Catherine Conlon: Housing is an academic, health and wellbeing issue — students demand change

Protest a response to the cost-of-living crisis, specifically the emergency surrounding housing, rent and accommodation that is making the ability to live on campus in affordable accommodation impossible

Students make their voices heard at the USI student walkout protest at University College Cork on Thursday. Picture: Larry Cummins 

Third-level students walked out of lectures on Thursday to protest at the lack of accommodation available for new and returning students. They are using their voice to demand change and they are right to do so.

The protest is a response to the cost-of-living crisis, specifically the emergency surrounding housing, rent and accommodation that is making the ability to live on campus in affordable accommodation impossible.