Self-isolating students were told to wait a minute longer if the fire alarm goes off so their Covid-free peers can evacuate first.
York University was forced into a U-turn following backlash over the guidance.
The guidance suggested people with coronavirus stay in their rooms for 60 seconds longer in the event of a fire to avoid infecting healthy students.
It read: ‘If you are self isolating and the fire system in your accommodation building is activated please follow these procedures to ensure your safety.
‘When the alarm sounds; stay in your room for one minute then make your way to the nearest refuge (this will allow non-isolating individuals to exit the building).’
Visit our live blog for the latest updates Coronavirus news live
The policy, which has since been updated, was slammed by students online.
One said they would rather risk the spread of coronavirus than die in a fire.
Another wrote: ‘Pathetic that it needed to be ‘reviewed’ to realise that staying in a room for 1 minute during a potential fire wasn’t a great idea.’
The university said on Wednesday evening that it was aware of 288 individuals who were currently self-isolating because they have tested positive for Covid-19.
After a U-turn last night the fire policy guidelines now state everyone should evacuate as normal but attempt to socially distance while doing so.
A spokesperson told The Sun: ‘In the event of a fire alarm, all students should evacuate as normal.
‘Where possible, they should wear a mask and keep a safe distance from others.’
York is the latest university to face anger from students over conditions they are are dealing with while self-isolating.
Students have hit out at the cost and quality of food provided to them by universities while in quarantine.
University of Edinburgh’s Pollock Halls was dubbed the ‘UK’s most expensive prison’ after self-isolating students were given out-of-date bread rolls.
Meanwhile on Wednesday it emerged that students at Birmingham University were accidentally handed out swab test kits that had already been used.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.