easter, creating a climate of intimidation and coercion. A new Private Residence Agreement has also appeared, which, notably, has not been given to us to sign.
For years, our Association and the resident students have been requesting the right to stay during holiday periods, as well as changes to unreasonable regulations (such as the one referring to ‘decent attire’), with no meaningful response from the so-called Student Welfare Services of the Ionian University, which for years has failed to disclose the full contracts with affiliated facilities. We consider this attempt by the responsible authorities (the Administration Council, the Rectorate Authorities, Student Welfare Services, etc.) to silence the protests of resident students and suppress any lawful and just claim to be underhanded, unacceptable, and deceitful.
Ultimately, the Directorate of Student Welfare at the Ionian University reacts more quickly and effectively when it comes to threatening disciplinary action and leaving working students, students with disabilities, or those who simply lack the financial means to return home or rent accommodation homeless, than when it comes to resolving substantive issues concerning the fundamental rights of individuals who hold student status. Student housing is not a favour but a free right that supports the most vulnerable members of our community.
At this point, we demand the amendment of the Halls of Residence Operating Regulations so that they do not provide for our removal this coming Easter or during any other holiday period. We also request the substantive, public, and practical support of the Departmental Assemblies of the Ionian University departments based in Corfu. We appeal to our professors’ sense of justice and solidarity, because ultimately the University is its student community, and we deserve humane living conditions free from threats and intimidation. We call for the support of the wider Corfu community, all institutions, associations, and collectives on the island, as well as the Media.
The main student hall of residence is NOT a hotel facility; it does not accommodate tourists but students who struggle to study on an extremely expensive island with infrastructure devoted exclusively to tourism and without any substantial support from the University. We consider this situation unacceptable and condemn any decisions made about us, without us, and without any support for us.”
ELENI KORONAKI
Photo: Association of Halls of Residence Students
