Two students have written to their MP to outline their concerns about a number of issues faced by university students over the Covid pandemic.

Schoolfriends Talia Newmark and Summer Goodkind, who both study at the University of Nottingham, have reached out to Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden to explain their situation and see whether any support can be given to improve their situation and the lives of so many more.

In their letter to Mr Dowden, Talia and Summer, who live in Borehamwood and Radlett respectively, explain mental health and wellbeing, loneliness, isolation, illness, and neglect are only a handful of issues university students have faced this term.

And when the new lockdown was introduced at the end of December, it meant many students were unable to return to study at university, with face-to-face teaching currently suspended.

As a result, final year students Talia and Summer are currently both living at home in Hertsmere, but they are still paying full rent on their private accommodation in Nottingham, which history and politics student Talia says is more than £700 a month for her.

Borehamwood Times:

Summer and Talia

Talia and Summer wrote in their letter to the Cabinet minister: "We are writing to you to express our utmost concern and disappointment at the Government’s response to university support throughout this pandemic period.

"We are two final year students now stuck at home unsure of when we will be able to return. Based in Hertsmere, we are left with limited resources to access the information and support we need to guide us through our January assessments and Spring term.

"Whilst we appreciate that the pandemic has thrown out various unprecedented circumstances, many of which may be of higher importance to the Government, as university students we feel that more needs to be done.

"Grassroot movements are building up throughout UK universities: rent strikes, open letters to Vice-Chancellors, petitions for a ‘no-detriment’ policy- students are desperate for something to be done and action to be taken."

They go on to say: "We’re doing all we can, believe us. Every university student has worked tirelessly since March, to ensure that the £9,250 fees, of which we spend on our education, are going to proper use. This isn’t a matter of pointing fingers or issuing blame, it’s a matter of finally getting the support and guidance that we all need during this incredibly stressful period."

Among the pleas from the students to ease the pain of paying rent for an empty home is for the government to support student renters like individual renters were supported in the first lockdown.

They also want more assurances about exams scheduled at the end of term.

They said: "Current secondary school students have been told that their GCSE’s and A-Levels will not go ahead as planned- why can’t the same be said for university students?"

They conclude their letter saying: "So we leave you with this Mr Dowden: there is a long way to go to get the support and guidance we need, but with your help, a first step can be taken.

"We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you and perhaps Michelle Donelan MP face-to-face (or via video-call), to reach a better understanding on what can be done to support us, and all university students across the UK."

The letter to Mr Dowden has been signed by more than 60 students, many of whom also live in Hertsmere.

Mr Dowden has responded to Talia and Summer to say he would be happy to discuss their concerns.