Update about Term 2 at UCL

A very happy New Year to you and I hope you had a good winter break. I am writing to let you know about UCL’s response to the UK Government’s latest COVID-19 guidance and what you can expect in Term 2.

UCL remains open and face-to-face teaching will continue. You should plan to be on campus for the start of Term 2, unless you are unwell, self-isolating, unable to travel to London, or your programme has previously been identified as available for remote study.

Activities that must be delivered face-to-face for you to achieve your learning outcomes will continue to take place in-person. Some large teaching events, such as lectures, will continue online as they did last term. Our libraries, study spaces, halls of residence and onsite catering facilities remain open, and Students’ Union UCL are running events and activities online and in-person.

This position is in line with the latest guidance from the UK Government and our own Public Health experts.

It is inevitable over the coming weeks that disruption will continue, and I know this may be a difficult time for you. You may be unwell or need to self-isolate, as might your teachers and support staff. This means that changes might need to happen at short notice. We will try to be as flexible as possible and do our best to keep you informed.

Travelling to London

Please remember to follow the latest guidance from the UK Government, your country of departure and any countries you will be travelling through, including requirements for getting tested for COVID-19. Before you travel: 

• Get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 if you can. 
• Download the free NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app.   
• Get tested for COVID-19, even if you don’t have symptoms. You may need to pay for a ‘fit-to-fly’ test and discounts are available. You can order free Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs)  for delivery to your address in the UK.
• Check the UK Government’s safer travel guidance.  

Overseas students who cannot travel to the UK

We expect there will still be COVID-19 disruption globally in Term 2, and some countries may introduce more restrictions, close their borders or advise their citizens not to travel. UCL will do everything possible to support all our students during this time. We cannot recreate the face-to-face experience, but we will do our best to help you continue your studies while you cannot travel.

If you are expected to be on campus and you cannot to travel to the UK, please tell us by completing this online form by Monday 10 January 2022. Your department will then let you know whether any further options are available to you.

Self-isolation

If you need to self-isolate, please let us know. Any student whose immune system means they are at higher risk of serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19 (or caring for someone in this group) is encouraged to speak to a Disability, Mental Health and Wellbeing Adviser to discuss what adjustments we can put in place to make sure you can continue your studies.

Staying safe on campus

Please remember:

• Get vaccinated or boosted against COVID-19 if you can. The NHS vaccination centre at Bidborough House is currently accepting walk-in appointments, although these may be suspended at very busy times.  
• You must not come to campus if you are unwell (even if you do not have COVID-19).
• Face coverings are mandatory while indoors on campus, unless you are exempt. 
• Get tested with a free Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test if you think you may have COVID-19 and report your test results to UCL Connect to Protect.
• Get tested at least twice a week with a free Lateral Flow Test (LFT), before you come to campus, and before mixing with people in crowded indoor places, even if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms. Please report your test results to the NHS and UCL Connect to Protect. LFTs are available to pick up from our testing centre in the Student Centre.

Further information and updates

Your health and wellbeing are our highest priorities, and we are continuing to follow the advice of our own Public Health experts to keep everyone as safe as possible. We will keep our position under review and share further information with you as soon as it becomes available.

In the meantime, please check the UK Government and NHS websites, as well as UCL’s coronavirus information hub. Your UCL Education 2021-22 also includes more details about Term 2 teaching arrangements.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence about your situation or how the pandemic is affecting your health and wellbeing, please get in touch with UCL’s Support and Wellbeing team

We look forward to welcoming you to campus and wish you a healthy and happy New Year.

With best wishes,

Professor Kathleen Armour
Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience)