This year’s Freshers’ Week was going to look ‘a bit different’ – but was this enough to reassure NTU students that everything is under control?
With the NTU’s Freshers’ Week 2020 still running despite the pandemic, there are concerns whether enough measures have been put in place to prevent a possible outbreak.
This comes after hundreds of positive cases were confirmed at various universities across the UK.
According to Sam Harris, the NTU Labour President, having events like the Freshers’ Fair still ongoing “gives a false sense of normality”.
He added: “I think many are sticking to the rules however there are obviously many who will still be having house parties that are obviously taking it too far.
“I think with Freshers’ Fair continuing to be held, it gives a false sense of normality and can arguably underplay the severity of the pandemic.
Also a third year Politics and International Relations student at NTU, Sam, 20, said: “With the situations in Man Met Uni, Leeds and across Scotish Unis becoming more severe, the worry is that this may happen here.
“My main concern is the lack of testing being done at NTU, with months to prepare for the start of the year and complete lack of testing available on campus, this may cause a Man Met or even worse style outbreak to occur.
Sam said that “testing, more clarity from NTU and proper preparation” should have been put in place for a potential university lockdown.
In response to these concerns, NTU reassures students that all measures enforced across campus would help to prevent the spread.
A spokesperson for Nottingham Trent University said: “NTU is following all Government guidance in relation to social distancing.
“All students will be given clear expectations regarding the measures they need to take to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
Also, not respecting the rules imposed by NTU could lead to serious repercussions for students.
“If they are found to have not followed these then there may be consequences under our disciplinary processes, including fines and exclusion.”
By Olimpia Zagnat
Feature image credit: Olimpia Zagnat (modified).