Too hot in my studio apartment

Hello Everyone,

I am currently doing a postgrad course at uni and I live in student accommodation. I live in a studio which means I do everything in the same room basically...eat, cook, sleep, work etc.
Throughout autumn, winter and spring my room was extremely hot and I did not use the heating once. Now the weather is warmer my room will not go below 27 degrees. I leave the window open from 9am to 1am yet there are no changes as it is a tilt window with a gap of 10 cm. It is unbearable to be in my room and I woke up the other night and was sick from overheating whilst sleeping.
Is there anything I can do or say to the accommodation to have them unlock the restrictor on my window ? I bought a fan but that only curculates the warm air around my room. I also leave my door a jar the majority of the day however it goes out into the hallway with people walking passed. One of my co-workers suggested getting an aircon unit however I cannot afford this.

Any information, tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Reply 1

Zarek

I would speak to university accommodation and see if they have any ideas. The may have some obligation to prevent extreme heat, and particularly when the weather is not excessively hot. Try the Mediterranean trick of keeping the room darkened, and some insulating or heat reflective material on the outside, or inside, of the window could help.

Reply 2

Compyjo

Is it University owned accommodation or private student accommodation?

Are other residents having this problem or is it specific to your flat, due to its position in the building. Is there scope to move to a cooler flat in this accommodation?

Consider seeking advice from your student union to find out your rights and your Landlords obligations.

Even if they can't get a fix to the issue (for example, they are unlikely to install air conditioning) perhaps they can help you to negotiate an end to your contract, move flats within the building or loan you a portable unit. (again, I doubt a landlord would provide a portable unit).

When I worked in student accommodation services, removal of window restrictors was never permitted due to strong health and safety regulations.