Students from the Channel Islands to return to UK universities to collect belongings

Students across the Channel Islands are now able to return to the UK to collect their belongings from universities.

The decision has confused students across UK universities who have decided to allow students to return to campus and collect their belongings.

Most recently, union groups have spoken out against Durham University for their decision to allow students to return from 27 May.

Jersey authorities have added students travelling for educational purposes to the list of necessary travel groups.

Though travel restrictions have been loosened in Guernsey as of this week, self-isolation is still required on their return to the Bailiwick.

The 14-day self-isolation rule, recommended by Public Health England (PHE), also applies for those returning to Jersey from the UK.

The pandemic forced many students to return home quickly without their belongings. As tenancy agreements draw to a close, many have been concerned over the potential financial consequences of not clearing out their rooms in time.

Those students who live outside of the UK are in a difficult position when choosing how to collect their belongings. Many are looking for an alternative way to pack their belongings before their tenancy agreements end.

We know universities are keen to get all students back as soon as possible

– Government of Guernsey 

Etienne Wyser from Guernsey, a student at Plymouth University told ITV News: “I’m sort of waiting till it’s closer to the time, but one option is my brother, he’s in the UK, he may be able to move it for me before he comes back, or I go back at a later date when the borders are more lenient.”

A UK survey conducted by MyUniChoices found that more than a third of students were choosing to change their academic plans as a result of the ongoing pandemic.

Several universities have recently announced plans to make lectures online in the next academic year. For example, the University of Edinburgh plans to move teaching online for the first term.

Jeremy Macon, Assistant Minister for Education in Jersey, recommends that students continue to communicate with their institutions. The most effective method to keep up-to-date with plans is through university websites.

He said: “My advice to any student who may be in that situation is to contact the relevant institution to find out exactly what is going on because they are so varied.”

Another survey by MyUniChoice showed that 18% of students did not want to start in September if they cannot be on campus. The poll of 1,000 18 year olds showed 21% of students thought universities should delay their start to January.

Guernsey’s government told ITV News that students should get in touch with student finance if they are concerned about the arrangements.

“The pandemic is such a fast-changing situation, so it is difficult to say with certainty what the position will be for university students in September. We know universities are very keen to get all students back as soon as possible.”