What is happening?
The autumn term has started at universities across the UK and many students have returned to their accommodation on campuses.
The rise in cases of coronavirus has meant that there are different restrictions on what students can do at each university. For instance,
the BBC reports that at the Manchester Metropolitan University:
1,700 students in two accommodation blocks at Manchester Metropolitan University have been told to stay in isolation for 14 days, after about 100 students tested positive.
This has understandably led to some feeling of panic and confusion as students are isolated away from their families and loved ones.
How has this impacted teaching?
Much of the face to face teaching has stopped and is now being delivered online via lectures and seminars on computers.
Where face to face teaching is still happening, there have been calls for it to stop and for students to be allowed to return home.
Dr Jo Grady, the University and College Union Secretary, speaks about this and the need to protect students welfare on this
BBC sounds programme (from 8 minutes 8 seconds onwards).
How are disabled students being affected?
Some of our own members have spoken about the
difficulties faced in managing complex medical needs while being at University this term.
Other disabled students on social media have reported similar problems with having their needs met. One student told how her request to be housed in a smaller flat with less people was refused. While, an autistic student was unable to visit her halls early to reduce anxiety she was feeling.
What can help?
We understand this is a difficult time for students and families and are here to support you on our online community, so please reach out and post if you are experiencing issues.
For more advice and information around support, visit Scope's
Education support during coronavirus webpage. The BBC website has also compiled a list of
tips and tricks to help university students cope in a pandemic which might give you some ideas on how to make the most of this different experience.
What do you think?
- Are you, or is someone you know, a student impacted by coronavirus at university?
- Do you think the situation is being handled well?
- Do you have any advice for disabled students studying this year?
Let us know in the comments below.
