An international student stuck in Nottingham has said she is 'scared for her life' and claims lockdown rules are continuously being flouted by those who live in her halls or work there.
Gongyi Chen is a University of Nottingham engineering masters student who has claimed students are still inviting visitors in and staff are still coming into work, which is creating an unsafe environment to live in.
The 23-year-old is originally from China but hasn't gone home because three flights have been cancelled, leaving her more than £6,000 out of pocket.
Without a flight home, Gongyi is still living in Dagfa House on Salthouse Lane, Beeston which is managed by Homes for Students.
She said: "I'm stuck here at the moment and can't get back to China," she said.
"There should be 12 people in each house or flat here but people are still socialising and partying.
"The staff here are still coming in too and students are not taking the lockdown seriously either.
"We are scared for our lives and we don't know when we will go home again.
"I've booked three tickets to try and get home but they were all cancelled. It cost me around £6,000.
"I think the maintenance staff here are very friendly and motherly but they shouldn't have to be here.
"It's quite stressful and anxious to be here when you know other people are coming here for visits. Surely lockdown should mean lockdown?"
Dagfa House, a grade II listed building that was formerly a school, was converted into student accommodation last year.
Gongyi also thinks students are being "exploited" in private accommodation by being made to pay rent regardless if they are still living there - a policy that MP Lilian Greenwood has spoken out against.
As she is an international masters student, Gongyi doesn't receive a loan and has been self-funding her way through her course with help from her parents.
She added: "The staff shouldn't have to be here when they have families and aren't key workers. I understand it's probably not their decision.
"When I've raised these concerns with the property manager, they just say we will be looked after and kept safe.
"I think deferment of this year would be the best option if there aren't any other means of help for students like international students.
"It's been hard without face-to-face interaction too. I've just been in my room doing webinars."
Homes for Students and Dagfa House have both been approached for comment.
The University of Nottingham has recommended students return to their permanent homes "where possible" and to contact the University's visa and immigration advice team if they are facing issues or unable to do so.
A spokesperson for the University of Nottingham said: “We have a page on immigration issues on our dedicated coronavirus web pages.
"Our students services team has been handling specific requests for assistance with issues including visas, supporting a number of international students who remain on campus while unable to return home, and with remote learning and deferrals.
"The University of Nottingham has already contacted students in our own halls of residence to say we will not charge for unoccupied rooms in the summer term.
"While it is for individual private student accommodation companies to determine their policies, we applaud the many partners and providers who have done the same."
