Most students in the UK believe that their university accommodation could
be better designed to minimise the risk of them catching Covid while on
campus, research reveals.
And one university has become the first in the country to ban students who
have not received a Covid-19 vaccination from living on their campus.
Both news stories will alarm some student accommodation landlords as they
gear up for a busy period with students returning to university.
The findings from Manor Interiors reveals that 78% of
students feel their student accommodation could be improved to minimise the
risk they may face from catching Covid.
And when asked which aspects of their student accommodation would bring the
most concern, students say that space and ventilation are their main
worries.
Student accommodation’s communal areas
Students say they are also concerned over the lack of sanitisation in their
student accommodation’s communal areas.
Another major concern from the survey found that students are worried about
the volume of students and staff visiting and leaving student digs.
The survey also highlights a lack of automatic doors meaning that students
will have to touch door handles regularly.
The firm’s chief executive, Farhan Malik, said: “Despite students being the
least at risk, it is encouraging to see students considering the threats
being posed by Covid when they head to university – and the role they play
in minimising the spread.”
He added that students will need to adapt to living with Covid because it
is ‘unlikely to disappear in the near future’.
Mr Malik said: “There’s plenty to be done to help minimise Covid risks, and
the design of student accommodation is no different, whether that’s the
redesign of an old building or the delivery of new units.”
Space in student accommodation
He said that space in student accommodation is ‘usually tight’ and there
needs to be greater levels of ventilation by using windows that open fully.
However, he points out that student accommodation providers can boost the
space available by using bespoke furniture that has been made for a
particular area to help reduce student worries.
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon
Thompson, said: “Student landlords will undoubtedly need to be aware of the
need to protect their student tenants with clean homes and the ability to
ventilate properly.
“It’s important that students do get vaccinated before going to university
and to remain vigilant about catching Covid-19 so they get to enjoy their
studies and their new student home.”
First university to ban unvaccinated students
Meanwhile, Gloucester’s Hartpury University and College
have revealed that it is the first UK university to ban unvaccinated
students from moving into its campus.
The University says that it has imposed a ‘mandatory requirement’ for those
living in their halls of residence to prove that they have received at
least one dose of the vaccine.
And from September, all unvaccinated students will be prohibited from
taking part in social activities and sports.
The University has now written to parents and students with the vice
principal Claire Whitworth stating that the University expects all eligible
students to take up their vaccinations ‘to help protect them and others’.
However, the mandatory vaccination policy has, according to the Daily
Telegraph, led to complaints from students and parents.
One parent says that her daughter’s dreams of attending university are ‘in
tatters’.
She added that the University’s stance is ‘inappropriate’ and distressing
her daughter and family.
Vaccinations are mandatory for students
Hartpury University is following in the footsteps of some US universities
that are also making vaccinations mandatory for its students.
Some universities there say they will be fining students every week if they
cannot prove they have had a vaccine, while others will prevent access to
Wi-Fi.
A Department for Education spokesman said: “Universities are autonomous and
can determine their own arrangements to keep staff and students safe. We
encourage all students to take up both vaccine doses when offered.”
A spokesperson for Hartpury University and College said: “Students not
intending to engage with the vaccination programme are still able to attend
in-person teaching but will not be able to reside in on-site Hartpury
accommodation unless they are exempt due to medical reasons.”
The spokesperson pointed out that the decision has been taken to protect
staff, students and the community as they want to offer their university
and college students ‘the best experience possible’ in the upcoming
academic year.
