Michelle Donelan, the UK’s minister of state for universities, has told students at English Universities who are still in halls of residence or private rented accommodation not to travel home but to “stay where you are”.
“While many students will already have travelled home, I know that those of you who have not, or cannot, will be concerned about what you should do now. The Government’s advice is that students remaining at university in England should now stay where they are and not attempt to travel,” she wrote.
Students who are still living in student halls or private rented accommodation “should remain there and stay indoors while current restrictions are in force,” she added.
They will still receive tuition fee and maintenance payments for term three as scheduled, whether or not campuses are closed or learning has moved online, she added.
No individual who is in the UK legally, but whose visa is due to expire or has already expired, and who cannot leave because of travel restrictions related to Covid-19, will be regarded as an overstayer, or suffer any detriment in the future, she said.
Earlier today, Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides assured Cypriot students abroad of their country’s support, particularly focusing on the UK, where a large number are studying.
He told the UK’s Cypriot student organisation that a platform will be set up on Tuesday to record all Cypriots currently in the country and where they can communicate to receive packages with foodstuff and other basic necessities.
