Andrea Innocenti On the afternoon of Wednesday, October 28, the Aula Magna of the University of Milan was the scene of an occupation organized by students themselves. The action, previously announced on social media, aimed to highlight a series of critical issues that make the university program increasingly expensive and difficult.
Students shared the message “ It no longer guarantees us a future ” on their official profiles, indicating the lack of adequate housing , the reduced presence of teachers and overcrowded classrooms as the main obstacles.
Among the most worrying figures are the 1.559 eligible candidates who have not received any places in public housing, left to face the private rental market.
Lack of accommodation and its impact on students
The number of 1.559 students without a bed in a state facility highlights a structural crisis in the right to education.
Many of them are forced to resort to temporary solutions, such as centrally located rentals or luxury student housing, with costs significantly exceeding those foreseen by the university budget. The lack of stable housing directly impacts academic performance, increasing stress and reducing concentration.
Economic and social impact
Unexpected rent costs represent an additional burden for a segment of young people already temporarily in the labor market. The cost of living in a context of inflation and military spending, as the squatters complain, disproportionately burdens those trying to build their professional future.
Teacher shortage and delays in lessons
Another key aspect of the protest concerns the shortage of teaching staff in various programs. According to students, the shortage of professors causes delays of up to a month in the start of classes, negatively impacting the academic calendar and individual study plans. This situation translates into a reduction in actual teaching hours, forcing students to independently revise content or take early exams.
Consequences on the educational path
The interruption or postponement of classes compromises academic continuity and makes it difficult to plan internships, placements, or research projects. Students also complain about the lack of tutoring and academic support, which are essential for enriching their learning.
Closed facilities and overcrowded classrooms
In addition to housing and teaching difficulties, the protest highlights the presence of university buildings that have been closed for years, with no indication of a possible reopening. Meanwhile, available classrooms are constantly overcrowded: some spaces accommodate more students than safety regulations allow, creating uncomfortable situations and potential risks.
Reaction of university governance
The administrative bodies' response was perceived as inadequate. The Rector refused to meet with the protesters in public, while the Observatory for the Right to Education downplayed the complaints without proposing concrete solutions. The occupiers called this position "unacceptable," framing it within a broader context of cuts in public education spending, attributed to the current government.
The occupation of the Aula Magna at the University of Milan is a warning sign for the future of Italian higher education. Students are demanding structural intervention to ensure adequate housing , faculty , and teaching spaces , in order to transform the university from an "obstacle course" into a true engine of social emancipation.