University students in York can go home for Christmas
New Government guidance has been issued for after lockdown.
Last updated 11th Nov 2020
Students at York St John and the University of York will be able to return home for Christmas after lockdown.
New guidance has been issued by the Government, urging Universities to move online by the 9th of December to allow students to travel.
In order to travel home safely, students in England will be required to follow the current national restrictions in place until the 2nd of December. From the 3rd to the 9th of December during a 'student travel window', people will be allowed to travel home on staggered departure dates.
Beth Hardisty, who is studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics at the University of York, has told Greatest Hits Radio York: "Part of me was excited to finally have some clarity, but my immediate question is whether I'll be able to return back to University after Christmas.
"It all seems very dependent on the plan working, which of course I hope it does. The biggest thing has been that lots of students have been isolating. We're finding that campus is very empty, and it doesn't feel like being at University. Most students are basically just doing their degree from their room".
Beth is originally from London and says travelling back won't be easy: "Part of me wants to go back as soon as I can, but it's really hard to plan due to the short turnaround. It's hard to tell what things will look like in December, and I don't want to get my family's hopes up that I'll definitely be coming back".
The Government says it'll work closely with universities to establish mass testing capacity, and will test as many students as possible before they travel home for Christmas.
Beth says she's hopeful it'll work, but isn't optimistic: "Testing hasn't had the best track record during the pandemic. I hope that it works out, but I don't think a lot of universities have the resources to carry it out effectively".
The University of York's Student Union President, Patrick O'Donnell, has welcomed the news today: "It's something that as a University and SU that we've been pushing for over many months now. I'm pleased the guidance is there to give reassurance to students and families.
"It's also worth bearing in mind that many students will still be staying on campus over that period. I've been working closely with partners across the city to ensure access for mental health and wellbeing support over the Christmas period.
"One advantage here at York is that our term ends on the 4th of December, which gives students that certainty and time to allow for a safe return home. We're looking at a staggered leaving process, where students can book slots to ensure people remain socially distanced as they leave.
"There still are questions for the Government to answer about what comprehensive support there is that we can provide for students. The University is already offering significant mental health support for people here".
The full Christmas guidance for University students can be found here on the Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/christmasguidance-set-out-for-university-students