Leeds Beckett University students 'putting people at risk by attending lockdown parties'

Students who do so could face a fine up to £500, according to a statement released today (Monday).

It comes after photos and videos circulated online showing students crammed into a flat having a wild party on January 5.

Footage showed dancing crowds with no social distancing or face masks and Snapchat video captions included the likes of 'Boris said what?' and 'What was that Boris ahahah'.

A security guard appears to try to shut down the party towards the end of one of the videos but the loudly singing students do not take notice.

At the time, a university spokesperson said students had been "made aware of their personal and collective responsibility when it comes to safety, social distancing and government guidelines on Covid-19."

But the university went further today in a statement on their Facebook page.

It read: "We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of Covid-19. Thank you to all students in our halls of residence who are behaving responsibly.

"Unfortunately a small number of students have breached the regulations by organising or attending parties/gatherings in halls, putting the safety and welfare of other residents and staff at risk.

"LBU students who break the law by organising, attending a party/gathering in halls, will face disciplinary action which could lead to a fine of up to £500 under the Student Code of Conduct."

What does lockdown mean for students in Leeds?

The latest lockdown means that students will begin their terms online until at least mid-February, returning to online coursework and lecturing rather than attending face-to-face teaching.

There are some exceptions to teaching restrictions: specific courses such as medicine & dentistry, subjects allied to medicine/health, veterinary science, education (initial teacher training), social work, and courses which require PSRB assessments are able to return to face-to-face teaching as planned.

Those that are still having face to face teaching must be tested twice upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days. Students eligible for face-to-face teaching can meet in groups of more than their household as part of formal education or training, where necessary.

No further measures or support for students has been included within the government's guidance but Leeds Beckett University has become the first university in the UK to introduce a safety net policy.

Each year of university is made up of 120 credits but the safety net put in place by Leeds Beckett means that only the highest 60 credits are taken into account when calculating the students overall grade for the academic year.

The University of Leeds has announced that it will give appropriate rent refunds to those in allocated accommodation.

The University of Leeds has also said that it will "ensure degree classification is not negatively affected" by the Covid pandemic for those graduating this year in 2021.