The global COVID-19 outbreak has caused various changes in academic teaching: delivery of lectures and seminars have been made online rather than the traditional face-to-face method. However, the changes made in consideration with unprecedented times have not been expanded to all aspects of university life, therefore, giving rise to frustration.

Around 20 strikes by students in universities across the UK are currently underway of, with the Oxford and Sussex universities being a few examples. The strike revolves around the issue of having to pay full rent without occupying university provided accommodation. 

A recent mass rent strike conducted at Manchester University led to a rent cut for the first semester of 30% – this has inspired other university students to protest on this issue too. The number of students – just in Manchester –  has tripled since then, to 600 students preparing to strike in January. Therefore, as put by Ben McGowan, one of the organizers at Manchester University stated, ‘Students should not be paying for halls when they are not there.’

one of the organizers at Manchester University stated, Students should not be paying for halls when they are not there

While the university denied the possibility of further reductions, it has allowed students to ‘break the accommodation contract’ without penalty.

Another official in favor of strikes from Cambridge, Laura Hone said, ‘The colleges are so rich they absolutely have the means to make rent cuts and ensure staff are not laid off’. She argued that the welfare of students and staff should be prioritized over building ‘profits.’

As per the National Union of Students (NUS), universities generated £1.9bn from residential services, in the past year.

The largest student strike of more than 1,400 students had taken place at Bristol University, with an aim to cut down on 30% of rent for the entire academic year.

The largest student strike of more than 1,400 students had taken place at Bristol University, with an aim to cut down on 30% of rent for the entire academic year

The NUS President accused the university of deceiving first year students by encouraging them to accommodate in student halls, assuring face-to-face teaching a few days into first term. In reality however, universities have maintained online teaching in order to maintain safety precautions for the entire first term, and many plan to follow a similar approach in the second semester as well.

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