UNIVERSITY students from Coventry and across the region have told MPs ‘harrowing’ stories of how lockdown has disrupted their studies, been detrimental to mental health and left many feeling abandoned by the government.
On Tuesday (February 2) students in the West Midlands were invited to talk about their experiences at an online meeting with Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green MP and Liam Byrne MP for Birmingham’s Hodge Hill.
Representatives for the 160,000 students across Coventry, Birmingham and Wolverhampton voiced mounting worries about paying fees for services not delivered, getting work placements, accessing books and other resources, and finding work after graduating.
Liam Byrne said: “We’re the youngest place in Britain – we should be the best place in Britain to be young. But what we heard loud and clear today was that the West Midlands’ 160,000 students feel left in the lurch.
“Student after student told us that despite their huge fees, they simply weren’t getting the support they need with learning, mental health, and careers.
“This just isn’t good enough. We need ministers to wake up, listen to students and put in place a fair plan to put things right. No more delay.”
Labour’s Kate Green had asked Shadow West Midlands Mayor Liam Byrne to set up the meeting as part of a nationwide probe into how students were managing with lockdown.
Students with disabilities felt they were particularly isolated at home and needed much more support if they were to continue their studies and find a job once they have achieved their degree.
Many felt that communication by their universities could have been much better and that the government had not given a clear lead on what students should expect.
After the meeting Kate Green, who was accompanied by Shadow Universities Minister Emma Hardy, said: “I’ve heard from students today who are feeling abandoned by this government. Their future plans are being ripped up by the pandemic, while the government is offering nothing to protect either their current learning or future placements, jobs and opportunities.”
“Students are crying out for support, from adaptations to help them continue learning in lockdown to careers advice which presents local opportunities not cross-country moves.
“We need to harness the potential of young people in the effort to rebuild our country after the pandemic and that means providing this support now to ensure all students get the skills and qualifications needed to succeed.”
