Coronavirus: Students left “gutted” as university halls lockdown only weeks into term
Students across the country have expressed their anger and confusion at being forced to lockdown at their halls of residence only a few weeks into the academic year.
An estimated 3000 students are currently being forced to self-isolate as universities seek to crack down on the spread of coronavirus.
Many believe there has been a lack of support from universities, and have criticised the government for refusing to reduce tuition fees and for failing to guarantee all students will be allowed to return home for Christmas.
Universities UK, the representative organisation for all UK universities, said the well-being of students was their ‘first priority’ and promised to ‘support’ students who are being forced to self-isolate.
The National Union of Students has urged the government to allow students to leave rental contracts and return home to their families.
“We must remember this is happening because the government and universities told students to return to campus and this shambolic situation now demands flexibility”.
Many students claim they have been left “completely in the dark” with ‘no warning, support or advice from their university about how to get food and other essential items.
One student at Lancaster University revealed she had been forced to pay £17 for a daily food service; accusing the university of “adding an additional layer of hardship to an already deeply unpleasant situation”.
A spokesperson for Lancaster University stressed this fee was only for students who wanted their food cooked and delivered to their door.
“Students are not obliged to use this service and still have access to their own kitchens, alternative shopping and takeout food delivery services” they said.
All students have been forced to pay full rent and tuition fees despite many courses moving completely online.
One student, Ellie Jackson, said: “My course is all online — I haven’t even been into university… I could have done this at home”.
“I don’t think it’s worth the money at the moment”.
Culture, Media and Sport secretary Oliver Dowden has defended the governments handling of students in lockdown, saying that students should continue paying full university fees despite the lockdown.
“Its important for students not to have to give up a year of their life by not going to university; and they are going to university, and paying the fees accordingly”.
First year social work student at Cardiff Metropolitan University Zara Clench spoke of the damaging impact a combination of lockdown and homesickness has had on her mental health.
“I’ve got upset a few times because I miss home…its been a bit crazy, all I want to do is go outside!”.
Zara spoke of being left feeling “gutted” at having missed her first in-person class and not being able to meet her new course mates.
Students have also been left uncertain as to whether they will be permitted to return home for Christmas.
“I would be absolutely heartbroken if I couldn’t go home for Christmas… absolutely gutted”, Zara said.
Education secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed last week that the majority of university students will be able to leave their campuses over Christmas but some may be required to self-isolate first and miss two weeks of learning .
Earlier today, Bristol University confirmed one of its student halls was forced to go into lockdown after 40 students tested positive for coronavirus in a move the university have described as a “precaution”.
Professor Sarah Purdy, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, has said: “The health and safety of our students is a top priority at this very difficult and challenging time… We know this is a stressful situation and full support is being offered to those affected.”
