As ‘current residents’ Heriot-Watt’s Jean Muir Student Village, it has come to our attention that we are still liable to cover the next two months’ rent in properties we have moved out of/no longer have access to. Under normal circumstance, we are happy to accept that our contract must be followed and fulfilled.

However, these are not normal circumstances. We are living through a global pandemic; these are extenuating circumstances and should be treated as such. Many of us have taken the tough decision to move back home to be surrounded by family during this difficult time. We’re sure you can understand this, especially as all remaining classes have made the online transition and university facilities are inaccessible for us.

Due to this, some of us feel the pressure to stay for longer than we’d ideally like for fear of paying over £1,000 for an empty room, further isolating ourselves from family; a much-needed support network during these trying times.

For many of us, the rapid spread of COVID-19 has put our livelihoods under threat, leaving us uncertain of our financial security. As you can imagine, this would affect mental wellbeing and student morale at the best of times. Receiving an email that informed us we would be liable for paying the next two months has caused mass panic and fear amongst students.

Preventing the University from holding us liable during these exceptional circumstances will allow us to lessen our emotional distress during an already disrupted educational schedule. Thank you.