All university students will return to campus from May 17, it was announced today.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed that in-person teaching will resume for all students from next week as part of Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown.
Returning students will be expected to get tested for Coronavirus on campus twice a week.
Some university students, including those doing practical courses such as science and engineering, and who need to access specialist facilities and equipment, are already back on campus.
But from May 17 every student will be able to have face-to-face teaching.
Before the remaining students return, they will be expected to take a Covid test at least one day before they travel back to their accommodation.
They will then be encouraged to take three more supervised lateral flow tests on campus, before being tested twice a week for the rest of the summer term.
If they test positive with the lateral flow test they will need to self-isolate for ten days, unless they receive a negative PCR test result within two days of the first test being taken.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Our priority from the very start of this pandemic has been to help students complete their courses and graduate as planned which is why I am pleased that the Prime Minister has today confirmed all remaining students can return to in-person teaching from the 17 May as part of Step 3 of the Government’s road map.”
She added: “It is vital that we make every effort to keep us all as safe as possible, and every student will be offered three tests on return to campus. I would strongly encourage students to make use of the free tests available to them.”
The department for education also today launched a special guide for students graduating in the pandemic.
The Graduate Employment and Skills Guide aims to help pandemic graduates consider their post-university choices, identify and develop their critical skills, gain professional experience, and further their career while maintaining good mental wellbeing.
Ms Donelan said: “I know that entering the jobs market can be daunting, particularly during a global pandemic, but I know that employers will recognise the resilience and strength of this year’s graduates and the essential role they will play in this country’s recovery.”
