Newcastle Uni to refund students for entire time they’re not living in uni accommodation

Newcastle University is refunding students the entire cost of their rent for the periods they are not staying their university accommodation, The Newcastle Tab can reveal.

This means that if students do not return to their university housing, they will not be charged rent.

In an email student to Newcastle students last night, Vice-Chancellor Chris Day stated that the University will not be charging any student in University or managed accommodation for the weeks that they do not live there.

The email says that the students who are not in Newcastle, and not using their accommodation, will be reimbursed at the end of the academic year.

Students who are in private accommodation were told that the Vice-Chancellor is raising issues associated with this, and will continue working with colleagues, the Universities Minister and the Housing Secretary.

The email also told students that for the majority of courses, teaching will be delivered online until at least mid-February, but it is likely this will be the case until the Easter break. Students are being urged to stay where they are, and not travel unless absolutely necessary. A further email is expected today with updated information.

This news follows other universities who are doing similar, such as UCL, who announced a no-fee policy yesterday.

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