Coronavirus. The word on everyone’s lips. As we get knocked down by the second wave of the infectious disease, we need to consider the effect that these rules are having on society. This year has shown how the Government neglect certain groups, providing them with very little support or knowledge to what will happen next. Most noticeably, the student population. From a change in exams to being forced to lockdown unexpectedly in student halls, it would be fair to say students are struggling greatly throughout this pandemic.
With Nottingham now ranking in Tier 2 and being classed the worse city currently for its amount of positive cases, it’s more important than ever to shine a light on these questionable lockdowns. Both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University have urged students to stay home, especially at the weekends.
With the nightlife usually bustling in this busy city, the universities must help direct their students away from the city centre. But are lockdowns the most appropriate way of doing this? Or could it be argued as more detrimental to student life and health?
Image credit: Nottingham Post
Some students have spoken out against these restrictions, outlining the effect it has had on them. Eleanor Oakes, a first-year student, stated that she has ‘nowhere to go every day, which has definitely affected my work ethic and mental wellbeing’. But as cases rise, is this just the beginning?
However, this is very much the case all around the country as of September. Almost every university has been hit with new cases of Covid-19 as students move to their new homes, mixing with people from all around the country. Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester universities have been equally as bad as Nottingham, causing students to feel trapped and alone. This has led to whole student flat and blocks having to lockdown due to a positive case being confirmed somewhere on campus. Whilst this is, of course, necessary to halt the spread further, is it fair to the students who were promised this great university lifestyle that is now not possible? After being promised by the Government that moving back to university would be safe, many students have the right to feel cheated and frightened.
It has also been reported that students weren’t given any warning about these sudden campus lockdowns, simply receiving an email the morning of and then suddenly unable to leave their accommodation. Many were unprepared for such a situation, leaving them without food or clean clothes and certainly no information on what would follow. This is a truly shocking and unacceptable way to treat young people who are paying £9000 a year to these Universities.
Students at Manchester Metropolitan expressed their worries on BCC Radio 5LIVE, claiming that “we’ve had no security on the inside [of the halls] so it’s kind of been a wild party since in lockdown students mixing regardless of whether they have it”.
Furthermore, parents are becoming increasingly concerned about their children, who they believed would be looked after by both the Government and the universities. Many parents have asked these universities to provide their children with food or support during these difficult times and have been turned away. Not to mention the mental health effect that this whole ordeal could have on many students. Being locked inside for an extended amount of time can be detrimental to anyone’s mental health, but if you couple that with a new surrounding and people you hardly know, then the results could be incredibly damaging. With reports of students having breakdowns in their halls, it is yet another issue that needs addressing by universities and the Government to protect their students from suffering in both the long and short run.
Image credit: BBC
We need the Government to consider the wellbeing of all students. Rules need to be put in place to keep them safe, both physically AND mentally as so far, they have been heavily neglected. The Government has truly failed the younger generation.
It’s time for them to step up and help out.
For any students suffering during these times, who are looking for extra support, these are some websites that can help provide you with the information and help you need.
- Lockdown: Mental Health Advice – The Uni Guide
- Coronavirus advice and support
- NTU advice for current students
Written by Sian Hills
Feature image credit: Socialist Appeal