The Gozo University Group (GUG) has insisted that Gozo Minister Anton Refalo was only giving a short-term solution when proposing to increase subsidies for Gozitan students in order to afford the increasing rent prices. The GUG had called for the development of a hostel near the university campus to accommodate Gozitan students in light of the lack of affordable accommodation in the area.  

“During the Pre-Budget Consultation meeting held at the Grand Hotel on the 18th of September, the Minister for Gozo expressed his opinion on GUG's proposal for a student hostel and the problem students are facing to find accommodation. The Minister stated that he is not in favour of the idea proposed by GUG to build a student hostel due to the idea that the hostel will not be available to all students at once. Rather he believes that the solution for rising rent is an increase in subsidy. In reaction, whilst GUG is not against an increase in subsidy, it reasons that this is only a short-term solution and it will only be postponing the problem of the ever rising rental prices. A students' hostel is in fact the long-term solution to this situation.”

GUG is proposing that the hostel should accommodate students on a means test basis. 

“GUG believes that the building of the hostel which should accommodate a substantial amount of students would lessen the demand, and thus will be helping both students who will be accommodated in the hostel and others who will be seeking alternative accommodation since the demand for such accommodation will decrease.”

GUG urged the authorities to take this proposal seriously as they believe it is the best option going forward.