‘Matchbox Rooms’: NLSIU Students Protest Over Hostel Mess, Safety Fears

Many students said the hostel rooms feel extremely small. One student described them as "matchbox rooms" where students are packed tightly. According to students the number of admissions has increased over the few years but hostel space and facilities have not kept up.

A female student said bunk beds take up so much space that ceiling fans do not work properly. She also claimed some table fans fixed to the walls had fallen off. Students staying in the women’s hostels also spoke about cleanliness problems and lack of water supply. In the Yamuna hostel, around 36 students reportedly share three washrooms. Some students said managing cleanliness has become very hard because water supply is often irregular.

Students also raised concerns about safety on campus. Since construction work is going on inside the university, students claimed there have been dangerous incidents recently. According to students, a concrete slab reportedly fell from the New Academic Block in April shortly before classes were supposed to start. In another incident, a lift in a boys’ hostel allegedly dropped two floors suddenly. Students also claimed that pieces of concrete have fallen from hostel ceilings.

Female students further alleged that weak boundary walls around the campus have led to trespassing incidents and cases of harassment The protest started after students said their complaints had been ignored for months. Students gathered at the basketball court and demanded immediate action from the administration.

Students claimed that the Vice Chancellor did not meet them during the late-night protest on May 13. Later, an "Open House" meeting was held where the VC reportedly listened to students but did not answer questions directly.

According to students, the administration said written responses would be given in 7–10 days. Protesters called the delay unacceptable and said the issues had already been raised many times before. After the meeting, students sent an email demanding action and accountability. They also clarified that the protest is now a campus-wide issue and not limited to women’s hostels.

The protest continued on May 14 with students raising concerns over overcrowded rooms, electricity cuts, water shortages and lack of proper facilities. While the university website mentions facilities like 24x7 electricity, internet, hot water and laundry, students claimed frequent power and internet interruptions are common.

Some students also expressed concern that incoming first-year students may be shifted to off-campus accommodation due to shortage of hostel space. They argued that this may not be safe for young women students. So far, the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) has not officially responded to the allegations made by the students.