Coronavirus in Scotland: 'Abandoned' Edinburgh University students demanding 50 per cent rent reduction threaten to strike

The students, who have come together under the organisation Rent Justice Edinburgh, said that they are “unhappy” with the way the institution has managed their return to study during the pandemic and have threatened to strike as a result.

Their demands include a 50 per cent reduction in rent for as long as the university's “hybrid learning” model operates, an improvement in their online learning with students guaranteed access to free, efficient wifi, and students organising or participating in action against the university such as rent strikes to face no legal or academic repercussions.

The student-run organisation Rent Justice Edinburgh (RJE) said: “The university misrepresented the nature of learning in order to fleece us for rent, prioritising lining its own pockets over public health and student wellbeing.”

A statement issued by the group read: “Many students have felt they’ve been abandoned by the university since moving to Edinburgh.

"When self-isolating, many students have struggled to receive any kind of support.

"Some students have had to wait a week before receiving food, and during the two week period, they have had no access to their accommodation’s laundry services.

“One student in Pollock Halls reported a broadband download speed of just 2.21 Mbps, which RJE sees as inadequate, especially since many students have reported that their subjects are being taught entirely online, despite the university’s promise of in-person teaching. They therefore felt cheated that Edinburgh University persuaded them to move into halls.”

Organisers and members of RJE said the student’s demands have been sent to the university’s principal and warned if no action is taken by 24 November then they will arrange a strike.

An Edinburgh university spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by some of our students and will be responding to them directly as soon as we can.”What is hybrid teaching?

Hybrid teaching, according to Edinburgh University, covers courses and programmes that can be taken by on-campus and off-campus students.

This means some classes and teaching will take place in-person, on the university’s campuses, and some will continue to be delivered digitally.

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