Uni students could face charges for their rooms despite not returning

STUDENTS at the University of Nottingham who were invited back for face-to-face teaching are being charged for their accommodation fees regardless of whether their rooms are used or not.

The Post understands that some students had not returned to their accommodation because their course had continued online, despite being on a practical course that should have resumed in-person teaching.

For students who are studying on courses that are still being carried out online, fees for accommodation have been waived.

A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: “The university is supporting our students’ wellbeing and finances during the pandemic and has made £1.75 million in grants and loans available to meet student hardship this year.

“Accommodation fees have been waived since January and until the end of the summer term for students who have not been invited to return for teaching in-person and have not occupied their room.

“Where students have been invited to return for in-person teaching or have chosen to occupy their accommodation for any other reason, it is only reasonable that charges apply.”

Essentially, if the Government has advised that students can return to in-person teaching, they will be charged regardless of whether they choose to use the accommodation or not, in line with the terms of their contract.

When asked whether practical courses had not resumed in-person teaching, and if so, why were students still being charged for their accommodation, the university said it had nothing to add to its response.