At least 36 universities are facing compensation claims from more than 170,000 current and former students who argue they did not receive the full educational experience they paid for during the Covid pandemic. The legal action follows a confidential settlement between University College London and the Student Group Claim, which represents thousands of students on a no-win, no-fee basis. UCL has not admitted liability. The claims are being brought under consumer law, focusing on the difference in value between in-person tuition and remote learning. During lockdowns, universities shifted rapidly to online delivery, with limited access to campus facilities. Students on practical courses, including fine art and laboratory-based subjects, say they were particularly disadvantaged. Universities UK describes the pandemic as an unprecedented challenge requiring swift adaptation. Some institutions say they provided established routes for compensation at the time. However, legal firms argue students borrowed heavily at high interest rates for an experience that was significantly altered, and more claims may follow before the September 2026 deadline.