The students claiming uni Covid compensation 'for the principle'
BBC World
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A group of students, including Riki Auton from University of the Arts London (UAL), are seeking compensation from their universities over lost educational opportunities due to COVID-19 restrictions. These students argue that they were denied access to essential resources, facilities, and hands-on learning experiences, which they claim compromised their education and should entitle them to refunds or damages. Legal actions have been initiated against 36 institutions, with pre-action letters demanding acknowledgment of the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Riki Auton’s case highlights the broader struggles faced by many students. During her time at UAL, she was unable to access physical art resources, such as exhibition catalogues and textiles, which were unavailable online during lockdowns. Additionally, specialist equipment like cameras and lighting—crucial for her degree projects—was inaccessible, forcing students to pivot to digital art, often requiring expensive software and personal laptops. These limitations, coupled with financial strain and reduced access to career opportunities post-graduation, have left many feeling their education was significantly diminished.
The lack of digitalization in university resources has been a major issue for students across disciplines. While some academic materials could be accessed online, art and design students faced unique challenges due to the reliance on physical tools and materials. For instance, UAL’s “materials library” was closed during lockdowns, limiting access to essential supplies and forcing students to adapt their projects drastically. Riki also pointed out that some students had limited or no internet access at home, making it impossible to engage fully with virtual learning platforms.
Universities are now under pressure to address these grievances. A spokesperson for UAL declined to comment on the matter, but other institutions are believed to be in negotiations with student representatives. The issue has sparked broader discussions about educational accountability and the value of disrupted academic experiences during the pandemic. Students argue that universities should acknowledge their struggles and compensate them for what they believe was a breach of contract—access to the education they paid for.
This movement matters globally, as it reflects growing demands for institutions to be more adaptable and accountable in times of crisis. For students like Riki, the fight is not just about financial restitution but also about recognizing the impact of lost educational opportunities on their futures. As universities navigate post-pandemic recovery, this issue underscores
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/21/2026