VISAKHAPATNAM: IN an effort to provide better infrastructure and modern facilities to the international female students studying in Andhra university, a new building would be constructed soon, varsity V-C G Nageswara Rao said here on Thursday.
While there has been continuous increase in foreign students and scholars in Andhra University, for the past few years the female students have outnumbered the males (60:40), he pointed out.
Giving more details about the new hostel block, the V-C said the work would begin shortly after finalising the location for which some areas in MVP Colony, Sivajipalem and Pithapuram Colony were being considered.
“The new block with a capacity to accomodate 100 students will be constructed at an estimated cost of `5 crore. The failcity will have double rooms with small kitchens to each room as many foreign students enjoy preparing their native food, added the V-C.
The lack of enough rooms in the existing hostel has emerged an issue among the students of late. “Now, three people are sharing a room meant for two boarders as there are fewer rooms in the international hostel. For a fresher from a different country, it is difficult to stay in other hostels or opt for paying guest accommodations in the city. Although the room rent is high, I prefer staying in the university hostel as we face problems in communicating with the localities,” said Yusuf from Ethiopia who has been studying in the University for the past two years.
The AU has more than 500 foreign students from countries including Nepal, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Iran and Iraq.
“Apart from the accommodation, we are happy with the facilities at the hostel such as Internet. A new hostel will really help us in getting comfortable rooms,” Sonam from Bhutan said.
New girls hostel on card
Another girls hostel to accommodate 500 Indian students is being planned, said the VC.
A 24x7 reading room will also be opened in the new hostel for the benefit of the students. The expenditure for this hostel is expected to be `15 crore.