2021 Return to campus update

Returning to campus

Important information for all students on courses which start on-campus during the period 4 - 15 January:

As you may be aware, the Government has changed its guidance to universities in light of the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases and the greater re-categorisation of areas to Tier 4. Fortunately, we are already in line with recent Government requirements to restrict the number of courses that can return to on-campus teaching next week. Your course is one of the permitted courses which can start as planned.

Essential testing requirements:

It is essential that all students are tested on returning to campus and student accommodation in January 2021.

• On-campus testing is available from 8am on Monday 4 January 2021 – find more information about our testing centre here >
• Ahead of your return, use this website to book two tests, three days apart.
• Once you have returned, minimise all social contact until you have received two negative test results.

All other students will start their courses as planned, and all students studying on campus will continue to be offered testing in line with Government requirements.

• The Government will be keeping these measures under review as the situation evolves and will be providing a further update during the week commencing 18 January – we will share this information with you as soon as we can.

In the meantime, if you have any queries, please contact the Student Hub or your Course Leader.

Our international students

Government advice for international students travelling from overseas for the Spring term is to think carefully about whether it is essential you travel to the UK at this time - particularly if your course does not require you to be on campus.

If you do travel, you will need to complete a passenger locator form on arrival in the UK and, if you are travelling from a country not on the exemption (travel corridor) list, you will need to self-isolate in your accommodation for 10 days.

Exceptions for returning to campus

While current Government guidance is to remain where you are until as close to your on-campus teaching start date as possible, you may also be able to access campus if:

• You do not have access to appropriate study spaces or facilities in your vacation accommodation (this includes commuting students).
• You require additional support, such as mental health provision.
• You who have remained in your university accommodation over the winter break (but please only utilise campus resources where necessary, in order to reduce footfall).
• You are a researcher or research student who requires access to specialist facilities for your work.

A letter from the Universities Minister

Finally, the Universities Minister, Michelle Donelan, has shared a letter with students. All the key information you’ll need is detailed above, but you can also read the full letter here >