Washing materials, fresh bedding and towels will also be provided to households who are isolating.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli said: “I hear the concerns of our students in residences and I appreciate how difficult this situation is for them. From today we are rolling out significant extra support measures so they can more easily access food, health and wellbeing and other supplies.

“We are offering everyone in our residences, regardless of whether they are isolating or not, a one-month rent refund to compensate for the disruption they are facing, and any financial hardship they may have encountered.

“Our Living Support Team are also stepping up efforts to proactively contact students, check on their wellbeing and offer support. To make sure everyone has access to hot and fresh food, we will work with providers to install mobile catering units and give £50 to each student for food and supplies.

“This isn’t the start of academic life we would wish for anyone. To get on top of this outbreak we need to work together and support each other, I would like to offer my profound and sincere thanks to everyone who is isolating for playing their part.”