QUEEN’S University Belfast (QUB) has offered students £1,500 to not take up accommodation this year amid "unprecedented" demand for rooms.
The university said there had been a 12 per cent increase in the number of first year applications for accommodation compared to last year.
In an email to students, it said: "In order to reduce the number of students who still need accommodation and help prioritise those most in need, we are launching a £1,500 financial offer to eligible students as an alternative to taking a room in Queen's accommodation this incoming academic year."
The offer includes £1,250 in cash, off-peak gym membership worth around £100 as well as £150 on their QUB student card.
In the letter, reported by student radio news and current affairs programme, The Scoop, the university said it was open to all eligible first year students from Northern Ireland, Great Britain and the Republic.
It states that the deal is "time limited" and a decision has to be made by midnight on September 12. The university said it is also working to secure additional capacity, including accommodation at Ulster University’s Jordanstown campus.
"We fully acknowledge the challenges students have faced over the past two years and the impact that Covid has had on the overall educational experience," it states.
A QUB spokesperson said the demand was "largely because Belfast is attracting a higher number of students who wish to live in the city and demand has been further heightened as a result of the pandemic".
"In particular, Queen's offered extensive support to students, and flexible terms and conditions during lockdowns which has resulted in more students wanting to live in university accommodation for the 2021-22 year."
