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COVID-19 FAQs for students

  • 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?

    Following the Government announcement to ease COVID-19 restrictions from Monday 19 July, we have reviewed 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 testing facility and home test kit collection
    • Hand sanitiser dispensers throughout campus
    • Hand washing guidance
    • Ventilation in every room

    What’s changed?

    • Face coverings are no longer a legal requirement, however we encourage our community to wear a face covering when moving around our campuses in indoor and crowded spaces, such as; the LRCs, corridors, teaching rooms, food outlets, and shuttle buses.
    • Social distancing is no longer in place
  • Will I need to wear a face covering when on campus?

    Face coverings are no longer a legal requirement, however we encourage our community to wear a face covering when moving around our campuses in indoor and crowded spaces, such as; the LRCs, corridors, teaching rooms, food outlets, and shuttle buses.

    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.

  • 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. This will mean you can get involved in every part of student life including going to nightclubs and bars. For more information about the COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the NHS website.

  • Is it safe to live on campus?

    Yes it is. We’ve introduced a number of safety measures to make sure all of our accommodation is safe. You can read more about these measures in our accommodation FAQs.

  • Will social activities still be allowed to continue?

    To continue to create opportunities for safe socialising we have launched our Spring and Summer at Herts events calendar, with a whole range of virtual and physical events to help connect our Herts community once again.

    From fun and social activities, to workshops, support sessions and careers advice, there’s something for every student to get involved with.

    For more information, check out our events calendar. You can also keep up to date with the latest Active Students sessions on their timetable and see what Hertfordshire Students’ Union have going on by visiting the HSU website.

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

    We are in unprecedented times and it's very normal to be feeling anxious and unsettled at the moment.

    We have a range of resources from teams all across the University. You can reach out to the Dean of Students team via email or by phone +44 (0) 1707 281010. You can also get advice and support 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 the Coronavirus 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. We also recommend that you read the government’s advice on the new sources of financial support that are available during the pandemic and, if you are in receipt of student finance, check out the SLC Student Loan Company's guidance for current students.

  • 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 the 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 and any other members of your household must self-isolate, while you obtain a test with the obtain a test from the NHS.

    If you test positive for COVID-19 you must follow the advice given by the NHS Test and Trace Service or 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 and your entire household group must self-isolate for 14 days. Read more about what to do on our track and trace webpage.

  • 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’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 Report and Support 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.

  • I am feeling a little lonely – how can I meet other people?

    There are multiple Facebook groups students can join to meet other students and find support. These include the Dean of Students group Herts Virtual Community, and the UH Freshers, Accommodation and Commuting students groups. We have also launched School specific groups for students to interact with fellow students on their course and share relevant information and events. Join our Facebook groups now!

    And keep an eye on the University website for the latest events.