Universities Under Fire as Students Seek Refuge from Sweltering Dorms

The incident has been reported in several universities in Harbin, where students have been struggling to cope with the heat due to the absence of air conditioning in their dormitories. Some students have resorted to sleeping in the corridors or on the campuses, while others have opted to stay in nearby hotels, which have been fully booked in recent days. The situation has been exacerbated by the fact that many universities in the region do not have air conditioning in their dormitories, a shortage that is attributed to the relatively cooler climate in the region during most of the year. However, with the increasing frequency of heatwaves in recent years, the need for air conditioning in universities has become more pressing.

Black Dragon East University stated that in previous years, the school had already started summer break when the weather was hot, and this year's sudden rise in temperature is an extraordinary situation. The university will consider installing air conditioners based on the actual situation. The university's party committee propaganda department explained that the school's dormitories, classrooms, and teachers' offices are not equipped with air conditioners or fans, and the university typically starts summer break when the weather is hot, but this year's high temperatures came earlier than expected.

The sweltering conditions in dormitories have forced many students to seek refuge elsewhere, opting to sleep in hallways or open spaces on campus, or even checking into hotels. This desperate measure highlights the dire situation students are currently facing and underscores their urgent demands for relief. As temperatures continue to soar, students are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the lack of proper ventilation and cooling systems in their living quarters, leading to disrupted sleep patterns, health concerns, and decreased productivity.

To help students alleviate the discomfort caused by the high temperatures as soon as possible, the school administration and relevant departments should actively explore and implement effective measures. Providing temporary air conditioning or fans, extending the opening hours of public spaces, and ensuring students' physical and mental health are potential solutions. Purchasing mobile air conditioners or high-power fans for flexible use by students in need can be a viable alternative, and opening public spaces with good ventilation conditions can offer students cooler areas to study or rest. Extending the operating hours of facilities like sports centers and libraries can also provide students with more time to enjoy the cooler environments.

It is crucial for the school administration to develop emergency plans in response to weather changes, rather than simply relying on the traditional summer break schedule. The management model must be flexible and responsive to the current situation to avoid negatively impacting students' health and well-being. By establishing a multi-party coordination mechanism and targeting students' pain points to find solutions, educational institutions can return to their original purpose and better support the growth of their students. The essence of education is to cultivate individuals, and its purpose is the fulfillment of human potential, which requires paying attention to students' reasonable demands and satisfying their legitimate needs.