Student renters need Government supports after third-level institutions were told to go online for the coming weeks.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) said safety remains its top priority but Government must step in to protect renters.
Announcing the move yesterday, the Higher Education Minister Simon Harris said the number of people allowed on campus should be strictly limited for at least three weeks – with only essential practical and lab work continuing in person.
Travel
USI President Lorna Fitzpatrick told Newstalk that students shouldn't travel if they don't have to:
“One of things we are saying to students is to consider whether they really need to travel now as a result of these announcements,” she said.
“If a student is due to start college next week and they already have their accommodation I suppose it is important to consider whether they really have to travel.
If they have no on-campus activities, would they be better off staying at home or not moving outside of their region.”
College life
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Professor Patrick Ryan, Associate Vice President of Student Engagement the University of Limerick said the announcement was a real blow to students who were just returning to the area.
He said senior college staff will be “out and about” in the community over the coming weeks to encourage students not to host parties while they are learning from home.
Student renters
Ms Fitzpatrick said student renters must now be given support to deal with the new restrictions.
“We will always support and promote public health advice and as most college activity will take place online for the coming weeks and with the risk of that being extended Government must act immediately to support student renters who may have been badly impacted by this,” she said.
“Colleges really need to work with their local student unions to develop their alternative measures and ensure communication of those to students across the board.”
The Irish Universities Association has said all universities in the country will introduce 'enhanced measures' to limit the spread of COVID-19.
They say on-campus provision will be minimised, with classes and teaching that can only happen on-site to be prioritised.
