Looks like the two spiders in either corner of my university-hovel will be my only classmates this year. Timetables were released yesterday and, with only two face-to-face sessions out of a possible nine, the prospect of any semblance of normality feels like a distant dream. Actually, it’s more like a nightmare – except this time it’s not the bogey man underneath the bed but the threat of poor internet connection and hypothermia from my single glazed windows. Studying over Zoom will be a brand new experience especially with the myriad of issues that online learning presents.

I feel for the university with national measures in flux and new updates pummelled out daily in attempt to keep up. Less than a week ago, Boris Johnson implemented the new rule of six which made sense. Clear, concise messaging is cogent when most ordinary people struggle to keep up with the onslaught of rules and regulations. But, as cases reported to double every eight days and more local authorities ordered into partial lockdown, I wonder if this has been in vain. It will soon get to the point where it will be easier to say what areas are in lockdown then those that aren’t. Winter is coming, what will happen then?

We don’t want a pyrrhic victory over COVID; a bruised and battered economy, the death of the high-street, mounting homelessness, mass unemployment, a mental health crisis, the ruination of the young and more study disruptions. Boris Johnson needs to show strong leadership at a time of so much uncertainty. This mixed messaging is in no one’s best interest, let alone the governments. What if a vaccine isn’t available soon?

It’s difficult for the government to know what’s best, having to balance popular opinion, economic forecasts and infection rates. U-turns can be work: the Marcus Rashford campaign for free school meals over the summer showed a tory party willing to listen. But if every week involves back-pedalling, how can we move forward?

I’m worried about myself and my fellow students. What cost will we have to pay for a lack of government foresight? Timetables aside, the financial outcome of my investment in the future is bleak. I worry about my studies being affected, not being able to find a job with a mountain of debt and having to put further strain on my loved ones at a time when everyone is navigating so much. Give the universities what they need Mr Prime Minister: clarity.