Poring over her books in the library at Coventry University, far from her home in Equatorial Guinea, Agnes Genoveva Cheba Ade is determined to keep up her studies despite coronavirus restrictions. She admits that it has not been easy being abroad during a pandemic, with many courses moved online and socialising restricted — many other overseas students have been put off entirely. But, like others in Britain, Coventry University in central England is confident it will weather the storm of Covid-19 and maintain its foreign students, who are a crucial source of income. “I spent the pandemic away from my family so the isolation was even harder for me,” said Cheba Ade, a former Miss World contestant, who has been studying economic sciences at Coventry since 2017. She told AFP: “I was struggling with anxiety, depression at times and I felt a little bit overwhelmed.” But she added: “I’m from a humble family so, for me, being here today at university, being able to complete my course and get my degree… I think it’s really something I have to cherish every day.” She added that university was “a new experience, a new way of living. I’m willing to learn and to adapt”. Virtual social life On campus, where classes resumed in mid-September partially online, reminders for students to maintain social distancing are everywhere. Access to the library is one-way, the route is peppered with hand sanitiser stations, and students must reserve a place — then disinfect their workstation with the wipes provided. Wearing a mask is encouraged but not obligatory. Students’ social lives are also limited, with many welcoming events held virtually, which is a “challenge” for new arrivals trying to settle in, according to George Okata, a member of Coventry’s student body. Britain has seen some 42,000 deaths in the coronavirus outbreak — the worst in Europe — and millions of people are under renewed local restrictions due to a surge in cases. Up until now, Coventry University has not experienced the clusters of cases seen at other British universities, which — often after illegal parties — caused them to isolate hundreds of students. Charter flights Foreign students from outside the European Union pay significantly more than UK or EU students, and their fees are a major source of income for universities. In Coventry, they normally make up one third of the 35,000-strong student body. The number of foreign registrations has halved this September. However, provost Ian Dunn said many were taking up the option offered routinely by the university to start in January, or could even wait until May. “Applications were very high and very strong but people are differing when they wish to start… January is looking positive,” he told AFP. He added: “We’re a strong university, we have healthy reserves that allow us to weather particular storms like this.”