Board Wanted For 500 Students

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31230, 30 November 1966, Page 20

Board Wanted For 500 Students

Because the University of Canterbury expects to place about 500 students in private board next year, it is seeking 350 additional homes to those already on its lists.

The demand is said to reflect:

(1) The increasing number of students coming to Christchurch from other parts of New Zealand.

(2) The increasing number coming from South-east Asia and other places overseas. (3) The growing popularity of private lodgings. (4) The success of placements made this year by the university’s boarding bursar. Placements made this year have created a problem through their popularity. The householders who took i ecommended students want them to stay until they finish their courses; the students who went to recommended homes don’t want to leave. In the last year the university, by concerted efforts, increased the homes on its lists from 90 to 270. All were taken immediately and any vacancies arising during the year were quickly snapped up. This year the boarding bursar placed about 300 students —about 40 in hostels and the rest in private board. Inquiries for next year already indicate that about 500 will seek private board so an additional 350 homes are wanted to take students Mrs Norma Jacobs, the university’s assistant liaison officer, has been addressing dozens of women’s groups in efforts to find extra places. She has told , them that students are able to pay £5 to £5 10s a week, that those recommended by the boarding bursar may be expected to fit in well, and that both parties can expect a good deal of satisfaction from their association. “The reputation of students is improving every year,” Mrs Jacobs said. “They work very hard. There is so much at stake. Continuation of bursaries, even continuation of courses, may depend on

passes, so students are determined to succeed.” Mrs Jacobs said she did not think she would have any trouble with students in private board this year. If trouble should arise, the boarding bursar had means of securing quick action. But with the careful matching of students and home now arranged, no trouble was expected. Mrs Jacobs made a special appeal for board for Asian students. These were among the most conscientious and pleasant of all students placed in private board, she said.