Noisy Homes

The problem is, Mr. Ashby suggests, not only one of lack of nocturnal accommodation, but one of a proper atmosphere for study. "In thousands of homes," he says, "family life revolves around one fire in the house, with father listening to the radio, with young sister learning French in an undertone, and mother needing help with housework. This is the intellectual climate in which many day students work, and it is a serious threat to the integrity of scholarship."

Is there no alternative to "halls of residence" as a solution to the problem of the home student? Mr. Ashby thinks so.

He points out that 54 per cent, of the "ideal" hall of residence is set aside for study-bedrooms, passages, stairs, lobbies and that much expense goes in "keeping students asleep." He suggests that many of the benefits of these places could be secured and many of the difficulties of the home dwelling student avoided, if students took their sleep and their porridge and toast at home or at digs and were able to spend the rest of their time at the university under suitable conditions for studying.