On Wednesday 2 December, we received guidance from the government about their plans for students returning to university campuses in the spring term. Institutions have been asked to:
- ‘stagger’ the return of students to campus, prioritising students on programmes with practical elements or placements; and
- provide Lateral Flow Tests for non-symptomatic students when they return to campus.
We are working our way through this new guidance and developing plans for this staggered return, and will write to all students before the end of term to let you know about testing arrangements and when you should plan to be back on campus.
We can confirm, however, that our spring term will start as planned on Monday 11 January for most students, noting that a small number of programmes will start before that. Programmes will start online for many students initially, as we transition back to face-to-face teaching in a phased way by early February.
We are still planning to reopen our Library, catering services and campus facilities from 4 January after the Christmas closure.
This new government guidance does not change any of the information we have already provided to our international students, including students from the European Union, about the return to campus.
Can I travel back and forth between my student accommodation and the place where I’m spending the winter break?
When can I return to my university accommodation following the winter break?
Will I miss out on teaching and learning if I am asked to return later than my original start of term date?
What if I am staying in Reading over the winter break - when will my face-to-face teaching resume?
What facilities will be open from the start of term?
How can I get a test when I return to university and what do I do when I get my test result?
Do I have to take a test when I return to university?
Can I travel on public transport to go back to university?
My family home is in Wales/Scotland/Northern Ireland - do I have to take any extra measures before returning to my university in England?