Residents at Kingston’s Clayhill student accommodation say the ongoing July heatwave has left their rooms sweltering and impossible to sleep in.
Temperatures reached 33°C in Kingston this week, with the Met Office issuing amber alerts for heat-related health risks.
Students living in top-floor Clayhill flats say they’ve struggled with sleepless nights, headaches and overheating despite windows being open.
“I’ve been sleeping on the floor by the fridge with a wet towel,” said Sasha Nouri, a second-year fashion student.
“It’s worse inside than outside — no one gave us fans or even a warning.”
One flat in Block A reached 31.5°C indoors by 6pm on Tuesday, according to a resident using a basic thermometer app.
Several students have contacted Kingston University’s accommodation office asking for portable fans or clearer heat safety advice.
In an email reply seen by this reporter, staff said: “We are aware of high temperatures and are reviewing heat support measures.”
The UK Health Security Agency warned that young people in poorly ventilated housing are at increased risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Clayhill buildings are not fitted with air conditioning, and many rooms have small windows that do not allow cross-ventilation.
“I actually went to my friend’s campus flat just to cool down,” said Tyrell Amoah, a first-year business student.
“I’d never felt that cooked before.”
The university has not made a formal statement about changes to accommodation procedures during heatwaves.
