We buy John Charmley a drink and suss out his views on music, beer, and other essential to ics
The Bluetones, Kula Shaker, Jamiroquai, plus the latest movies, videos, albums - this week we've got it all!
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accommodation clearing system as some still wait for a campus room after a seven month process. Many returning students were forced to camp out in Nelson Court common rooms after they arrived to find that there was nowhere permanent for them to stay. The clearing process which began during Freshers' Week was inundated with 150 applicants on the first day alone. But UEA bosses have defended their position, claiming that there are fewer problems this year than last. Accommodation Centre Manager Lawrence Daly, said, "Last Year we had between 300 and 350 arrived on the first day of clearing, all kept waiting over the summer. Last Monday 150 turned up we had a substantial number who didn 't queue or sleep on
floors. I am happy we achieved that much." Mr. Daly remains optimistic that all students will be allocated a room. "We are about level with regard to the number of students and number of rooms."
Students, however, are still not happy with the situation. "The clearing system is a complete mess," said one final-year student. "This uncertainty at the start of the year is a problem I could have done without, especially now that lectures have started." Accommodation chiefs claim the situation has been complicated by the number of post-graduate and international students. But Mr Daly pointed out that the main problem is the allocation of residences to all first-year students. " It is a nightmare, if we didn't have to guarantee rooms for first-years, it
easier. But it is the University's central marketing ploy." As a consequence, the Accommodation Centre has to wait for the go-ahead from schools of study before rooms can be put into the clearing system. First-years who fail to register have their reservations cancelled. "It is all in the hands of the admissions process and the students themselves as to whether they will turn up or not. If we knew definitely how many first years were coming, we would not have this problem," he said, adding "I make sure they know I care about their problems." But Sam Skerry , EAS 3 who has waited seven months for confirmation of her residence remains sceptical. "I 've now got a room in elson Court but have a bitter taste in my mouth because of the way I have been