NUS Scotland responds to the First Minister’s announcement on online learning

Responding to the First Minister’s announcement today that universities will remain online until the end of February and colleges will continue to follow the level guidance for their local authority area, Matt Crilly, NUS (@NUSScotland) Scotland President, said:

“While a delay to the phased return is welcome, we are concerned that guidance that is short-term and open-ended will result in students paying for accommodation they cannot use.

“NUS Scotland continues to urge the Scottish Government to commit to online learning as the default position for the semester ahead with exceptions for practical and lab based courses. That way no student is on campus unless absolutely necessary and every student will have the certainty they need to leave their accommodation contracts early. If students don’t need to return this semester they should be told now.

“As things stand, students are being expected to pay expensive rent for accommodation they can’t use. The Scottish Government must intervene and make urgent financial support available to ensure no student is left out of pocket.

“We welcome that guidance – which is much needed – will be published in the coming days. This must clarify how the new regulations apply to students, and the exceptions that are in place.”