Update: Late on Sunday, the Scottish Government published new guidance for students, rowing back on a number of the more draconian restrictions.
From our perspective, given that our oldest suffered from depression during first year, and my DC in first year now is already struggling after the first week, this is good news as not only moving back home is now allowed again, but home visits for wellbeing reasons are, too, as well as going home to self-isolate. (At least for now. Local lockdowns may change this of course.)
Here's the relevant quote for home visits:
However, it is a defence to show that there was a reasonable excuse in the circumstances. A reasonable excuse might include a visit home for a family emergency, such as a bereavement, or for wellbeing reasons.
The restrictions seem far more sensible and fair - moving into a new household for instance was allowed for anyone else but students under the previous government guidance. (Lifting the ban on students moving back home.)
Those seeking to self-isolate at home must make arrangements with the staff at the halls so they can be picked up safely, must not travel home on public transport and the home they're going to must then also self-isolate. But they are now allowed to be looked after by their families if this is necessary.
The government has now also acknowledged that the ban on Scottish students visiting visiting hospitality venudes such as cafés, restaurants and pubs was not a legal restriction, but advice. Even though Aberdeen University was on Sunday threatening to fine students £250 if they do.
Various human rights lawyers, most notably Aamer Amwar in a BBC interview, have stated that full scale lockdown of entire student halls is unlawful imprisonment and that neither universities, nor private security nor landlords have the legal power to stop students from leaving who are not self-isolating because of an actual or suspected case in their household.
I would hope that the situation in England is clarified asap, because they have just introduced new powers for local authorities that may enable them to place some extra restrictions locally - but only by meeting certain conditions and under specific circumstances. (IOW, Manchester Metropolitan University is still not authorised to do what they did under these new rules, but they might be from now on. The lawyers were not yet sure about that. )