Over the last few years, strikes and Covid-19 have led to cancelled classes, online learning, and restricted services, leaving many students without the experience they signed up for. The universities did not refund affected students for the disruption, and legal experts think this is a breach of contract.
How did the breach of contract affect students?
- Diminished educational experience. Students paid for in-person tuition but received online classes instead. This shift resulted in less engagement with professors and peers. Many extracurricular activities, networking events, and social interactions that are integral to the university experience were cancelled or moved online, limiting students’ overall development and networking opportunities.
- Restricted access to facilities. Universities closed essential facilities like libraries, labs, and study spaces. Students missed out on valuable resources critical for their academic success and research projects.
- Degree devaluation. Despite the reduced services, universities did not offer refunds. Students ended up paying the same fees for a subpar experience, straining their finances without receiving the expected value. Many students feel their degrees aren’t worth the cost, leaving them at a disadvantage when job hunting.
- Career setbacks. Strikes and online learning disrupted coursework and exams, delaying graduations for some. Additionally, many students lost out on internships and job opportunities, affecting their career prospects and earning potential.
- Mental health impact. The uncertainty and stress from the sudden changes, coupled with isolation during lockdowns, took a toll on students’ mental health. The lack of in-person support services exacerbated these issues.
Why students deserve compensation
Given these significant disruptions and the failure of universities to meet their contractual obligations, students deserve compensation. The gap between the traditional university experience they paid for and the online courses they received is substantial, and financial redress can help address the losses and hardships faced during this period.
While many US universities have offered students compensation for the campus shutdowns during Covid lockdowns, the UK’s higher education sector is refusing to do the same. In response, thousands of UK students are joining no-win, no-fee group action claims to get justice and financial redress. If successful, undergraduate claimants could receive around £5,000 each, with potentially higher compensation for postgraduate and international students.
Could you be due compensation for breach of contract by your university? Find out instantly with our easy-to-use eligibility checker!
