Janevska introduces stricter rules for accommodation in student dormitories, applications allowed up to the age of 30

Education and Science Minister Vesna Janevska announced at a press conference the key changes being prepared to the Law on Student Standard, specifically in the segment related to accommodation and the use of services in student dormitories. According to her, these legal amendments are currently being reviewed in Parliament and aim to strengthen security in these facilities, as well as prevent negative practices seen in the past, including the unjustified long-term accommodation of certain individuals.

One of the new measures provides for setting an age limit for students seeking accommodation in dormitories. “We are limiting the age up to which students can be accommodated in student dormitories. We have identified students who for years continue to stay in dormitories, finding legal ways to use the services for 3,400 denars a month, with all expenses covered for food, water, electricity, etc. From now on, the maximum age limit for a student applying for dormitory accommodation will be 30 years old, that is, the age of 30,” Janevska said.

The second amendment also envisages punitive measures for students who commit serious violations of house rules. In such cases, a ban on accommodation in student dormitories from 1 to 5 years may be imposed on those who damage inventory, are caught with alcohol or other substances, or are found to have engaged in offensive, threatening, aggressive or violent behavior, physical or psychological abuse, harassment, discrimination, or any other inappropriate behavior that endangers the safety, health, integrity and dignity of students and employees in the dormitory, or disrupts its normal functioning.

Janevska also stressed that major investments are currently being made in dormitories. According to her, two of them are undergoing full reconstruction and the works are expected to be completed by October. The “Stiv Naumov” and “Kuzman Josifovski – Pitu” facilities, she said, are being transformed into modern, energy-efficient spaces. “We currently have major investments in dormitories. Two of them are undergoing full reconstruction, which will be completed by October. The ‘Stiv Naumov’ and ‘Kuzman Josifovski – Pitu’ buildings are becoming modern and energy-efficient. They will truly be excellent, and I expect young people to take care of them so that they can be used by as many generations as possible. At the same time, we absolutely must also increase security in the dormitories. This is the fundamental thing,” the minister added./Telegrafi/