Skip to content

Window pain: Isolating university students send a message

PA Media A sign reading at Manchester Metropolitan University's Birley campusPA Media
'Let us out!' reads one sign at MMU's Birley campus. The BBC could not possibly comment on the other

Most people will remember their first year of university for the nights out, missed lectures and questionable takeaway choices.

But for this year's group of freshers, life is extremely different.

Students across the UK have been forced to self-isolate in their halls or private accommodation because of Covid-19 outbreaks.

But some have chosen humour as the best way to cope and are using sticky notes and posters in windows to communicate with the outside world.

PA Media A window full of messages at Manchester Metropolitan UniversityPA Media
Students at MMU have to pass the time somehow
PA Media A sign on a window at Manchester Metropolitan University's Birley campusPA Media
The Zoom pub quiz is long gone, anyone fancy an Instagram Covid party?

"Help!", "Refund", and "I'm claustrophobic, Darren!" are just some of the colourful signs popping up (and yes, that last one is a Gemma Collins in Big Brother reference).

Manchester Metropolitan University and Dundee University are among those who have made students stay inside because of an outbreak on campus.

Lucy, a student at MMU, told Radio 1 Life Hacks she's been "unable to get food".

"We're completely locked in. We're not allowed to leave the accommodation unless it's a medical emergency," she said. "We can't even go out for a walk."

PA A sign on a window at Manchester Metropolitan University's Birley campusPA
Window skills: If in doubt, send beer

About 40 universities across the UK have reported cases of coronavirus, meaning thousands of students are having to self-isolate.

Health minister Helen Whately said "it must be really tough" for students, but they wanted outbreaks "under control".

But there's concern from students when it comes to whether they are getting value for money.

Allow Twitter content?

This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read  and  before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
line

Students pay £9,250 a year in fees to go to UK universities, with rent and living costs on top.

Most learning is being done online, making the need to physically be at university redundant for some.

PA Media A sign on a window at Manchester Metropolitan University's Birley campusPA Media
An MMU student has a message for the PM and shares her £9,250 fees
PA Media A sign in the Murano Street Student Village in GlasgowPA Media
Shockingly, beer is also a popular request in Glasgow

Dan, a first year student at MMU, is currently self-isolating with six of his flatmates.

Speaking to Greg James on the Radio 1 Breakfast show, he said he had tested positive for coronavirus and wasn't experiencing any symptoms, but that some of his other flatmates were.

"We're all just sat in my room, locked in our halls," he said.

"I've been in for one actual lecture but they've all been moved online now - I'm studying accounting and finance.

"On the first night [of lockdown] everyone was getting takeaway but now Asda are working with the uni so there's slots just for us."

line
Newsbeat

Follow Newsbeat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays - or listen back here.