Support for students who need to self-isolate

I am writing to tell you that a small number of UCL students in halls have tested positive for coronavirus. These students have been asked to self-isolate in line with Government guidance, as have any students who have been in close contact with them. 

Self-isolation is not optional, it is essential to prevent the spread of infection and help keep everyone safe and you must do so immediately when asked. This means staying at UCL and not returning home, whether or not you have symptoms. Many people who test positive for coronavirus have no symptoms, but they can still pass on the virus, which can have devastating consequences in more vulnerable groups.

Support for all students

Being unwell when you are away from home is not easy, and it is especially difficult if you need to self-isolate. That is why we are working hard to support all students who are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, have tested positive, or have been asked to self- isolate. Our Student Support and Wellbeing team is in regular contact with these students to provide them with advice, practical help and wellbeing support. 

UCL’s Student Support and Wellbeing services are here to help look after your health and wellbeing and you can find out more about the support available if you are self-isolating on our Students webpages.

Support for students in UCL accommodation 

For students staying in accommodation managed by UCL, we also: 

• Provide 24 hour support onsite, seven days a week; 
• Give all self-isolating students who have notified UCL a free hamper of essential food and cleaning items;
• Offer students vouchers for free meal deliveries. These cover a range of dietary requirements and will be delivered directly to your accommodation;
• Support students with additional needs and medical conditions;
• Help students access medication and other essential services including laundry if required, free of charge;
• Make sure that all students know what to do if you or people you live with become unwell; 
• Invite you to join Flourish, UCL’s virtual community programme where you can take part in activities online, meet fellow residents and support your wellbeing.  

We are also working closely with intercollegiate halls to support the UCL students staying there.

If you think you might have coronavirus

If you have any coronavirus symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), please follow the step-by-step guidance for how to get a test and notify UCL using the Connect to Protect tool. You must follow Government advice and self-isolate if you have symptoms of coronavirus, you have tested positive or you’ve been contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Once you have notified us, our Student Support and Wellbeing team will be in touch with you to check how you are feeling and make sure you can get the help you need. 

Help us keep everyone safe

Your health and wellbeing are our highest priority and we have put a range of measures to protect our community and much of the campus is open. But we need your help to keep everyone on campus as safe as possible. Please follow UCL’s guidance to make sure campus is as safe as possible. It is also important to keep your contact details and next of kin information up-to-date on your Portico account and check your UCL email account regularly. 

If you are worried or you have any questions about coronavirus at UCL or what we are doing to keep you safe, please contact askUCL, our student enquiry system. 

Best wishes, 

Professor Anthony Smith
Vice-Provost (Education & Student Affairs)