UoB Student Update, Wednesday 16 September 2020

 

We understand that you may have questions about the impact of the recent announcement that there will be additional social restrictions across Birmingham to reduce the potential spread of Covid-19.


So this week we wanted to focus on what those restrictions mean for you as a student at UoB, and reassure you that this doesn’t impact on your arrival in Birmingham or on the new semester getting underway. This week’s issue also includes a short film on returning to campus, details of a new online learning resource, and an exciting announcement on a new outdoor event, Lakeside!

 

Local Restrictions in Birmingham

The recent announcement from the UK Government and Birmingham City Council means that there will be some increased restrictions on social activities between households.  This does not mean that Birmingham is returning to a full lockdown, but rather that there will be some temporary restrictions on targeted activities in order to help reduce the rate of positive cases.  

However, educational settings, including universities are not directly affected, meaning that the campus can continue to operate in a Covid-secure way and we expect that most of our activities will go ahead as planned with a combination of online and on-campus activity.

These specific local restrictions are in addition to the government’s latest national policy on no gatherings of more than six people indoors or outdoors. 

Put simply (or as simply as we can!)

From Monday 14 September, in England, social interactions are restricted to the rule of six.  What that means is that you can socialise with up to five other people, from multiple households, whether that is outdoors or indoors But remember, that even under the rule of six you should still socially distance from anyone that you do not live with. 

However, if you live in Birmingham, from Tuesday 15 September you must not: 

  • host people you do not live with in your home or garden, unless they’re in your support bubble
  • meet people you do not live with in their home or garden, whether inside or outside of the affected area, unless they’re in your support bubble. 
  • You can still socialise outdoors: on campus, in parks and public spaces; and indoors, including in any hospitality settings (pubs, restaurants, or Lakeside!) while following the rule of six and social distancing of course!
  • If you live in a household with more than six people, you can continue to gather in and attend all settings together. 

We have put answers to some more of your questions on our new FAQ webpage - including answers to the question about “can I still meet family and friends back home?” and some advice for commuter students. 

On campus, you will still be able to meet other students on your course as part of your scheduled online and in-person teaching and learning activity. The Library and study spaces will still be open, our catering outlets and our outdoor spaces will still be available - and we are requiring all students and staff members to wear a face covering in all indoor spaces, corridors and teaching settings.   You will be able to collect your UoB face covering from any of our campus welcome points – where we also have stocks of sunflower lanyards and exemption cards for anyone who needs one. 

Our Campus Welcome Points are open now - so if you wanted to visit the campus this week to have a look around you would be welcome!  

 

Travelling to the UK from abroad 

If you are planning your travel to the University we are continuing to work with our travel partner, Key Travel, to support students travelling to the UK. There is advice for finding available and affordable flights via Key Travel’s online booking portal. For students in China we have also updated information on charter flights being arranged by INTO Global and Juneyao Airlines. 

More information and updated FAQs  

 

Self-isolation support

Whether you arrive in the UK and need to isolate, or have to isolate following a positive Covid diagnosis. We are here to help whether you are staying in our accommodation or living in the private sector. 

More information on available support in private accommodation 
 

On film: Return to campus

We’ve put together a short animation to give you an idea of what campus will be like when you return and some tips on navigating your way around. It also contains useful information on all the safety measures we, and you, will need to take to protect everybody’s health.

Watch the film

 

MyUoB app and timetables 

We can confirm that your personalised teaching timetable will be released via the MyUoB mobile app and web app (accessed via the student intranet) next week before the start of teaching for semester one and you will be notified when it is available. 

Simply search the Apple or Google store for My UoB. If you have any issues accessing the app please contact the IT Service Desk

 Download My UoB

Explore Winterbourne 

For those of you back on campus, Winterbourne House & Gardens can provide a much needed source of relaxation and wellbeing (it’s also free for students).

The team at Winterbourne have ensured it is safe to enjoy and social distancing can be maintained, while still providing welcoming services such as the tea room and shop. You can also enjoy Winterbourne virtually through zoom talks and social media. 

 Explore Winterbourne

 

My Proof of Study online

We’re glad to report that the ‘My Proof of Study’ process is now online rather than in person – no more queuing! Similarly, your ID cards can now be ordered online if for any reason you have misplaced yours, it will be more important than ever that you have them on campus at all times now. 

You can also access documents online to prove your student status. A proof of study letter can be used when opening a student bank account or applying for council tax exemption. 

 My proof of study

 

Lakeside: a new outdoor event

Lakeside is an exciting new outdoor pop-up event on the Vale and a chance to spend time with your housemates, enjoy some amazing authentic food, and relax knowing it all been set up to keep you safe while you have fun.

The event will run outdoors on the Vale Village from 20 September- 4 October and is open to all students. Tickets for Lakeside can be purchased via the Guild of Students. 

 Book your table

Colleges

Professional Services