DD is in her second year at Exeter University (I have namechanged for this, if you realise who I am please don't out me as I have DD's photo on my normal profile & I know at least one Exeter academic is a regular mumsnetter)
This year, for the first time, the exams for last term's modules start on the first day of term, ie next Monday.
It seems pretty obvious to me that a lot of people aren't going to be able to get back, possibly including DD.
She contacted the university and was told that if she couldn't get back she may be allowed to take the exams in August,(which is when students would retake if they failed) but it seems from the reply that this isn't certain, it may depend on whether the university thinks she made enough effort to try to get back in time. If not, she would presumably fail the year and have to repeat it.
Apparently both Bristol and Bath universities (which are easier to get to for most people in the UK) have postponed their exams - why can't Exeter do the same? Even putting them off for a week would help.
I realise it would cause them a lot of admin problems - but nowhere near the scale of problem or expense that repeating a year would cause a student.
If they don't change their mind, then either we will have to put DD on a train & hope it doesn't stop halfway, or risk the roads & the forecast new snow to take her back by car.
And if we do, what 'evidence' are they going to accept that she did try to get there? If we drive, DH will have to make a subjective decision about the risks of continuing - if we turn back & someone else decides to risk it & gets through, will they say she didn't try hard enough?
Sorry, this is turning into a bit of a rant, but what would you do?