As universities across the UK open up to thousands of students from around the world for the new academic year, a number of measures are in place to make the experience as safe as possible for students and staff.
Forms of blended learning will be the new normal for many, as universities combine face-to-face teaching and online learning to ensure social distancing guidelines are followed and the risk of transmission is minimal.
Being at a university is not only about learning though, and institutions are also doing all they can to ensure other elements of student life are as normal as possible. Learn more about what to expect from student services, sports and freshers week below, and stay up-to-date with the latest Coronavirus news from SI-UK here.
To learn more about how UK universities are ensuring the health and safety of staff and students is kept high, make sure to register for free entry to the SI-UK University Fair London on Saturday October 24th! Over 50 UK universities will be in attendance and you can have all your questions answered on courses, entry requirements and anything mentioned in this article.
How Universities are Creating a COVID-19 Secure Environment
Freshers’ Week
Life at a UK university begins properly for many students during freshers week. Things will look a little different this year, but universities are doing all they can to ensure that virtual activities and a limited number in-person events can help you meet fellow students who are also attending university for the first time.
Plans include socially distanced sporting activities, freshers fairs and table service only pub visits. An easy way to meet like-minded people who share your interests is by joining one of the hundreds of clubs and societies that each university has and services such as this will continue, just digitally!
Student Services and Support
Student support services will continue as normal, but delivered remotely via the phone or online. This means any questions you have regarding your learning, mental health, chaplaincy or careers and employability or finances can still be addressed without the need for person to person contact.
Accommodation
Reduced occupancy is expected in university halls, and universities are also grouping students together by subject to minimise the risk of potential infection. Each flat within university accommodation blocks is expected to count as a household, and therefore the government guidelines around households will apply.
Sport and Exercise
Gymnasiums and certain sporting facilities will be open, with enhanced cleaning and hygiene monitoring taking place. Temperature checks are expected to take place at some universities, whilst British Universities and Colleges Sport hopes to return to a full programme from next year. Booking in advance is now a must, but if you can’t make it in, a wide variety of online classes will be taking place so you can exercise from the comfort of your home!
Study in the UK
Your health and wellbeing is the absolute priority for UK universities during these unprecedented times. To speak to over 50 UK universities directly about what they are doing to make campuses safe for 2021, register for free entry to the SI-UK University Fair Online today.
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