Oxford University has sparked fury after deploying a lavish rented double-decker bus to shuttle students a mere 1.5 miles between campuses, while many struggle to find affordable accommodation in one of Britain's most expensive cities.
Luxury Transport Amid Housing Emergency
The prestigious institution hired the bright red bus to transport students between its £30 million Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities and other campus locations during freshers' week. The vehicle, complete with comfortable seating and modern amenities, operated along a route that could easily be walked in under 30 minutes or cycled in just 10.
This controversial move comes as Oxford faces an unprecedented student housing crisis, with many undergraduates paying exorbitant rents for substandard accommodation or being forced to live miles from their colleges.
Student Backlash and Financial Concerns
Students have expressed outrage at what they perceive as a blatant misallocation of funds. "Spending money on a bus for such a short distance when students are struggling to find anywhere to live feels incredibly tone-deaf," said one final-year student, who wished to remain anonymous.
The university's decision has raised serious questions about financial priorities at a time when:
- Oxford has some of the highest student accommodation costs in the UK
- Many students face commuting from neighbouring towns due to lack of affordable housing
- The university continues to invest in expensive infrastructure projects
University's Response
When confronted about the bus service, an Oxford University spokesperson defended the decision, stating: "The bus was provided during our welcome events to help new students navigate between venues easily as they familiarise themselves with the university."
However, critics argue that the money spent on the temporary transport service could have been better allocated toward addressing the accommodation crisis or supporting students facing financial hardship.
The controversy highlights the growing divide between university administration priorities and student welfare concerns at one of Britain's most prestigious institutions.
