Students of Falmouth and Exeter University are set to have their rents cancelled or refunded after being advised by the government not to return until further notice.

In response to the national lockdown introduced on Monday, 4th January, the University has been reviewing its approach to accommodation fees.

After conversations with the Students' Guild and Students' Union, the university has decided to waive rent to support students through this challenging period.

Announcing the decision, Mike Shore-Nye, Registrar and Secretary of Exeter University said:

"I am pleased to say that for those students who are living in University or FX Plus accommodation, or whose contracts were arranged through the University with a nominated partner, we will waive the rent charges that would be payable during this lockdown period, for those who do not return to their accommodation.

"This arrangement will cover the period of the national lockdown during which many of you have been asked by the government not to return to your term-time accommodation. This began on 4th January and is currently expected to stay in place until mid-February."

[H3] What are the next steps? The university said... [.H2]

• If you are not currently occupying your University accommodation, please do not make a payment for the January invoice.

• If you have already made a payment for the January invoice but have not been able to return to occupy your accommodation, we will adjust your account by the appropriate amount following the lifting of the national lockdown. We'll set out the process for doing this in due course.

• Some students on specific programmes, or with specific personal circumstances are permitted to return to campus, and some have remained with us over the winter break. They should pay their rent as currently invoiced.

• Any student who returns to their accommodation or begins their occupation (for example in the case of certain PGT programmes) during the period of the national lockdown will be charged from the date of arrival.

Unfortunately, contracts with private accommodation providers are outside of the university's control.

If you are suffering additional financial burdens then you are asked to reach out for support and apply to the 'Success for All' Hardship Fund.

The Students' Union Advice Service and the Students' Guild Advice Service are available to offer guidance to students in Cornwall and Exeter respectively on matters including accommodation and finance.

Mike Shore-Nye added:

"Reducing the numbers of people travelling between regions of the country is an important measure Government has taken to help to combat the spread of COVID-19. I hope that this additional support helps those of you in University accommodation to continue to do so."

Click here to see more news and guidance from FX Plus.

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