This is what students and staff no longer want to see in 2025

Smokers on campus grounds, security cameras, construction sites, and the infamous escalator in the Mandeville Building. Last week, EM asked students and staff what they’d like to get rid of next year. Responses poured in.

The biggest pain point is the shortage of study spaces. Student Anthony shared his frustration: “I need to write my thesis and regularly meet with my group. But every time, it’s a thirty to forty minute pilgrimage to find a spot. We go from building to building and use the Studyrooms app, but often rooms are already occupied.”

Even when a room is empty, he often can’t use it. “Sometimes people leave their bags to stop others from taking the room. Of course, I could just sit there anyway, but it’s incredibly awkward and sometimes leads to arguments with the person ‘colonising’ the space.” While it’s possible to reserve rooms in Polak and the G-Building, these are often fully booked. “Even three days in advance!”, he said. Anthony advocates for a better reservation system.

Students also want the opening hours of the library and the Polak Building to be extended. “Could the library stay open until midnight again, like it used to? That would fit better with 11.59 pm deadlines”, said an IBEB student.

Timetable planning

The university’s ‘poor’ timetable planning is another source of frustration. “The university says it cares about our wellbeing, but it ignores the real stress factors”, a student said. One example is scheduling resits during the summer holidays. “This means we don’t know until the last minute whether we can actually go on holiday.”

Smokers

Smokers on campus are another major annoyance. “They often stand right in front of the entrances, making the buildings smell of smoke”, said staff member Jos. Colleague Nathan called for stricter enforcement, while Coen disagreed with banning smoking outright. “Instead, bring back designated smoking areas and ashtrays on campus.”

Vandalism and surveillance measures

The pro-Palestinian protests have left a lasting impact, according to some. Student Lex wants tougher measures against vandalism, such as graffiti. “It’s unacceptable for this to be allowed on campus”, the student said.

On the other hand, some staff feel less safe due to increased surveillance measures. The rise in security and the closure of buildings during protests make the campus feel not as open, said staff member Marlon. “Students, staff, and guests should be able to move around freely without feeling constantly watched”, the employee said. Staff member Lisette agreed. “Intrusive and poorly justified ‘security measures’ – like mobile cameras and the deployment of riot police – are unnecessary and counterproductive.”

Construction sites and toilets

The ongoing construction work on campus is another source of irritation for many. A third-year IBCoM student criticised the blockade on Institutenlaan. “It’s annoying to have to walk around it all the time. Speed up the work at Tinbergen!”

The Mandeville Building was also criticised. “The escalator there is always broken”, complained student Max. Another anonymous student pointed out leaking taps in the toilets. “Sometimes I try to turn them off, but they’re really stiff. It’s such a waste of water”, the student said.

Toilets in other buildings, like Polak and Langeveld, also have issues. “Broken soap dispensers and wet paper towels are disgusting,” said a student.

‘Leftist’ campus

Some students are concerned about what they call a ‘leftist campus’. Gender-neutral toilets are a point of contention. “There should be fewer of them”, said one student. “These gender-neutral toilets are a real eyesore for many students, as the election results showed.” There was also criticism of the focus on vegan and vegetarian options in the canteens. “People should be free to choose and not be forced by the university”, said another student.