PARENTS of students at the University of Bolton can rest assured that their son or daughter will be cared for if they have to self-isolate.

The university says it is providing food and personal hygiene packages at massively discounted prices.

It comes as students at other universities have voiced complaints about the quality and cost of food they are receiving when they are having to self-isolate as part of plans to control the coronavirus pandemic.

All full-time students who live away from home independently will be eligible for the support, which the university is subsidising.

The pack is designed to provide essential supplies to last seven days and includes basics such as rice, cereal, pasta, tinned goods, sauces, milk, toilet paper and tea/coffee.

It will cost £10 per week per student, rather than the £30 it would cost full price.

The separate personal care package will contain essential items and toiletries, delivered to a student’s door at a cost of £1 per person, which would normally cost £20.

Professor George E Holmes, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “To date I am pleased to report that only a very limited number of students have had to self-isolate.

“However, it is important that we support in any we can those who have to take that action.

“This includes essential supplies and food for every week the student is in self-isolation. We believe we should do all we can to provide as big a discount as possible for our students when they find themselves in a situation that is not of their making.

“This offer of a food parcel for £10 per week per student and separate personal care package for £1 should give those in isolation affordable and easy access to exactly what they need the most in the short term.

“We completely understand how challenging it can be to be away from home from loved ones while in self-isolation and we will provide the best possible support.”

Prof Holmes added: “This follows all the work we have done to totally redesign our campus at the University of Bolton.We surveyed our students months ago and they told us that visiting campus and having face-to-face teaching is a vital aspect of university life.”

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