We would like to request a partial refund for our tuition fees on the basis that we did not receive 24 weeks of tuition that we were promised, face to face. The strike began on 25 November 2019, until 4 December 2019 from which we went on leave for Christmas. Teaching began on 23 January 2020 for me, with strikes taking place from 20 February 2020 to 19 March 2020.

Our contract with the university for 24 weeks of teaching and then examinations has not been fulfilled. There has been no provision of adequate teaching, that meets the standard of a university forget an institution in the Russell Group. We do not agree with the notion that we have had access to the facilities and therefore, am not entitled to a refund, if that was the case, there would be more library capacity, sanitation, hygiene maintained and upheld in the bathrooms and rooms to be open. However, instead we are greeted with poor sewage systems and blocked toilets, theft in the library and hardly any student events.

When we applied and enrolled at the university, it was primarily for the teaching not the facilities and access to an online portal, where not to mention, half of our lectures were not uploaded. We did not choose to study here for the library facilities, we chose to study here because of the level of teaching that was advertised. We have not been given what we have signed up for. That is not to say we do not support the teachers and staff in their endeavours to be paid adequately but if the university is not using our tuition fees to pay our tutors to teach us, then why is it sitting on that money? Our contract with the university is separate from the contract it has with teachers. Whatever is decided between the teachers and the principal, should be kept separate and distinct from our education. We will not settle for anything but compensation for the lack of education we have received from a reputable institution. The coronavirus pandemic simply added to the confusion and unsettlement but solidified the need to receive a refund.

We would like a refund:

1. for all weeks of tuition that have not been taught;

2. for not needing the examination arrangements such as invigilators and moderators;

3. refund for non-face to face contact that was given when in the university contracts we were promised a minimum of 12 hours a week.