A lot of parties have been shut down but it doesn’t stop them happening. Almost every night
Neighbours of a halls of residence said some students threw a 96-hour party before a Covid outbreak.
One resident who overlooks Napier University’s Bainfield accommodation block, in Edinburgh, said: “They were partying outside on the courtyard from Friday to Tuesday. It was at least 100 students on the grass outside after they moved from the courtyard. Some of the things they are doing are antisocial and criminal.
“I was working at five in the morning and was on the phone to security at three. I was not polite when I spoke with them.”
Neighbour Richard Thomson, 46, said: “There are parties every night. I work shifts so when I come back there is still partying going on. It can be in the flats and it switches each time from the ground floor to the upper floors. They aren’t really concerned about what’s going on as they don’t socially distance.”
Paloma Tavor, 27, said: “It would usually be okay after 10pm or 12am as they would go to the clubs but it’s just gotten worse as they can’t go anywhere or do anything.”
The Edinburgh students were not alone in partying, despite some receiving final warnings from college authorities and confirmed virus cases of the virus in four institutions.
On Thursday night, a party was in full swing at Glasgow University’s Murano Student
Village, for example, but with the curtains drawn and lights dimmed to avoid alerting wardens. Up to 40 students crammed into one flat, which normally houses 12, were dancing and drinking.
That was despite two positive cases in Glasgow University halls last week – the fourth institute after Edinburgh Napier, St Andrews and Stirling to have cases – and a police raid on a 100-strong party a flat in the student village last Sunday.
One student said: “Everyone is aware there are positive cases here, but parties have been happening almost every night. No one is going down to the student union because everything is socially distanced. People are staying here instead because it’s more normal. A lot of parties have been shut down but it doesn’t stop them happening.”
Gatherings are hosted in communal living spaces, making it impossible for students to stay two metres apart. The students we spoke to seemed nervous about going to the gatherings – but more from the perspective of being caught, rather than of spreading and catching the virus. They seemed happy to socialise with their new friends behind closed doors.
A student added: “We know it’s a bit risky but there isn’t really another option. We’re just trying to live our lives, have fun and meet as many people as we can.”
Glasgow University said: “As of Friday, September 18, there have been two confirmed cases of Covid-19 in student residences. They are not in the same household. We communicated with students in all of our residences to remind them of the rules on social distancing, good hygiene and remaining within their own distinct households.
“We haven’t suspended or expelled any student from accommodation but a small number are on final warnings. The last few nights have been quieter but we are continuing to reiterate the need for appropriate behaviour.”
Edinburgh University said: “While the vast majority of our students are observing the rules, if a student is found to be intentionally or repeatedly failing to comply with safety measures, they will face appropriate action.”
Edinburgh Napier University said: “Both the university and its Students’ Association have been working hard to reiterate key health messages and, while the majority of our students are complying, we have warned those who do not follow Scottish Government guidance aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 will face disciplinary action. Where behaviours fall below acceptable standards, this may be dealt with under Student Conduct Regulations or the terms of their Student Accommodation Tenancy Agreement, with potential penalties ranging from a reprimand to permanent exclusion. Along with the three other universities in Edinburgh, we are also working closely with Police Scotland to minimise the impact on our communities.”
Additional reporting: John Glover and Lewis Robertson