Search Herts

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 following the latest Government guidelines to ensure the safety of our community. You can read our current status on the latest updates page.

    What safety measures are in place across campus?

    We continue to review our safety measures and ask everyone to continue to play their part in protecting themselves and each other.

      What’s stayed the same?

    • Enhanced cleaning regimes
    • On-campus home test kit collection available from main reception on both campuses
    • Hand sanitiser dispensers throughout campus
    • Hand washing guidance
    • Ventilation in every room

      • What’s changed?

    • Face coverings are mandatory in all University buildings unless you are medically exempt or are sitting down in a hospitality venue such as a food outlet. Students must wear a face covering in seminars, lectures, workshops etc.
    • Face coverings are mandatory on public transport and in shops unless you are medically exempt. This includes our shuttle buses to campus and in-between College Lane and de Havilland.

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

    The University has decided that in order to keep you safe, face coverings are mandatory in all University buildings unless you are medically exempt or sat down in a hospitality venue such as a food outlet.

    We are committed to supporting and promoting the health and wellbeing of our community. It is expected that staff and students will respect the decisions made by members of our community to protect themselves and each other.

    Please note that face coverings are mandatory on public transport (including the shuttle buses) and in shops unless you are medically exempt. If you are exempt, please wear your exemption lanyard, which you can pick up from either reception at College Lane or de Havilland.

    What is happening in hospitality venues such as the EleHouse and Forum?

    Updated Government guidance has not been released yet for hospitality venues. Please check the Students’ Union’s frequently asked questions page for the most up-to-date information.

    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, must not attend the University. If you are already on campus, please return to your accommodation. If you are a commuting student, please return home. You then must notify our Dean of Students team by emailing Deanofstudents@herts.ac.uk. You can also call +44 (0)1707 284451/50 or +44 (0)1707 281010 out of hours.

    If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you must self-isolate whilst you obtain a PCR test from the NHS. Any other members of your household must self-isolate if you have a suspected case of the Omicron variant even if they are double vaccinated.

    If you have any other COVID-19 variant, other members of your household must self-isolate unless any of the following apply:

    * you are fully vaccinated

    * you are below the age of 18 years 6 months

    * you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial

    * you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

    Read more about self-isolation.

    If you test positive for COVID-19 you must follow the advice given by the NHS Test and Trace Service and the Dean of Students Office at the University.

    Current guidance is that if you test positive for COVID-19 you must self-isolate for 10 days. Read more about what to do on our track and trace webpage.

    My housemate has tested positive, what should I do?

    If your housemate has a suspected case of the Omicron variant then you must self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

    If your housemate has any other type of COVID-19 variant you will not be required to self-isolate if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 and any of the following apply:

    • you are fully vaccinated
    • you are below the age of 18 years 6 months
    • you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
    • you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

    Fully vaccinated means that you have been vaccinated with an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended doses of that vaccine.

    NHS Test and Trace will contact you to let you know that you have been identified as a contact and check whether you are legally required to self-isolate. If you are not legally required to self-isolate, you will be provided with advice on testing and given guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19. Even if you do not have symptoms, you will be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible.

    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?

    No, but we encourage all students and staff to get the vaccine when they are invited to do so. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the NHS website.

    The Government has issued guidance stating that all NHS staff working or volunteering in care homes need to be vaccinated against COVID-19, unless they are exempt, to ensure we protect ourselves, our colleagues and those we care for. It has also been announced that frontline NHS staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 1 April 2022 to continue in their posts.

    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 are concerned, phone NHS 111.

    How does the vaccine work?

    The vaccine does not contain a live virus and it cannot 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 for the most vulnerable groups.

    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 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 100,000 lives so far and prevented more than 24 million COVID-19 infections in England alone.

    What is the vaccine made from?

    The vaccine does not contain any animal products, egg, or foetal cells.

  • Wellbeing and support questions

    Do I need to do anything before I go home for the winter break?

    Before you leave campus or the local area, we strongly encourage that you test for COVID-19 to help limit the spread of the virus during the festive season.

    You can order test kits to your home or pick one up from the reception at de Havilland or College Lane campuses.

    If you are taking public transport, please remember that face coverings are mandatory. You will also need to remember to wear a face covering in shops and in all University buildings.

    What support is available if I need to self-isolate?

    If you need to self-isolate, we have lots of help and support available to you.

    Read more about it on our Self-isolation advice and support page.

    Our Dean of Students team will be there to help you with any worries during self-isolation. You can contact them by emailing Deanofstudents@herts.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1707 284451/50 (9:00 - 17:00) or +44 (0)1707281010 (out of hours).

    And don’t forget, there is a wide range of virtual events and activities going on to make sure you can keep connected and busy during your self-isolation:

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

    It's very normal to be feeling anxious and unsettled at the moment.

    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.

    Also, if you feel uncomfortable in crowded places, you can pick up a ‘please give me space’ lanyard or badge from either reception at College Lane or de Havilland.

    I am a student who is having financial problems because of the COVID-19 crisis. 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 are 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 are not comfortable with – whether you have witnessed or experienced an incident, or you are 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.