Students are taking legal action against 36 universities over the impact of COVID-19 on their education. The main issue revolves around the disparity in tuition fees for online and in-person courses, with students feeling they were shortchanged during the pandemic. The case, brought under consumer law, highlights the frustration of missing out on practical facilities and social opportunities, as well as the disruption to graduation ceremonies and job prospects. The students argue that the basic principle of consumer law, where a one-star holiday entitles you to compensation, should apply here. The 36 universities that have received pre-action letters include University of Bath, University of Birmingham, and University of Leeds, among others. Many students also suffered further disruption due to staff strikes over pensions, pay, and working conditions. The deadline for student claims related to COVID is September 2026, and the outcome of this legal action could set a precedent for the entire university sector.
