Students at the University of Durham are protesting against a rise in residence charges, which they say is unaffordable and will only endorse a perception of the university as elitist.

University authorities have decided to raise the �2,337 annual residence charge - which includes rent, three meals a day and college library and computer facilities - by �200, plus inflation, for the next academic year.

We face an �8m repair and refurbishment bill, which is the reason for the rise

University spokesman

The university is also considering proposals to repeat the increases year on year, until the rises total �1,000, excluding inflation.

The National Union of Students says the �200 increase from next year would put Durham well above the north-east average for catered accommodation, while carrying through the five-year plan would make it one of the most expensive in the country.

Robin Hall, education and welfare officer of Durham Students' Union, said the university had committed the worst offence against widening participation in higher education.

"It encourages more students from modest backgrounds to apply to Durham, then actively prices them out of the education they offer," Mr Hall said.

'Urgent refurbishment'

But the university says many of the college buildings, built in the 1950s and 60s were in a poor condition and needed urgent attention.

This will make Durham one of the most expensive universities to come to - and it already has a problem with elitism

Tim Packer, Durham Students' Union

"We face an �8m repair and refurbishment bill, which is the reason for the rise," university spokesman, Keith Seacroft, said.

"We have to take a realistic approach - it's not as if students won't benefit from the increased charges."

The university had numerous funds for less well-off students and was introducing a new bursary scheme using donations from former students, he added.

'Sleep-out'

In protest at the university's decision, 25 students took part in an overnight "sleep-out" at the weekend outside the home of university vice chancellor, Sir Kenneth Calman.

Students said Sir Kenneth avoided talking to them by "slipping out the back" of his house.

Students took a protest to the university offices [Photo: Barney Britton]

Helen King, a physics and astronomy student who took part in the sleep-out, described his behaviour as "cowardly".

"I couldn't believe he would sneak out of the back of his own house rather than speak to a group of students," she said.

Tim Packer, from Durham Students' Union, said a large protest was being planned for June, once exams were over.

"The concern is that this will make Durham once of the most expensive universities to come to - and it already has a problem with elitism," Mr Packer said.

'Social inclusion'

Durham is well down the table of "social inclusion" among UK universities, with 63% of its students coming from state schools, against the national average of 86%.

The Higher Education Funding Council believes it should achieve 77%.

Earlier protests last term, before the university had approved the residence charge rise, involved a 250 student sit-in and a protest at the university offices at the Old Shire Hall, where 900 students handed over a petition to the authorities.