On 17th March 2020, the University of Winchester advised students that all teaching had been converted to online due to the current situation with the COVID-19 virus. They also advised: "If students wish to leave Winchester after their last class this week they may do so and continue to study remotely" and "Students do not need to return to the University after the Easter break". This led to a large number of students choosing to leave their halls of residence or University Managed Housing (UMH) and go home. 

On 12th March 2020, the University advised international students to travel home, due to countries going into lockdown. That same day they advised that international students living in halls or UMH were "entitled to a reduction in Residence Fees if you leave early" and "If you have paid your accommodation in full, you will be eligible for a refund for any unused nights of accommodation". 

On 23rd March 2020, Boris Johnson advised that the UK would go into a period of lockdown for at least 3 weeks. Many students who had not already decided to leave their halls or UMH made the decision to travel home to be able to self-isolate with their loved ones and in the comfort of their homes. 

As it stands, domestic (UK) students with housing contracts with the University of Winchester are still tied into their contracts and are still liable to make the next rent payment in May, regardless if they are there or not. For many, they have simply followed University guidance and government advice.

It is NOT RIGHT that the University is still charging domestic students rent if they have chosen to move home in this current climate. Winchester is a University that prides itself on the value of 'Individuals Matter' - it is important that they show that individuals really do matter and freeze rent payments and allow the termination of contracts early for those choosing to leave halls or UMH due to COVID-19.