Guidance on living safely with infections

The Government has published advice on living safely with respiratory infections including COVID-19, which includes measures such as getting vaccinated, keeping spaces well ventilated and practicing good hygiene.

What to do if you feel unwell with symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory infections

If you do feel unwell, even if it’s ‘just’ a cold or sore throat, we strongly encourage you to stay at home if you can, to avoid passing on infection to others in the community. Your module tutor may be able to signpost you to online materials so you can continue to follow your studies at while at home, if you are well enough.

If you’re unable to attend teaching due to illness, please report this to your department as soon as possible – more information can be found on the Attendance at UCL pages and the Student Attendance Policy 2021/22.

If your assessment(s) will be affected by illness, you may be eligible to apply for Extenuating Circumstances.

Vaccinations and overseas vaccination validation service

We strongly advise everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Find out more about how to get vaccinated and validate your vaccination on our student website.

Testing and reporting

In line with Government guidance and the end of the free national testing programme, we no longer advise staff and students to test for COVID-19 twice a week. Please continue to follow guidance on hygiene and do not come onto campus if you feel unwell.

Face covering guidance and keeping safe on campus

In line with Government guidance, staff, students and visitors are no longer expected to wear face coverings or masks on campus. You may be required to wear a face covering in some areas of UCL which are managed by our partner hospitals. Please remember to follow local guidance. We recognise that it is an individual’s choice to wear a face covering or not, whether at UCL or in wider society. Please be considerate of those around you, especially if they are wearing a ‘Please give me space’ lanyard or badge. The UK Government has published guidance on when to consider wearing a face covering or a face mask. 

Your health and wellbeing remain our priority and we’re working to sure our campus is as safe as possible and minimise the risk to everyone onsite. Find out more about how we’re keeping campus safe and how you can play your part.

More information and links

• If you have any queries about COVID-19, please use the askUCL service
• Government advice on living safely with respiratory infections including COVID-19
• Government guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection including COVID-19
• Government guidance for people whose immune system means that they are at higher risk.