STUDENTS have been “paying out of pocket” for outsourced studios after Covid-19 restrictions limited their access to the needed workspace.

Glasgow School of Art (GSA) students claim there has been a “lack of support” during the pandemic which has left one student feeling “like they are getting nothing” from their degree.

The student, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “They recommended a lot of students go out and outsource their own studio space paid out of pocket.

“People who cannot afford that haven’t been able to have access to studio space."

A GSA spokeswoman explained that students have not been officially advised to seek space outwith the campus.

However, the student added: “All the lecturers are just saying to view this as an opportunity to think outside the box and it is they are basically justifying [the issues].

Increased access to studio spaces had been planned from November but was put on halt when Glasgow went into lockdown.

READ MORE: Glasgow Caledonian University cancels summer graduations

An Instagram page named No Studio Stories has highlighted the struggles of GSA students without access to studio space.

Images demonstrate the dangerous set-up forced on students without access to suitable workspaces, including Silversmithing students using open flames two feet from a bed and DIY kilns.

The student also claimed some degree have received barely any contact time with lecturers even via zoom.

“Assignments wise really they expect the same level of work, the same quality and we don’t have access to the expensive facilities which we are paying for. It just doesn’t really make sense,” she added.

A spokeswoman for GSA said: “As we all try to adapt how we live, work and study under the changing Scottish Government COVID-19 restrictions, we do understand the impact they are having on our students, particularly on their access to the campus, which we will provide as soon as the restrictions allow.

“In the meantime, all teaching and learning is being delivered online with access, during the current lockdown, to safe study and safe workspaces on campus for students who cannot work at home, as well as access to our Library resources and Technical Services bureau services.

"We are also offering IT equipment loans for students who need them.

“We do understand that the current situation is challenging, affecting all students in many ways, and the anxiety that this is causing. We encourage students to make contact with Programme Leader, Class or Lead Reps or the Student Support Service to share concerns. That way we can work together to sort them out and help make sure students can complete their studies successfully.”