We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone back to campus. So, whether you’re just starting your PhD, you’ve been back on campus a while or you’re just starting to think about returning after working from home, we want you to be fully informed on how things are operating and let you know where you can find the most up to date information.
If you’ve been back on campus for a while, you’ll notice that things might be getting busier. From 1 September there’s a planned increase in the number of staff and students on campus as we begin to return to something more ‘normal’.
All University buildings will be open and there will be a gradual opening up of more catering outlets and study spaces. However, we all still need to help to minimise the spread of infection, and so there are some important things you should know.
Keeping our campus safe
Consideration should be given to continue social distancing measures in areas of campus where it is possible to do so without restricting activity. Although we cannot mandate the wearing of face-coverings, we strongly recommend that you continue to wear face-coverings whilst moving around indoors on campus, and we encourage students to keep face coverings in place in teaching settings.
Hand sanitiser and face coverings are available at the main entry points of all buildings across campus. We have enhanced cleaning in place and have been working to ensure all ventilation systems are operating effectively.
Vaccination and Testing
We encourage all staff and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine before or shortly after you return to campus (if possible).
You can book a vaccine through the NHS booking service if you are registered with a GP in England. There will also be walk-in vaccination centres on campus from Friday 17 to Friday 24 September, and there are other local vaccination sites you may be able to attend without an appointment.
EU and international students can also get vaccinated in the UK – the vaccine is available free to everyone here, regardless of nationality or immigration status.
Find out more about how to get vaccinated.
Even if you’ve been vaccinated, we encourage everyone on campus to take COVID tests twice every week. Regular testing will help prevent the spread of infection.
You can order home test kits online or collect free testing kits from locations around campus.
If one of your tests comes back positive, or you develop COVID symptoms, you are legally required to self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test. The full details of what to do are outlined in our self-isolation guidance for students.
Find out more about testing and where to get test kits.
Keep up to date
We will continue to keep FAQs for current students and FAQs for PGRs fully up to date as the semester begins. Our Student News site and you weekly emails will also have details of what’s happening on and around campus as things begin to fully reopen.
You can also keep up to date with Library news, including service availability and site opening times on the Library website.
Some of you may also find the staff hub useful if you are also employed by the University.