Self-isolation advice and support for students
If you have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test result. you must stay at home, self-isolate, and avoid contact with other household members as much as possible. If you are self-isolating you should not leave your home unless there is a medical emergency or a fire alarm. For more guidance, please visit the Government website.
If you have been told to self-isolate, we have plenty of help and support available.
-
What to do if you need to self-isolate
If you test positive on a lateral flow test you are no longer required to do a PCR test to confirm. Instead, you should report your test result on the government website and begin self-isolation. You must self-isolate for five full days and provide a negative lateral flow test on day five and six of your isolation. If you still test positive, stay in isolation until you've had two negative tests taken on consecutive days, or after ten days.
If you test positive for COVID-19, friends, close contacts and members of your household who are fully vaccinated* should take a lateral flow test every day for seven days to help slow the spread of COVID-19. If they test positive, they must follow self-isolation rules as noted above. Adults who have had one vaccine and unvaccinated adults must self-isolate for ten days if they are a contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 – Omicron or not.
*Daily lateral flow testing applies to all contacts who are:
- fully vaccinated adults – people who have had 2 jabs
- all children aged 5 to 18 years, regardless of their vaccination status
- people who can prove they are unable to be vaccinated for clinical reasons
- people taking part, or have taken part, in an approved clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine
-
University accommodation advice
Food
You can access food boxes from the University by placing an order on our online EShop or order food locally and arrange delivery. If you have any issues, please let the Student Support team know as soon as possible for additional options.
Cleaning and shared facilities
A cleaning pack with an advice sheet will be delivered to your flat to help keep communal areas COVID-19 safe. Please use before and after use of these areas to reduce the risk of infection to others. Only use the kitchen and bathroom when others are not present. Consider drawing up a rota for use and never share household items. Wipe all hard surfaces with an anti-bacterial spray or wipes before and after use of these areas to reduce the risk of infection to others.
Waste
Rubbish bags will be provided in your cleaning pack. Please double bag your rubbish, place outside your house or flat when full and email the relevant accommodation helpdesk to collect.
-
Private rented accommodation advice
Food
Order food locally or from online services and arrange delivery or ask a friend or family member to collect for you and leave on your doorstep. If this is not possible and you meet the criteria, Hertfordshire County Council can help with emergency food provision. If you have any issues, please let the Student Support team know as soon as possible.
Cleaning and shared facilities
Only use the kitchen and bathroom when others are not present. Consider drawing up a rota for use and never share household items. Wipe all hard surfaces with an anti-bacterial spray or wipes before and after use of these areas to reduce the risk of infection to others.
Waste
Please double bag your rubbish and place it in the appropriate wheelie bin.
-
Teaching, learning and academic support
Contact your programme tutor so that they can provide advice on how best to support you with your academic studies during your self-isolation period if you are well enough to keep studying. If you do not know who your programme tutor is, let the Student Support team know. Your tutor will also advise and support you if you miss any teaching.
-
Mental health, wellbeing and Active Students support
Mental health and wellbeing
If your mental health is suffering or you feel like you are struggling please contact the Student Wellbeing team.
Alternatively, you can use our free 24/7 confidential counselling helpline by calling 0800 028 3766. The helpline is ran by Health Assured and counsellors are there to listen to you.
Student Minds has developed a resource called Student Space providing wellbeing and advice for students experiencing difficulties. They offer one-to-one support for whatever challenge you’re facing, designed for students. Whether it’s your mental health, your studies, money, housing or relationships.
Activities and Active Students
The University has a 10-day quarantine programme which Active Students and the Dean of Students have organised. The programme has ten days of activities for students to do and help keep themselves entertained and active during the self-isolation period. There are also plenty of other online events and activities you can engage with at the University.