Edinburgh University staff gift their time to students remaining in the city this Christmas

Students unable to return home for Christmas are being given the chance to meet up with someone over the holidays as more than 400 staff at the University of Edinburgh have offered to spend time with students remaining in the city because of Covid restrictions.

Professor Colm Harmon, Vice-Principal Students at the University of Edinburgh

Thousands of students are set to return home as the term draws to a close with many having undergone voluntary asymptomatic testing for coronavirus, however this year it is expected that students will remain in the city and in student accommodation more so than usual.

The University has organised a range of activities to support students staying in the Capital whose families live elsewhere, particularly those from other countries.

Staff and alumni who live in the city will meet up with students for socially-distanced outdoor activities, such as running, cycling or walking.

Students who are keen to get and about, but would rather not do it alone, can book timeslots through an online booking form with some 3,000 slots available throughout the university’s winter holidays, including on Christmas Day.

A survey found more than 2,700 Edinburgh University students will be staying in the city when it shuts down from December 21 until January 8.

The initiative aims to create a safe environment for students to meet other people, make friends or learn something new.

Further activities include outdoor boot camps, running groups, walking tours, volunteering opportunities and virtual events such as podcasts and quizzes.

Those staying in University accommodation can also enjoy a traditional turkey dinner on Christmas Day.

Students can find out more about the activities, and the support being offered, via the university website and events app. Bookings opened on Monday December 14 and close at 12 noon on Friday December 18.

Professor Colm Harmon, Vice-Principal Students at the University of Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted so many of our staff are supporting our students at what can be a difficult time of year.

“We have a range of support available for students who can’t go home and we hope this initiative will help ensure they don’t feel they are alone.

“This year has been incredibly challenging for everyone, and it is wonderful to see our community pull together in this way.”

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