UCLan waives rents for hundreds of students

University bosses in Preston and giving students a special treat to help ease the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
UCLan is waiving the last semester's accommodation feesUCLan is waiving the last semester's accommodation fees
UCLan is waiving the last semester's accommodation fees

They have decided to waive the last term's fees for all 1,600 students who have a UCLan accommodation contract.

The deal applies regardless of whether they have already moved out of one of the university-owned halls or continue to live there and means that the April rent instalments will not now be payable.

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However, this doesn't include private rented, third party residences.

Prof Graham Baldwin..VC UCLanProf Graham Baldwin..VC UCLan
Prof Graham Baldwin..VC UCLan

UCLan’s vice-chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said the decision, in conjunction with the Students Union, was part of the ongoing plan to try to support students during the crisis.

He added: “Throughout this national crisis we will remain consistent in our commitment to put the interests of our students first.

“We also understand that for many of our students it is a time of financial concern as many have been working part-time and are now unable to do so. We hope our decision to waive accommodation payments helps ease the financial burden at this challenging time."

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However the vice-chancellor said he was hoping other landlords would follow suit and said: "

While we cannot make the same decision for private third-party providers, we are in discussion with them to see if they can agree to similar measures.

“As a university we are keen to support our students as much as possible and minimise any disruption to their academic studies."

The university currently has 750 of it's residences currently occupied with UCLan students. These include international students and some, based in the UK, who due to family reasons cannot return home.

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Suntosh Kaur, President of UCLan’s Students’ Union, added: " I know the money saved will help students support themselves over the coming months. I appreciate the hard work of the Students’ Union team, Officers and University staff over recent weeks. The Students’ Union will continue to work closely with the University to provide student feedback that helps students during this difficult time."

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