A Chinese student at Goldsmiths in Lewisham has died while suffering from Covid-19 just two weeks into her post-graduate degree studies.

The woman, 23, had contracted the virus at the start of term and was recuperating alone in her student accommodation near Loampit Vale. The alarm was raised by other Chinese students when she did not make contact for four days. She was pronounced dead in St Thomas’ Hospital on October 7.

The student was from Shanghai and was pursuing a one-year Master’s degree in Brands, Communication and Culture. Eastlondonlines is aware of the identity of the student but has not been able to contact her family for agreement to publish her name. Goldsmiths has not named her publicly. No official cause of death has been released and it is not known if she was suffering from any underlying conditions.

“I was shocked when I found out about her death as she looked healthy and cheerful during induction week. We were very excited to be in a new country together and for a new experience to start,” said one of her housemates, who asked to remain anonymous.

“I feel like I have failed as a friend. She had told me she tested positive and her symptoms were fluctuating. As the week passed, I did not hear from her and I also did not reach out as often as I should have,” said the housemate who had contracted the virus in June this year with mild symptoms.

A spokesperson for Goldsmiths, University of London said: “It is with sadness that we confirm that a student at Goldsmiths has died. We are working to support the student’s family and friends and ask that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”

1 in 30 people in England had contracted the virus in the week ending October 10, according to the Office of National Statistics (ONS). Although death rates have decreased over the weeks, the national infection rate had increased for those aged 25 to 34 years old.      

The Goldsmiths Student Union has not responded to requests for comment about anti-covid measures on campus.  Although the university conformed with Government advice during the pandemic, it has since followed official guidance and lifted all restrictions.

“My friends and I were surprised that nobody wears masks anymore here in the UK. And when we wore them, we were once purposely coughed at by teenagers on the street. It would help if there are at least some social-distancing measures in place to protect the well-being of students,” said the housemate.