University of Leeds announces rent refund for students in allocated accommodation

It is not clear how much the refund will be at this time but the university has said it is working through the implications of the latest government guidelines.

The university is working alongside Leeds University Union to address the issue which is a result of disruption to the academic year caused by the pandemic.

University students are included within the reissued ‘stay at home’ message and have now been told to remain where they are wherever possible and begin their term online until at least mid-February.

It means that students - some who have spent much of their university experience so far in lockdown - must return to online coursework and lecturing rather than attend face-to-face teaching.

--> Leeds students react to online learning

A joint statement from the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union said: “Students in University-allocated accommodation will be offered an appropriate rent refund and will be sent further details as soon as possible – we are working through the implications of the latest Government guidelines.

"University and Leeds University Union colleagues continue to work together to address the issue.

"We understand the concerns of students at this extremely difficult time, and their health and wellbeing remains our top priority.”

Students at the University of Leeds specifically have been told not to return to university until further notice, which will be mid-February at the earliest.

This is with the exception of Clinical and Social Work programmes at this university.

The university has also made it clear that students must have a negative Covid test before interacting with others and using facilities on campus, regardless of when students return.

Students can book a free and fast asymptomatic lateral flow test on the University of Leeds campus which are tests are for people who aren’t showing coronavirus symptoms.

They have been made available on the campus from January 4 to February 5 and are also available to staff who need to work on site.