Due to this unprecedented situation many people find themselves locked away from their family in various parts of the world. Considering the plight of Indian students studying there, UK universities have urged anxious Indian students to get in touch with their varsity support services in case they need any help or guidance during the ongoing lockdown due to the expeditiously spreading COVID 19. 

“Air India will operate 64 flights from May 7 to May 13 to bring back around 15,000 Indian nationals stranded abroad amid the COVID-19 induced lockdown.”, said Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi on Tuesday, the 5^th of May.

Though the Indian government is doing its part but it won’t be easy to evacuate everyone immediately. The students would have to wait patiently. However, the UK universities assure complete support to the students amidst these hard times.

“We are aware that many Indian students are concerned about money and accommodation, are missing their families and are understandably distressed to be far from home during this global pandemic. My message to those students is: please, please speak to your university.”, said Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK international.

The Universities UK international represents 143 UK university leaders.

“We may not be able to fix everything, but there are people on hand who will do everything they can to make things easier for you. Universities are providing support in the form of funding, food, accommodation and advice and guidance. We are in this together, please don’t struggle alone”, promised Vivienne Stern. 

Universities UK promise support by the university. This includes providing students with food and hardship funds whenever required, letting forgo accommodation fees or moving international students into accommodation and securing them with providing cleaning, safety and catering.

“I know being an international student how worried our parents can be. I send them regular updates and say I’m safe here. Make sure you are in touch with your lecturers and the amazing support team which BCU has got – make sure you use them.”, advised Jaspreet Singh, an Indian student at Birmingham City University (BCU)