Covid's college students seeking compensation for missing out on 'best days' of their life

A number of people who were students during the Covid-19 pandemic are seeking compensation after missing out on the "best days" of their lives. 

In the UK and Northern Ireland, some students have received up to €5,000 in compensation from universities. 

Megan Byrne from Phoenix Law, which is representing some of the students, spoke to Newstalk about what exactly is happening. 

She explained how a lot of students did not receieve the degree or the education that they had initially signed up for when paying to go to university. 

"Some were really, really emotionally distressed by the fact that they weren't getting the degree they signed up for and they ended up exiting university before the end of their (course), but still have put themselves in significant debt," Megan said. 

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When asked whether universities are covered by 'Acts of God', which are unforeseeable uncontrollable natural disasters, Megan replied to say she doesn't believe they are. 

At the time of the pandemic, the educational institutions were told that they may not be able to rely on certain clauses in contracts because Covid was an ongoing issue. 

"This isn't going tomorrow to try and get a flight when a storm impacts the flight and you don't get to go on your holiday. this is something that lasted two, nearly three years," Megan explained. 

It's not known what kind of compensation, if any, students being represented by Phoenix Law will receive, but the firm has sent letters to both of the universities in the North on behalf of the students.

Phoenix Law believes that there is a claim for a breach of contract as well as a violation of consumer rights against the Consumer Rights Act of 2015.

Students may be able to claim for damages due to a loss of educational experience.

"As a student myself during Covid, university is supposed to be some of the best days of people's lives and that ultimately wasn't the case for so many people," Megan highlighted. 

The universities have not yet replied to the letters, so the future of the situation is currently unknown. 

Potential options include the students receiving compensation from the universities or bringing them to court.