We are delighted to confirm that yesterday (10 May) the government announced that it will proceed to the next step of the roadmap from 17 May, enabling our remaining students to return to campus from that date.
- Read what will change from 17 May
- Read an open letter to students from Michelle Donelan MP, Minister of State for Universities
While we are extremely pleased to be able to welcome you back to campus from 17 May, as you will be aware, we are then heading into the assessment and exam period at the end of the semester and so our on-campus teaching opportunities will unfortunately be limited. It is therefore your choice whether to return to campus this semester, if you are not already here with us.
Following the assessment period, we will be offering some PGT supervision on campus. We will also continue to facilitate on-campus academic advising sessions where requested, with COVID safety measures continuing to be in place. Your School or Programme Team will be in touch with you with further details on any of these arrangements.
Bookable study spaces will continue to be available, though please do remember to cancel your space if you later find that you’re unable to use it, as we are seeing a number of ‘no shows’ which causes understandable frustration for other students who have been unable to book a space.
We continue to strongly encourage all students and staff on campus to get tested twice a week, as regular testing is an essential part of keeping everyone safe on the campus and the continued easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Self-test kits are available from the NHS directly and will soon be available from the campus.
All postgraduate researchers should continue to follow their current arrangements until notified otherwise.
This next phase also signals the opening of indoor hospitality and allows family and friends to meet indoors in groups of up to six, or two households. While this is all great news, social distancing is still very important and face coverings should continue to be worn in indoor settings.
While these next steps may be welcomed by many, it is perfectly normal to still feel anxious about the easing of restrictions – read how our student content writers, Malaika and Laura, are coping with post-lockdown anxiety and remember that we have a full range of support services available if you feel like you need any additional support.
Professor April McMahon
Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students