Students protest poor dormitory conditions in Sulaymaniyah’s Ranya as temperatures plunge

Sulaymaniyah — Students from Penji Aazar Dormitory in Ranya, center of Raparin Independent Administration of Sulaymaniyah, staged a protest last night, demanding improved living conditions and better heating services in harsh winter weather.

Rabun Mohammed, one of the protesting students, told 964media, “Our dormitory lacks basic services. We have a severe shortage of hot water, poor heating, and extremely cold rooms. That’s why all the students have gathered tonight to express our frustration.”

According to Mohammed, the arrival of winter has made the situation unbearable, with freezing temperatures affecting their daily activities.

“It’s so cold that we can’t function properly,” Mohammed said. “We’re calling on the responsible authorities to address these issues. We’ve been promised solutions many times, but nothing has been done so far.”

Efforts by 964media to contact officials from the dormitory administration for comment have gone unanswered.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research accepted over 44,000 students in the first round of university admissions for the 2024-2025 academic year, representing 96% of online applicants. The Kurdistan Region is home to 48 universities and institutes, comprising 18 public and 30 private institutions.

Students across the Kurdistan Region have raised concerns about the substandard conditions in university dormitories. Reports highlight issues such as inadequate heating, lack of hot water, overcrowded rooms, and insufficient sanitation facilities.