As the number of coronavirus cases surpassing 13,000 and no relaxation on lockdown rules in sight, international students are concerned about where they stand.
With flights cancelled and rules in place to not travel unless it is essential, many international students feel they are stranded in the UK.
For some students not being able to return home over summer could leave them with nowhere to live as many student accommodations contracts don’t last throughout the whole summer.
This will mean international students will have no idea as to when they will be able to see their family again.
It will also have an impact financially as parents may have to support their children for longer than expected.
One international student who has expressed concern over this is Natalie Waugh, 19, who lives in Tenerife with her parents outside of term time.
She thinks the prospect of whether or not she will be able to return home summer holidays is an “unavoidable fear”.
Natalie believes there is a possibility of the country going into “lockdown” as the number of cases is increasing, which would mean she wouldn’t be able to return home.
It would have a massive effect on Natalie as she said: ” I already spend quite long periods without seeing my parents. I can’t imagine what it would feel like not knowing when I’m going to be allowed to see them next.”
Natalie would feel the impact financially, as does not apply to the requirements to be granted a maintenance loan.
This would mean her parents would have to support her for much longer than expected.
Natalie said: “I would have to live by myself where I’m currently at for uni over summer and would most likely feel extremely lonely.”
A spokesperson for the University of Lincoln has said: “The University of Lincoln is working to ensure that, as an institution, we are prepared for all scenarios.”
The University has cancelled rent payments for University-owned accommodation and many private companies are doing the same to help with the financial struggle.
