DD is off to uni in a couple of weeks. She's really excited and didn't want to defer, despite all of the uncertainty surrounding how Covid and new rules will impact the experience.
But, whilst some rules seem sensible, it does feel as if some are being implemented unnecessarily and using Covid as an excuse.
So DD is aware that lectures will be online and that she will be bubbled with the other people in her flat - fair enough.
But some rules that I can't understand include :
Meals provided in catered halls will be provided in takeaway boxes and must be eaten in rooms. Why though, when cafes, pubs and restaurants are all open and operating in a socially distanced way?
Cleaning is included in the cost of the room but there won't be any cleaning this year. Students are responsible for their own rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Fair enough but discount the room then.
Students can't have parcels or deliveries delivered to their Halls, which will only accept post and parcels from Royal Mail this year 'in line with government guidance'. But why? Why can the reception desk take in parcels from Royal Mail but not, say, Parcelforce. Their advice is to take out a parcel locker but there isn't one within a mile or so.
I really do support businesses who are trying hard to keep everyone safe in difficult circumstances but why make the university experience worse than it needs to be, or maybe I'm being unfair - their communication has been dire so I'm already cross with them.