Housing Challenges at University of South Florida St. Petersburg

News Summary

After Hurricane Milton, USF St. Petersburg faces housing crises as 352 students are displaced from Pelican Apartments. Many students are living in makeshift accommodations, prompting them to advocate for better living conditions and support from the university. The administration has announced some credits for housing fees, but challenges remain as students deal with inadequate temporary living situations and concerns about health and education.

Housing Struggles at USF St. Petersburg After Hurricane Milton

In the bustling city of St. Petersburg, Florida, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the campus of the University of South Florida. Following the turbulent weather brought on by Hurricane Milton, students have faced unexpected challenges, particularly when it comes to finding adequate housing. As many as 352 students were displaced from their downtown dormitory, the Pelican Apartments, which have now become a construction zone due to water damage.

A Look at Temporary Living Situations

While the majority of these students managed to secure temporary housing off-campus, a handful—specifically, thirteen students—are currently bunking down on air mattresses in a coed ballroom. This makeshift living arrangement offers very little privacy, forcing students to navigate the boundaries of personal space in a shared environment. To make matters more challenging, they must trek to a nearby gym for shower facilities. The ballroom, as cozy as it might sound, lacks even the most basic amenities, making this a situation not ideal for students who are accustomed to a more private and comfortable lifestyle.

Students Band Together for Change

Not one to sit back and accept these difficulties, Canela Vasquez, a resourceful junior at USF St. Petersburg, took matters into her own hands. She kicked off a change.org petition on October 14, aiming to voice the collective concerns of the displaced students. Just five days later, it collected a whopping 1,169 signatures. The petition calls on the university administration to consider compensation for the students or provide alternative living arrangements that match the value of what they are paying for at the Pelican Apartments. The average cost of residency here is around $4,500 per semester, which makes the current housing conditions feel even more unjust.

University Administration Responds

As word spread about the struggles of these students, criticism of the USF administration grew. Many felt that the response to the urgent needs had been slow and inadequate. On October 17, however, some progress was made when the interim chief of staff announced that there would be a credit for displaced residents on their housing fees. This credit will be based on the type of room they had and how long it was unavailable. However, for many, this does little to ease the discomfort of the current living conditions.

Life After Displacement

For those students who could not find alternate living arrangements, life has become a juggling act. They rely on a nearby gym for basic hygiene and receive three meals a day from the campus dining hall, but the overall experience is far from what they had anticipated when they enrolled at the university. Despite some students managing to return to campus the weekend after their displacement on October 7, the Pelican Apartments remain closed for at least two weeks. This has understandably led to feelings of uncertainty and concern about when—if ever—they will be able to regain access to their personal belongings which they left behind in a hurry.

Concerns About Health and Education

On top of everything, students worry about potential health issues related to mold in the damaged areas. As they try to navigate their academic lives, many have turned to online classes. But with connectivity issues popping up frequently, it’s hard for them to maintain the quality of their education. Considering that hurricanes are not uncommon during the academic year in Florida, there are voices calling for the university to adopt a more comprehensive emergency plan that would prepare students for potential future storms.

A Community in Need

While the university officials have kept their lips sealed regarding further comments on this pressing situation, the echoes of discontent are growing louder. Students are coming together, advocating for changes to ensure their safety and well-being on campus. Their tireless efforts underscore the resilience of the university community, even in the face of adversity.

As the dust settles after Hurricane Milton, many hope that the university will take this opportunity to review and bolster their emergency response plans in a meaningful way.