University students in limbo but free to collect their belongings
University students across the Channel Islands will now be able to return to the UK to collect their belongings.
Authorities in Jersey have added students travelling for educational purposes to the list of necessary travel groups.
In Guernsey travel restrictions are due to be eased next week for all travellers, although people will have to self-isolate on their return to the Bailiwick.
The 14-day self-isolation rule also applies for people returning to Jersey from the UK.
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Many students were forced to return home quickly when the pandemic hit, leaving their belongings behind. With tenancy agreements drawing to a close, many have been worried about the potential financial impact of not being able to clear out their accommodation in time.
Etienne Wyser from Guernsey is a student at Plymouth University. The requirement to self-isolate means he is looking at alternative ways of getting his belongings back, before his tenancy agreement expires.
University students are facing a lot of uncertainty. A UK survey this week, by MyUniChoices, found that more than a third of students were choosing to change their academic plans as a result of the pandemic.
Gala Harrison Lopez, from Jersey, is a second year History and Spanish student at Edinburgh University. She was looking forward to an Erasmus year in Madrid from September, but the first semester has already been cancelled.
Whilst she is disappointed, she hopes it may just be pushed back to January.
Edinburgh is one of several universities to announce lectures will be online for the first part of the next academic year.
For many that has prompted more questions. In Jersey, an online government Q and A offers some answers. In addition, they recommend that students keep talking to their institutions.
Guernsey's government told ITV News that students should contact student finance if they are concerned about their arrangements.
If any student have concerns or questions they can contact student finance in the Education Office for advice.