BERLIN 

In response to skyrocketing energy costs, room temperatures in German city Hanover's student dormitories are to be lowered to 20 degrees Celsius, local media reported on Friday.

After 10 p.m., only cold showers will be allowed, as the dormitories can no longer absorb the rising energy costs.

Because of the energy crisis and rampant inflation, utility costs in the dormitories are rising, Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) media group reported.

Meals in the university canteens will also become more expensive for students. It is also expected that students will have to pay higher rents.

This hits especially hard the 30% of students who were already classified as "poor" before the energy crisis, according to a recent study by the German Parity Welfare Association.

Students are not only frequently affected by poverty compared to the population as a whole, but also particularly severely, according to the association.

The report about the problems in Hanover is not an isolated case.

Recently, the student association AStA also warned that university students in Frankfurt could face a harsh winter.

The drastic increase in the cost of living is hitting students with full force, the association said in a press release.

It called on the government and local authorities to face up to their responsibility to ensure the "basic needs" of students.