Home for Christmas – where will students be this year?
The pandemic continues to leave students wondering if they will be home for Christmas, another blow from this relentless virus. Matt Hancock has refused to rule out banning students from returning home at Christmas, following several Covid19 outbreaks at universities. At the end of term there is usually excitement of plans made with friends and family over the festive season. However, things will look very different, with students across the UK unsure if they will be allowed home this Christmas. The government’s Christmas proposals require universities in England to switch to online or ‘blended learning’ by December 8th.
How will end of term look?
The end of term looks to change with many classes moving to online lectures instead. This is so that students in local Covid19 outbreaks will have time to isolate and still travel home at Christmas. The Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said he would issue guidance on allowing students to return home over the Christmas break. Furthermore, Mr Williamson stated that they have made over £100m available for universities to use to ensure youngsters have digital access.
]The National Union of Students
The National Union of Students (NUS) criticised Mr Williamson for being ‘completely absent’ while coronavirus outbreaks struck universities. Mr Williamson has said his Government prioritises education, but many feel he’s been completely absent through the process. He also said that students were expected to follow the same coronavirus guidance as local communities. Also, he didn’t believe there should be moves to ‘inflict stricter measures on students or expect higher standards of behaviour.’
There is hope among students that this year Christmas won’t be completely cancelled. The thought of being stuck self-isolating separated from loved ones is certainly not they way students would like to end 2020.
If you’re a student looking for properties or advice regarding renting in the current climate then please contact us today.