Welcome back, here's the latest update on returning to campus

Welcome back!

Finally, after a very difficult year for everyone, we get to welcome all students who can make it back onto campus today! We are so excited to have you with us, and for those that can’t join us yet we very much hope to see you soon.

So now you’re back what do you need to know? Things may have changed a bit since you were last here so we’ve pulled together a few handy hints to help you. 

Get tested

This is the biggie! Now we’re all back on campus it’s really important you get tested twice a week for Covid-19, to protect yourself and others. You never know if your housemate or course mate is more vulnerable or trying to shield, so let’s continue to get tested together. To help with this there are now two main ways to get tested – you can either:

• Book a testing slot in the Great Hall on a Monday or Thursday.

• Or Pick up a self-testing kit to do at home.

Self-testing kits contain seven tests (enough for almost a month) with results showing within 30 minutes. The test kits are available for collection from the Bramall Music Building Entrance every day Monday – Thursday (9am-4.30pm). You don’t need to book but please have your student ID with you. We’ll be adding other locations and accommodation sites for testing kit collection so watch this space…

When you are home testing, remember that you must report the results every time you take a test - even if it is negative. The reporting tool is available here: Report a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test result - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) This provides you with evidence of your result by text and/or e-mail. Follow the instructions provided with the kit and make sure to choose the correct UoB site identifier - details at the collection point.

If you get a positive result, remember that you must self-isolate immediately and then you can let us know via: Test, Trace and Protect (birmingham.ac.uk)

Whether testing in the Great Hall or at home, don’t forget that these are tests for people who do not have any symptoms (asymptomatic) and are most effective when used regularly and routinely. If you have any symptoms of coronavirus you should self-isolate and book yourself a PCR test - Get tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Check out Spring into Summer

A season of outdoor activities and food and drink is now available on campus offering a range of street food, mini golf, giant board games and a series of activities like crafts, yoga and bread baking. So get yourself down to University Square and get involved! Find out more here.

Enjoy our new outdoor cinema

As part of Spring into Summer @UoB we have set up a new outdoor cinema showing blockbuster films twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It’s free and you don’t have to book though it will be first come first served, so get down there early to bag some of the comfy deckchair front row seats! Find out more here.

Feeling hungry?

From today catering outlets across campus and the Vale Village will also offer indoor dining. You can see the latest opening hours for catering outlets here.

Good luck in your assessments!

The Government’s date for return to campus has also coincided with our online assessment period. As above remember there is support available if you need it and if you do want more tailored assessment advice check out Assessment Support Week resources or visit the Academic Skills Centre.

Want some quiet study space?

Our study spaces are open across campus and, in response to your feedback, we have created additional study space in the marquee situated in the Green Heart. Open 10.00am - 4.00pm from Monday to Friday with individual desks, heating and Wi-Fi. Power points are limited, so please remember to charge devices in advance.

Online support is still available

We are aware that for some students, particularly many of our international students, you may not be able to travel back at this stage. Provision has been made for this and access to services will continue to be available online including study support, virtual events and student support. There are a small number of courses that require attendance in person and if this applies to you, your School or Department will be in touch to confirm.

Most of all we hope you enjoy what’s left of the semester, please continue to follow the guidance so we can all stay safe. It’s good to be back.

Don’t forget to check the Student News section on the intranet and your fortnightly student e-newsletter, The Brum Bulletin, every other Wednesday to keep up to date with all things UoB!

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