Higher education – when will universities reopen?
This week the government confirmed that higher education will return on March the 8th. From here, in-person learning can return for students who are studying more hands-on subjects. However, all other students should not return to campus or their term-time accommodation. This announcement is part of the government’s roadmap to exit lockdown safely.
<H2>Do students need to take a test before returning?
Students are encouraged to test before they travel back to university, where community testing is available. The government have stated all students eligible to return to university must have two tests. The first one immediately on return to university and the second three days later. Then, at this point you should then be tested twice weekly thereafter. However, your university should share guidance with you, setting out how and where to access testing. Although, the guidelines are different for international students who have arrived from overseas. These students must have quarantined so are therefore not expected to be tested when they return to campus.
<H2>Can students travel between student accommodation and home?
The simple answer is no. Once you have returned to your term-time accommodation you must remain living there. This is unless an exemption to the national restrictions on leaving home and gatherings applies. There are only a few legally permitted reasons to leave such as traveling home under an exemption.
<H2>What help is there for students struggling financially?
Any student in higher education facing financial struggles can contact their university for help and support. Many universities have student hardship funds and offer non-repayable grants to help students in financial difficulty. These grants will have eligibility criteria that need to be met, and the university will manage this. Also, the government announced an additional support package to the tune of £50M to help support students struggling.
Take a look at our current student properties!