Accommodation Crisis at USP Says Counsumer Council

The Consumer Council of Fiji has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a growing student welfare crisis at the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Laucala Campus, following ongoing accommodation delays and confusion.

In a press release issued on 25 February 2026, the Council confirmed it had been asked to intervene after complaints from students and parents about a lack of transparency and significant delays in the university’s accommodation process.

Following a visit to the campus on 23 February, the Council observed that many students remain uncertain about whether they have secured accommodation, despite classes already being underway.

According to the Council, large crowds have been gathering daily outside the Hall's Office after applicants were not informed of outcomes in a timely manner. Students were later advised that confirmation emails would be issued, but the Council says this came too late for many.

Some students who were informed at the last minute that they would not receive a hall room were forced into the private rental market without preparation, often accepting inflated prices due to urgent need.

The situation is reportedly more distressing for regional and international students. The Council said some students have been seen on campus with luggage and nowhere to stay, while others are temporarily staying with friends in overcrowded conditions.

In other cases, students who had received confirmation emails were later told their room allocations had been cancelled or that rooms were “not ready,” with some being placed in temporary accommodation allegedly in poor condition.

The Council also raised concerns about reports that the accommodation office has closed its doors when large crowds gather and that staff absences have brought operations to a standstill.

Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil described the situation as a “student welfare crisis,” stating that USP has a duty of care to ensure students are not left stranded without safe and secure housing.

The Council has called on USP to:

Immediately resolve the accommodation backlog and provide a clear public timeline,

Improve frontline communication and treatment of students,

Provide a formal explanation outlining the cause of the failures and corrective measures being implemented.

The matter has also been formally raised with the Fiji Higher Education Commission to ensure oversight and accountability.

The Council says it has written to USP seeking an urgent response and will continue to monitor the situation. Students facing ongoing accommodation issues are encouraged to lodge complaints through the National Consumer Helpline 155.