Students who live on the fourth floor of Cobb Residence Hall now have new housing assignments, but many say they are frustrated that they no longer feel at home.
In the two days following the fire that started in Cobb’s attic Tuesday afternoon, more than 350 UNC students have had to make alternate housing arrangements.
Damage to each floor is varied, with the worst occurring on the fourth floor — which could have housed more than 90 students.
“The Dean of Students’ Office has been extraordinary in reaching out to the residents of Cobb,” said sophomore Brittany Jordan Cole, a Cobb resident. “But as a whole, the school is putting the burden on the students, especially financially. The administrators don’t know the extent of the damage, and they’re understating it.”
She said the most significant damage to her room was caused by the fire hoses — dust and debris covered her walls and her floor.
Cole said she has been staying with friends. She was assigned a room in Manly Residence Hall, but said when she arrived, those living there did not know about the fire in Cobb.
“I can understand that it would be difficult for strangers to have an emotional person dumped into their living space,” Cole said.
To cover the costs of items like clothes and toiletries, the housing department has guided students toward resources such as the Student Emergency Fund, which provides funds for crisis situations.
In an email to Cobb residents, Bradley encouraged them to check whether their insurance policies would cover damaged belongings — those students with renter’s insurance were encouraged to contact their insurance agent.
