Nearly 3,000 university students in Sofia will become homeless in October at the beginning of the new academic year, warned Ivan Modev, chairman of the Bulgarian Students Union (BSU).

Two blocks in Studentski Grad, Sofia's student dormitory district, have been under renovation during the summer break. Students from the Kliment Ohridski part of Sofia University will be most affected.

The Minister of Education Vladimir Atanassov had a meeting with representatives of the BSU in which he promised to take active measures to improve the conditions of the dormitories in Studentski Grad.

At present, a room there costs 20 leva a month. Those left without accommodation will be given compensation amounting to 20 leva per month. The sum is insufficient to rent a room in Sofia.

The BSU prepared a memorandum for the attention of Atanassov at a meeting on Wednesday. It dealt with several key areas. At present there are no student grants. The BSU want the government to introduce a system of grants for students. They also asked for banks to offer student loans, a system that has been in practice in other European countries for some time. The condition of the dormitories where students live was also discussed. Renovations started in May but cannot be finished due to insufficient funds. "This will lead to 1,800 not having anywhere to live in October," Modev said.

The Students' Policlinic is also a worry for students because it will be soon privatized, according to Modev. "Statistics show an increase in chronic diseases between students as a result of stressful situations and an exclusive students' clinic is very helpful," Modev said. Students are appealing for the state not to privatize the clinic.

Foreign students in Sofia face similar problems related to the high fees paid for academic education. These 2,000 students are given priority for dormitory accomodation in Studentski Grad.