Students to be offered testing on return to university in new year

All students should be offered Covid tests when they return to university to help identify and isolate those who are asymptomatic

Students will be asked to stagger their return to universities after Christmas to help protect those around them and reduce transmission of Covid-19.

New guidance published by the Department for Education will set out how higher education providers should manage student returns over a five-week period according to the following:

• From 4 - 18 January, medical students, those on placements or practical courses with a need for in-person teaching should return in line with their planned start dates
• Remaining courses should be offered online from the beginning of term so students can continue their studies from home
• From 25 January, all other students should start to return gradually over a two-week period and by 7 February, all students are expected to have returned.

All students should be offered Covid tests when they return to university to help identify and isolate those who are asymptomatic but could spread the virus. All universities will be offered testing facilities to give students two lateral flow tests, three days apart, with results turned around within an hour. 

The government has also announced a one-off fund of up to £20 million to help students most in need of support in these exceptional circumstances.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: “I know students have had to make sacrifices this year and have faced a number of challenges, but this staggered return will help to protect students, staff and communities.

“It is so important students have the support they need to continue their education, which is why we are providing up to £20 million funding for those facing hardship in these exceptional times.”

Universities should tailor plans to best suit the needs of their own student population. They should also consider prioritising those who may need to return to campus earlier for other reasons such as students who do not have access to appropriate accommodation or study space.    

The plans for the spring term follow those enabling students to return home for the Christmas break, with 126 universities offering mass testing for students before they leave in the ‘travel window’ between 3 – 9 December. 

Mass testing could help break transmission among students especially when they may be asymptomatic. Students should restrict contact in the three days between their tests and if they receive a positive test they will have to self-isolate in their accommodation.     

Universities should continue to provide additional support to students who are isolating to ensure they can access food and medical supplies if needed, along with mental health support.    

Where available, students who have spent the winter break in Tier 3 areas where mass community testing is on offer should take a test before travelling back to university if possible.