At the beginning of the Corona pandemic, the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband stated that approximately one third of all students in Germany live below the poverty line. Due to inflation in food and energy prices and as a result of rapidly rising living costs in general, this situation has further deteriorated. The precarious living conditions of many students acutely threaten the continuation of their studies.
 

Already, applications to the AStA for a loan for the semester fee exceed the student body's support capabilities, which further underscores the fact that more and more students find themselves in financial straits that threaten their studies.

At the same time, the Studierendenwerk Hamburg plans to increase the semester fees by 20 € or 25%, dormitory rents can currently only be covered by 50% of the Bafög and canteen prices are rising.

The Studierendenwerk is attempting to compensate for its own structural underfunding through price increases and the planned semester fee increase.

In this way, the Studierendenwerk is counteracting its mission to promote educational equality, reduce social selection and enable emancipation through education for all.

We, the AStA of the HAW, consider it unreasonable to place the burden of the Studierendenwerk's deficits on the students.

We welcome the decision of the Hamburg Ministry of Science and Research and the Hamburg universities to reject the planned increase in semester fees of €20 by the Studierendenwerk: "The Ministry and the Hamburg universities agree that an increase in semester fees is currently out of the question in order to compensate for deficits at the Studierendenwerk." (Hamburger Abendblatt of 04.07.2022).

In view of the current social and political situation, the Studierendenwerk and the universities need to be adequately funded.

Overall, the conditions for students must improve and more people must be given barrier-free access to study. Because, in order to find meaningful and appropriate solutions for social challenges such as climate change, growing social injustice and wars, we need education and science.

The AStA therefore demands:

	Semester fees, cafeteria prices and dormitory rents must not be increased any further, but must be reduced noticeably.
	The construction of further dormitories (currently there is living space for only about 5% of Hamburg students) including common rooms must be pushed forward.
	The employment of sufficient staff in all areas
	Opening and operation of the canteens and cafés to their full extent
	A corresponding increase in the subsidies of the Hamburg Ministry of Science and Research (BWFGB)