Some students will be packed like sardines into six-person dorm rooms this fall at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Though many students are assuming cost concerns prompted the change, the University says that the decision came after students complained about being placed in hotels due to a lack of on-campus housing.

"I understand the need to increase bed spaces and cut costs, but there is barely room for two beds, two desks, two dressers and adequate living space," said junior Kimberly McDonald, who currently lives in Lockermiller Apartments.

Director of Housing Steven Hood tried to ease student concerns by reassuring them that individual students will not have to spend very much time in the rooms.

"What we hope students will get out of the experience is the opportunity to meet more people, and it doesn't have to be forever and ever," Hood said. "You don't have to live with two other people in the bedroom for the rest of your life or even in your time at UTC."

While increasing the number of students in dorm rooms will help reduce the number of students placed in hotels, Hood said about 50 students will have to live in hotels for at least a few weeks next fall.

Students interviewed by student newspaper the University Echo criticized the change.

"Overcrowding an outdated complex already struggling to maintain acceptable living standards is not a decision conducive to academic growth for freshman and will drastically reduce the university's potential to recruit the top graduating students in Tennessee," Weaver said.

Nobody has commented on whether the plan accords with health codes for the region.

More from the University Echo at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga