Campus Times | Lucknow 

With admissions for the new academic session underway, Lucknow University (LU) has increased hostel mess charges by 24% to 28%, adding to the financial burden on students planning to stay on campus. The revised rates will push the annual mess fee for boys from ₹33,000 to ₹41,000 for 11 months, while the charges for girls have been increased from ₹25,000 to ₹32,000.

The fee revision has come at a time when students are making arrangements for admission, hostel accommodation and other academic expenses. For many students, particularly those coming from distant districts and economically weaker families, the additional mess expenditure could significantly increase the overall cost of pursuing higher education at the university.

Students question affordability

The sharp increase has triggered concern among hostel residents, who feel that the revised charges may make campus accommodation less affordable. Students said that apart from hostel and academic fees, they already have to manage expenses related to books, travel, study material and other daily needs.

Hostel resident Aryan Kushwaha said the increased mess charges could make staying on campus more expensive than opting for food arrangements outside the university. According to him, some private mess facilities in areas around the campus are now available at comparatively lower rates, raising questions about the financial viability of the revised university mess charges.

Greater impact on students from weaker financial backgrounds

The fee hike is likely to have a greater impact on students who come to Lucknow from distant districts and depend on university hostels to continue their education. For such students, hostel accommodation provides a relatively accessible option for staying close to the campus, but the increase in recurring food expenses could add considerably to their monthly financial commitments.

As the new academic session begins, students and their families will now have to factor in the higher mess charges while planning the overall cost of education. For families already working with limited budgets, an additional annual expense of ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 could become a substantial burden.

University cites previous revision in 2022

LU officials said that the mess rates had last been revised in 2022. The latest revision, according to the university, comes after a gap of several years.

However, with the admission process currently in progress, the timing of the increase has become an important concern for prospective hostel residents. Students are seeking greater clarity on the revised charges and are likely to assess whether campus mess facilities continue to offer a cost-effective option compared with private alternatives outside the university.

For students coming from financially weaker backgrounds, the increased mess fee could ultimately become a deciding factor in their choice of accommodation and add to the overall cost of pursuing a degree at Lucknow University.