In a notice issued on July 6, the ministry stated all university students should live in school dormitories, and forbid students from renting private accommodation off-campus.

The ministry said the ban is motivated by a concern for students' safety, as well as a desire to simplify administration at educational institutions.

Plenty of dissenting voices have been heard since the ban was issued.

Xiao Na, a student at the Beijing Labor Relationship Institute, said she chooses to live off-campus because she wants a quiet, free environment to prepare for exams for graduate school.

A typical university dorm room in China accommodates four to eight students. The room serves as the bedroom, study, and living room. There is no guarantee of a quiet atmosphere in the dorm during the day.

Besides, since university dorms cut off electricity around 11 at night, students cannot study late. In such circumstances, many students seek a better study environment off-campus when preparing for exams for grad schools, Xiao Na said.

A student surnamed Li at the Renmin University of China in Beijing said he moved out of his dorm in order to "sleep in peace."

With six young men in his dorm and no fan or air conditioner, Li decided to move to an apartment off-campus with an air conditioner so he could finally get a good night's sleep.

Because students cannot choose their roommates, some students end up having to put up with people they don't like for four long years.

In addition, for safety reasons, most institutes lock dorms at midnight, shutting out students who have night jobs.

These factors all tempt students to look for better living conditions off-campus.

There are also students who want to shack up with their girlfriend or boyfriend.

Since the ban does not address student concerns, many people are dubious about whether it will have any real effect.

The Ministry of Education, however, says it has sound reasons for the ban.

Ministry spokesman Wang Xuming said that the major reason for the ban is students' safety.

While few safety incidents occur in university dormitories, gas leaks, robberies and even suicides and murders have been reported among students renting their own housing off-campus, said Wang.