Nicola Sturgeon has said rules banning students living in university accommodation from returning home are being reviewed, with new guidance likely to be published in the coming days.
The First Minister admitted undergraduates - especially those who had moved away for the first time - faced a "difficult situation" after they were also told to stay away from pubs this weekend.
She told students she was "so sorry" for the challenges they faced and insisted they were not being blamed for spreading Covid-19.
It comes as the Scottish Government and university bosses face a mounting backlash for allowing campus accommodation to reopen after virus outbreaks were recorded across several higher education institutions.
Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government's clinical director, prompted uproar from students and their families when he yesterday confirmed those now living in university accommodation would be unable to return home to live with their parents under current guidelines.
Speaking at her media briefing today, the First Minister said: "We are looking at whether we can give more guidance on circumstances on when students might be able to return home, particularly students who have been asked to self-isolate.
"I'm not standing here and saying we will radically change the situation because of the reasons everyone understands, but we are very aware of the difficult situation students are in."
Sturgeon had earlier apologised directly to the 250,000 students who entered the country's universities and colleges this month.
She said: "I am so sorry this time in your life is being made as tough as it is. I really feel for you, but especially for those who are starting university for the first time and living away from home for the first time.
"I know some of you feel you are being blamed for the spread of Covid right now, but that's not the case. You don't deserve to be facing this."
Meanwhile, Dr Jane Morris, a consultant psychiatrist with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, warned students' mental health could be strained by the "uncertainties" of their current situation.
She said: “This autumn's new students will have already been stressed by the uncertainties and challenges around their exam grades and university applications.
“Now those who bravely decided to go ahead with their studies are facing further restrictions on their education and social life.
“The rules make it harder for academic staff, senior students and parents to keep a tactful eye on wellbeing.
"Some are away from home at a very early age and may have planned weekend visits home or visits from their parents to help them feel secure.
“If we are not careful, students will become the forgotten population with an imperfect education due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This will have a profound effect - storing up mental health problems for the future.”
