Reports of both cockroaches and bed bugs have come in since the semester began ("Bugs bite on campus," Oct. 26). In regard to bed bugs, housing officials said they have exterminated affected and surrounding rooms. As for the roach issue, housing claims there is none, stating either that it's unavoidable or that the problem has been taken care of. According to residents, however, this is not the case.

Dormitories, although usually small and sparing, should in no way be full of bugs. Yes, a couple of roaches are understandable. Killing every critter is not only unrealistic, but impossible as well.

However, the continuation of reports of infestations is merely unacceptable. Students have the right to live in a nearly bug-free environment. After all, we do pay for these infested rooms, don't we?

On move-in day I was told that if I had any issues at all, I could contact housing 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It seems a bit contradictory, then, that housing is holding up their hands and claiming there is no problem, despite our complaints.

Numerous infestations seem a bit opposite of being 'no problem.' South Halls Residence Association President Phillip Yen said that he was "pretty sure" that everything would be fine. "Pretty sure" does not sound like this issue has been dealt with.

In short, they need to be sure it has been taken care of, and if it hasn't, it needs to be. No student should be afraid to sleep in his or her own room.