Paddy Henry
As tough as the current situation has been, many of us have been lucky enough not to have tested positive for COVID-19. The rising cases of coronavirus have led to an ever-increasing number of students being forced into self-isolation, in an effort to prevent further infection of the virus.
While those of us at home may be lucky enough to have neighbours and friends around us to make sure we are kept fed and heated in isolation, for many students who have moved to Galway this year, this is not the case.
Many students, including a large cohort of international students, have found themselves in the perilous situation of having to isolate following a COVID-19 diagnosis, without having the support of friends and family to ensure they have access to food.
However, thanks to an initiative by Student’ Union Welfare and Equality Officer Róisín Nic Lochlainn, these students will have the opportunity to have food and supplies delivered to their door.
Nic Lochlainn spoke of the stress and anxiety facing students who are forced to isolate and said that the delivery scheme is intended to ease the stress on students who find themselves in this position.
“We are aware of how difficult times can be already at the moment without the stress and anxiety of having to self-isolate alone in your room or house worrying about food and delivery costs. To try and ease some of the stress the welfare crew are volunteering to deliver hot meals, food, and any necessities to students who find themselves in this position.”
Last year, the university came under fire for offering a controversial meal plan in Corrib and Goldcrest Village, which at one point saw students isolating being asked to pay €24 euro for a four-course meal for the duration of their isolation.
International students have found themselves particularly vulnerable when isolating and Nic Lochlainn stated the importance of this initiative in helping these students, telling SIN,
“International student have been completely abandoned by the university this year. Many of them might not know the cheaper options available to them compared to the food that university accommodation is offering to them if they are isolating. This scheme is aimed at easing stress on all students, especially international students, who are here by themselves in a new place and if they need anything at all the SU is here and is happy to help. “
For more details, students can email su.welfare@nuigalway.ie.
