Bookings open for January Asymptomatic Testing Site

In order to ensure your safe return to campus in January we will be offering free, rapid Covid-19 tests again from 5 January to 5 February in the University’s Great Hall. We are pleased to let you know that bookings for the test are now open.

Students who are asymptomatic (without symptoms), who may be infectious but unaware, can book free and simple tests, with rapid results, and help protect others when returning to campus.

In accordance with new Government guidance, we strongly recommend that all students take two tests three days apart when you return to campus in January – and before you start using facilities on campus or attending teaching sessions. By making our booking system available now, you can plan your return and testing appointments in advance. Taking two tests, at intervals, provides additional reassurance, that you can resume on-campus and in-person activities more safely.

Our booking system only allows for one booking at a time, so you will need to book both tests separately, by following the link in your confirmation e-mail from your first test booking.

Book your test

These tests are for all students who will be on campus from January, so they are also recommended for students who remained in Birmingham over the Christmas period. As always these tests are voluntary, but by completing them you are helping to protect the health of your fellow students and staff at UoB by reducing the potential for transmission of the virus.

Our previous advice about returning in January and when activities will re-commence on campus is available here.

In-between tests please do not use any on-campus facilities and you should not attend any in-person teaching activities until you have received two negative tests. We also recommend that you limit your social contacts and it is really important that you continue to follow local social distancing requirements and restrictions at all times. Remember: hands, face, space… wash and sanitise your hands regularly, wear a face covering indoors where required, and maintain a 2-metre social distance from anyone outside of your household. If you haven’t already, you can download the NHS Covid-19 App (from your app store), which has helpful features and access to the latest advice.

For any students staying on or around campus over the Christmas break, as well as those who may wish to return to access quiet study spaces, IT equipment or other materials, our facilities, such as the library, quiet study space and some catering, will be open during the Christmas break and throughout January.

We have updated our FAQs to support you through this process and you can also find out what to do after you get your test result.

Please remember you should only attend your test if you are asymptomatic – if you have no symptoms. If you have any Coronavirus symptoms you should not visit the test site in the Great Hall but you should self-isolate immediately and book a free NHS test.