As the new semester begins, many students face escalating problems in their dormitories, with lack of hot water and elevators being past due for a mechanical check. 

The residents living in the largest dorms on campus- Centennial, Hopper and Georgia- have started to file multiple complaints about the housing issues they have had to endure since the semester started. In Georgia and Hopper, the main issue being the lack of hot water for most, if not all, residents. 

Typically, if showers have not been used for a long time, they tend to run cold at first. However, this is now the second week of residents having to shower with cold water; some residents report that if their water does get hot, it is only for a moment and then the temperature continues to be inconsistent. 

“I don’t mind taking cold showers, I mean a shower is a shower, but I do get excited when the water starts to get a little warm but then it runs back cold, so obviously that’s always a disappointment,” said sophomore art major, Allycia McDavis from Hopper Hall. 

According to VSU’s new Director of Housing and Residence Life, Jeffery Hooks: 

“We are aware of the mechanical issues with the boiler, and our maintenance team is actively working on a resolution. While the boiler remains operational, we are taking steps to ensure it continues functioning properly while we wait for the part we ordered to be delivered.” 

In Centennial Hall, the main concern for the residents is the elevators, which have not undergone a mechanical check-up since 2022. 

The overdue mechanical check-up has seemed to always be noticeable to Centennial residents, but this year, students are hoping that more action is going to be taken on this concerning situation. 

“I have been in Centen for two years now, and the elevator is constantly on and off throughout the semester. This semester, they have finally updated necessities such as the cameras and hopefully more things concerning our safety,” said senior mass media student Mya Arthur. 

Although it may seem that housing has been neglecting the importance of resident and mechanical safety, it is an external agency responsible for the overdue check-up, delayed due to back log. 

According to Housing Director, Jeffery Hooks, “We are just waiting for the agency that handles elevator inspections to come and inspect them. My understanding is that they [the agency] are currently backed up.” 

Jeffery also encourages students to continue putting in Maintenance work orders for these ongoing problems and any other problems that residents may find concerning. 

As the semester progresses, the resolution of these issues will be crucial in ensuring a comfortable living environment for residents. 

Written by Jasmine Hightower, Copy editor. Photo by The Spectator.