'It's very frustrating' - Edinburgh University fresher describes ‘isolating’ experience in halls
An Edinburgh University fresher has spoken of her ‘frustrating’ experience in university halls after being told not to socialise or interact with other students.
Isobelle Robinson-Gordon, 19, lives in Salisbury Court in a household with ten other students.
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Hide AdThey were told not to interact with students outside their household or visit pubs and restaurants this weekend after several students in university halls of residence tested positive for Covid-19.
Some members of Isobelle’s household are now self-isolating, but they are using the same shared facilities as the rest of the household.
"The problem we've got is we’re in households of ten, and there are people within our household isolating who are using the same kitchen and the same appliances as we are,” she said.
"But they are having to stay inside so we’ve got to go and get things for them so they can continue to function. Cleaners aren't allowed in for example because it's too risky for cleaners, but we are.”
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Hide AdThe first year History and English student from Bath said she felt ‘isolated’ because of the measures.
“I feel isolated, not from my peers and my friends as we're all stuck in this bad situation, but I feel ostracised by the significant voices,” she said.
"On one side we've got the university saying what we should do, and on the other side we’ve got government officials saying what we should do, and the weak voice amongst all of this is the students.
"I'm lucky I'm surrounded by lots of people that I can spend time with, but I’m isolated by the officials who are making the rules and who aren’t really considering the students.”
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