Mental Health Week

LL LIFE

Isolation leaves

Post-it note protests get the message across in Liverpool student accommodation ©Tallulah Suleman

“I feel like we’ve been thrown into the deep end with no life jacket” the mood flat

This year’s influx of students have been left feeling disappointed as they are now trapped in their accommodation during isolation, unable to socialise or attend university

By TALLULAH SULEMAN

Being a university student during a pandemic is challenging. The typical university experience has had to change radically, leaving many students feeling isolated and confused. Many students have moved to their chosen university cities to try and have a normal university experience – moving into student accommodation and mixing with people they have only just met. Students in Liverpool have voiced how strange it is living in these unprecedented times. First year student Natasha Edwards, who lives in Unite Students’ Horizon Heights building, said: “Living in student accommodation is difficult at this time because nothing within the building is open. For example, the student areas aren’t open and we can only stay in our flat. It can all get a bit tense, especially as I have eight flatmates.” Third year student Amy Stanfield, who lives in Fresh Student Living’s The Lantern, said: “I feel like we’re well and truly trapped. At home you can go and sit in the garden but here there’s nowhere really to go other than being in your own space, and as we’re not in uni, the days are very repetitive.” To make light of the situation, students have been creating postit-note signs on their windows for entertainment and to communicate with other flats. Student accommodation providers are trying their best to support students as university life as a whole can be very daunting. Ian Humphreys, Deputy Manager of Liverpool Student Homes said: “We have provided information from the universities to landlords and letting agents to enable them to pass to their residents on the support which universities can and are providing to their students, particularly during periods of self-isolation. “LSH have worked closely with our stakeholder universities and student unions to ensure a joined-up approach in responding to the challenges of the pandemic.” However, not all university students feel supported. Natasha Edwards, who lives in Horizon Heights, said: “I don’t feel supported at all. I feel like we’ve been thrown into the deep end with no life jacket.” Unite Students were unavailable for a comment but provide information about self-isolating on their website, which states: “We are working harder than ever to ensure we are keeping students living with us safe and secure. We have put additional resources and support in place, including extra security to ensure our properties remain safe for everyone. “We are working closely with universities, local councils and public health bodies to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep students safe. Our focus is on communicating regularly with students to ensure they know how they can get support, whether it’s food deliveries if they are self-isolating, or if they feel like they may need some additional welfare support.” Amy Stanfield, who lives in The Lantern said: “I have received multiple emails with guidance from The Lantern, however I feel like they’re doing the bare minimum.” Fresh Student Living were also unavailable for comment, but have information on their website which says: “We are keeping a close eye on government advice across the UK and Ireland and putting in place a range of measures to ensure our building is fully Covid-secure. We have enhanced the cleaning and disinfecting of all communal areas and we are ensuring that staff and residents wear masks throughout the building.” Students have been blamed for the rise in Covid-19 cases in Liverpool, which some believe is not right. Ian Humphreys added: “Our experience is that students are not dissimilar or different from the rest of society. There are a majority of students that are trying to adhere to national and local guidelines but there are some who do not. We believe that the living arrangements that students find themselves in does have to be taken into consideration.” Additionally, some believe it is unfair to blame students as a lot of them don’t have a choice about who they live with in halls. Natasha Edwards, who lives in Horizon Heights said: “I don’t like the fact that students are getting the blame for the rise in cases. When you get people from different original households moving into the same flat, you’d be a fool to think they wouldn’t mingle. Especially if it’s their first time away from home.”