Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has announced today (Feb 3) that it is extending its rent waiver to 7th of March.
This comes after a recent Government announcement that the 8th of March is the ‘earliest’ that schools can be opened up.
NTU had previously set its rent waiver to expire on the 21st of February, as this is the date where students hoped they could return.
However, due to the ongoing nature of the pandemic, this is not possible.
This means that students not occupying accommodation run by the university will not be charged for these dates.
Students who have already applied for the waiver do not need to apply for it again, the date will be automatically extended by the university.
If students have not previously applied for the waiver then they will need to do so as soon as possible, using the Home at Halls App to sign out.
This extension only applies to university halls, or halls run by UPP Halls. A full list of the accommodation that this affects can be found on the NTU website.
The rent waiver also does not apply if you have already returned to university halls.
NTU states that it will further lobby the Government, MPs, councillors, and private providers in order them to further support students.
This comes as on the 2nd on February the government announced an extra £50 million to support students impacted by COVID-19.
Due to government guidelines, students are advised to remain where they are in order to reduce the spread of the virus.
Only students who study future critical care worker courses and those in special circumstances can return to university.
These students are required to complete a COVID-19 test before returning.
If pupils have already returned to university, then they are asked to remain where they are.
NTU also reminds students that have returned to comply with government guidelines, and that any breaches of the COVID-19 rules will be dealt with the Student Code of Behaviour.
They also remind students that local police now have increased powers – including a recently announced £800 fine – to deal with those breaking the rules.
By Kieran Burt
Feature image credit: Olimpia Zagnat