The 2023 University of Manchester protest is an ongoing student protest and rent strike at the University of Manchester in England. The protest was a reaction to the living conditions in university accommodation provided by the University of Manchester and the cost of living crisis. The goals of the protesters are for a 30% reduction in rent for halls of residence and 30% of the October payment to be refunded, no rent increases for the next three years, to make 40% of student halls affordable, as per NUS guidelines, and for no disciplinary action to be taken against the protesters. Protests Rent strike On January 19th a group of 350 students from the University withheld rent until their demands were met, the group stated that over half a million pounds worth of rent has been withheld so far. The students said issues included rat infestations, leaks, mould, and high rent during the cost of living crisis. Occupation On February 8th, students in the rent strike group announced that they had occupied 3 University buildings including the Samuel Alexander and Engineering building. Similar to the 2020 protest, banners and projections with slogans were displayed on the tower and other buildings targeted at the university and its Vice Chancellor. On February 13th the student group occupied the Simons Building, the fourth building to be occupied by them. The University switched off heating and WiFi in the John Owens building on February 15th which was being occupied by students at the time. Students demanded that the heating and internet be turned back on, and left the building soon after. Manchester University sent a memo so staff members on the 28th January stating that they aim to remove the occupiers and start disciplinary action following the discovery of any illegal actions taken by the protesters. Incidents On February 19th the University security team called police to the Simons Building on the University of Manchester campus. Six police vans and cars arrived at the scene and refused to assist security in removing the students. Security also blocked access to and from the building including preventing students from exiting and food deliveries from arriving. The student group claims the staff made false allegations of being assaulted, whereas the University claims security and support staff were injured. There are also claims that personal property such as towels have been stolen by security, and that food and sanitary