Landlords around the UK will be pleased to hear that students say they will
return to their university studies in January.
There are fears that with universities ending their current term early for
Christmas, that students may decide not to return.
However, research from Unite Students reveals that 93% of
them say they will continue with their course in January 2021.
Also, 85% said that they would probably stay in their current student
accommodation to complete their studies.
Just 7% of the 1,000 students questioned, said it would be unlikely that
they would not return to their current student accommodation.
The research also found that 81% students were pleased that they had
decided not to defer their studies.
Happy living in student accommodation
And 82% say they are happy living in student accommodation rather than
having the option of staying at home during the lockdown.
The chief executive of Unite Students, Richard Smith, said: "It is
reassuring, but not surprising, in what's been a difficult year for
students that there is a sense of resilience.
"Despite the pandemic, students see value in the educational aspects of a
degree, and also in the independence and social skills that the university
experience brings."
He added that while many students are adjusting to their new learning
experience, most are committed to continuing it.
'Challenging for those who work in the sector'
Mr Smith said: "It has been challenging for those who work in the sector to
support students and keep them safe and secure while providing an enjoyable
and meaningful experience.
"Given the uncertainties and the scale of the challenges we face, I think
this is something we should be proud of."
The managing director of Accommodation for Students, Simon
Thompson, said: "While Covid has disrupted student lives, it is good to see
that they want to continue with their education.
"Students have approached the pandemic in a way that suggests they are not
only aspirational, but also very sensible."
Demand for landlords to offer a Christmas rent rebate
Meanwhile, the National Union of Students (NUS) has
demanded that students who leave their accommodation early before the
Christmas break should get a rent rebate.
The union is now calling for landlords and university providers to
compensate thousands of students who have been told they must go home
between 3 and 9 December - the Government-imposed 'travel window'.
The union's president, Larissa Kennedy, said: "It is clear that students
are expected to leave their term-time accommodation early and we believe
that students who do so in the timeframe should receive rent rebates for
those weeks they are not in their accommodation."
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