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COVID-19 FAQs for students

We have broken down our COVID-19 frequently asked questions (FAQs) into three areas to help you.

If your query is not answered please contact Ask Herts

  • Campus life questions

    What's the current situation on campus?

    The University is open and you can read our current status on the latest updates page.

    What safety measures are in place across campus?

    • Enhanced cleaning regimes
    • Hand sanitiser dispensers throughout campus
    • Hand washing guidance
    • Ventilation in every room

    Will I need to wear a face covering when on campus?

    Face coverings are no longer mandatory in University buildings, but you can wear one if you wish to. You can pick up a free face covering from either reception on campus, whilst stocks last.

    What happens if there is a wave of positive COVID-19 test results reported at the University?

    The University is continually monitoring the number of local cases and has planned for many different scenarios to ensure the safety of its staff, students and the local community.

    If there is a rise in the number of local cases we will act on the advice of government bodies, including Public Health England, the NHS, and Hertfordshire County Council. Please refer to the University’s status update for the latest information and guidance and view our COVID case tracker.

    What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms or test positive for COVID-19?

    Students who develop COVID-19 symptoms or test positive are no longer legally obliged to self-isolated. However, the University asks that if you develop symptoms such as a high temperature or new cough, or test positive, to not come to campus and stay at home. If you’re on campus and fall ill, please go home. If you test positive, please inform the Dean of Students team by completing this form as soon as you can.

    Don’t forget to let your programme leader know that you won’t be able to attend any in-person classes, and if you’re not well enough to attend online classes.

    Is it safe to live on campus?

    Yes it is. We have a number of safety measures in place to make sure all of our accommodation is safe which include the following measures:

    • All rooms will be deep cleaned before you move in.
    • All areas within our accommodation have had enhanced cleaning using products which meet European and British standards assured to maintain hygienic conditions.
    • All rooms and communal areas have been inspected and any maintenance completed.
    • Daily or regular cleaning will focus on high touch point areas in common spaces, such as main entrance doors, lifts and stairwells and hand sanitiser will also be provided.
    • Weekly kitchen inspections will check to see if hygiene levels are acceptable, and waste removed.
  • Vaccination questions

    Do I need to have the vaccine before coming to campus?

    We encourage all students and staff to get the vaccine when they're invited to do so, but it's currently not mandatory. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the NHS website.

    Everyone over the age of 18 who had their second vaccine more than three months before can get their booster. Those who had their first vaccine more than three months ago can book/visit a drop-in centre to get their second vaccine.

    Is the vaccine safe?

    Yes, the vaccines have gone through strict clinical trials and safety checks like all other licensed medicines.

    What are the side effects?

    You may get some mild side effects like a sore arm, feeling tired, a headache, general aches or mild flu-like symptoms. You can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, if you need to. Symptoms normally pass in a few days. If your side effects seem to get worse or if you're concerned, phone NHS 111.

    How does the vaccine work?

    The vaccine doesn't contain a live virus and it can't give you COVID-19. It teaches your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you if you catch COVID-19.

    Do I need two doses of the vaccine?

    Over 18s and people at higher risk from COVID-19 need the second dose from 8 weeks after their first dose to get the strongest protection. Booster and top-up doses are also being rolled out to those who had their second vaccine over 3 months ago.

    If I’ve had the virus, do I need to have the jab?

    You can still catch the virus even if you've had COVID-19 before. Being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from getting seriously unwell in the future. You can have the vaccine 28 days after a positive COVID-19 test or after your symptoms started.

    Can I still catch COVID-19 if I have the vaccine?

    Yes it's possible, but you're much less likely to get seriously ill. The vaccine has saved over 230,800 lives so far and prevented more than 24 million COVID-19 infections in England alone.

    What is the vaccine made from?

    The vaccine doesn't contain any animal products, egg, or foetal cells.

  • Wellbeing and support questions

    I am feeling anxious and stressed due to COVID-19. What can I do?

    It's very normal to be feel anxious and unsettled.

    We have a range of resources from teams across the University. Our Student Wellbeing team are here to support you. You can also reach out to the Dean of Students team via email or by phone +44 (0) 1707 281010. Advice and support is available from Hertfordshire Students’ Union or Student Space, and you can even speak to the University Chaplain. Don’t forget there are lots of things for you to get involved in as well on our Facebook page and on the Active Students website.

    I am a student who is having financial problems because of COVID-19. Where can I go for help?

    For general money advice please visit our financial support and advice pages on Ask Herts. There is also some helpful information on the Citizens Advice Bureau website about how Coronavirus can affect you financially, including guidance about student loans and paying rent. if you're in receipt of student finance, check out the SLC Student Loan Company's guidance for current students.

    I’m concerned about my housemates, what should I do?

    If you see or experience anything that you're not comfortable with – whether you have witnessed or experienced an incident, or you're worried about someone else – our Speak Out service is there to look after our community and keep them safe.

    You can also contact the Dean of Students team by emailing Deanofstudents@herts.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)1707 284451/50 or +44 (0)1707 281010 out of hours.