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23 September 2020

Students determined to stop spread of coronavirus, despite backlash over warning from UK government


First year university students in the UK are determined not to contribute to the anticipated rise in coronavirus cases as they prepare for a freshers’ experience like never before. In a recent survey undertaken by Endsleigh Insurance, over half of students surveyed admitted that despite different covid safety measures taking place throughout various pubs and university campuses across the UK this freshers’ period, they would not be attending more house parties as a result.

This news comes just weeks after health secretary, Matt Hancock, warned that young people could cause a second spike in UK cases, warning them not to “kill your gran by catching coronavirus and then passing it on.” Hancock faced an immediate backlash from the younger population following this statement, with many suggesting that young people were being prematurely scapegoated just before an expected rise in coronavirus cases.

Long-standing student insurance specialists, Endsleigh, surveyed 1,050 students and when asked if coronavirus meant that they’ll have more house parties at university, a whopping 600 (58%) students said no, with 20 (2%) of them saying they were unsure.

Endless sacrifices have been made by people around the world during the coronavirus pandemic and young people are no exception to this. To name just a few things, first year university students have missed out on:

  • Their final summer before uni
  • Holidays
  • Exams
  • The typical Freshers’ experience
  • Making as many new friends as normal

These findings from Endsleigh vastly contradict the UK government’s warning that young people’s behaviour could contribute towards a rise in covid cases and raises questions as to which age group will be the main driver of new cases, or if blame culture even has a role in this pandemic.

Endsleigh’s Chief Executive Officer, Alison Meckiffe, commented:

“Over the last six months, our engagement with students has only emphasised how different this university year will be for them. First year university students would normally be extremely busy with freshers’ fairs and social activities right now, but unfortunately things are very different.

We’re so proud to say that everyone at Endsleigh has been working hard to provide students with as much support as possible during this time, including helping them get excited for a virtual freshers’ experience and providing live digital ‘welcome’ events (partnered with accommodation providers and YouTube and CBBC star, Joe Tasker).”

Students can take part in Endsleigh’s “What type of fresher are you?” quiz and register for the live welcome events with Joe Tasker here.


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About Endsleigh Insurance Services 

A leading insurance broker for the education sector, Endsleigh Insurance Services provide expert and affordable cover for students, alumni and education professionals across the UK.

Established in 1965 to champion affordable insurance for students, when others wouldn’t. They use their expertise and dedication to provide value for money for their customers, and have extended their products and services to professionals as well as commercial and business customers, aligning their solutions to core markets of education, property, travel and not-for-profit. Find out more at www.endsleigh.co.uk/about-us/