Wolfson College has decided not to enforce an exam “quiet period” and instead will continue to allow communal College areas to be booked out for private hire parties, which students allege will cause disruption during Easter Term.

The College says that its decision to implement an “extra consideration period” instead of a “quiet period” was made with the goal of creating a healthier balance between work and recreation time for students. However, Wolfson students have complained about the impact that this choice has had on the environment around College.

One student told Varsity: “Wolfson allowed a private hire party in our centrally located club room, with music that could be heard from accommodations in buildings across the club room till past midnight.” The student added: “Students feel like the College has chosen to prioritise profits over student welfare.”

Wolfson has said that this event took place before the implementation of the “extra consideration period”.

Another student stated: “I feel really disappointed by the College’s decision. Not only was it not prompted by the students, but it also feels like a part of a wider shift for the College towards a more corporate-centric model, rather than student centric.”

“I believe the College’s reasoning behind changing the conditions of the quiet period, or what they’re now calling ‘extra consideration period’, is all about ensuring that they are still able to book the college out for corporate and external events. I don’t think their decision is at all concerned with student welfare, something evidenced by the fact that the students were not consulted about the changes they decided to make,” they continued.

Wolfson College has explained that the change is in keeping with the new recommendations from the Teaching Review and their own feedback from students, staff, and wellbeing experts.

Another student voiced similar concerns about the decision not to implement a quiet period, which they said was “disappointing and reflects the steep decline in student-staff relations”. They added: “This is our home for much of the year, but we’re not being treated like we’re welcome. Students want a quiet period because we need it to revise. Instead, the College’s shift to a business-first model is putting income ahead of student wellbeing — and it’s becoming increasingly clear.”

A spokesperson for Wolfson stated: “All events featuring amplification or loud music that take place during the ‘extra consideration period,’ with the exception of BOPs, are required to conclude by 11pm.”