Information for continuing students

In recent days, we have joined the nation in mourning the passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

As a mark of respect, the Union Flag is flying at half-mast at Headington Hill Hall, Headington Campus. The Vice Chancellor has also written a letter of condolence to His Majesty King Charles III.

Books of condolence are available on every campus for students and staff to sign, should they wish. They can be found at the following locations:

Headington Campus: Gipsy Lane site - Library ground floor entrance
Headington Campus: Marston Road site - main entrance reception
Harcourt Hill Campus: Westminster Chapel
Swindon Campus: reception
Wheatley Campus: refectory entrance, The Hub.

Alternatively, an online book of condolence is available on the Royal Household website.

We recognise that students will be affected by this news in different ways. If you need help or support with feelings of grief or loss, please contact Student Support Services. Alternatively, you may find resources dealing with grief and loss on Student Space or Togetherall helpful.

Our campuses remain open this week and scheduled teaching and events continue.

Will the University be open?

The University wishes to respect the bank holiday as far possible, as a sign of respect for this solemn occasion.

For students whose courses have already started, all faculty-based teaching will be cancelled on 19 September; this will either be rescheduled or delivered in a different way and your Faculty will contact you with details. Brookes Nursery will be closed.

If you are a first-year student, all faculty-based events on 19 September will be cancelled. A small number of University induction events will run where these are essential to support arriving students and do not coincide with the funeral service. Please check the events calendar for more information, which will continue to be updated over the coming days.

Headington Campus will remain open and limited services will be running to support and welcome students arriving on campus on 19 September. All other campuses will be closed.

Catering outlets and the Co-op on Headington Campus will be open, except from 10.45am-12.15pm. Brookes Sport in Headington will be open from 2.00pm.

Halls of residence will remain open and our teams will be available to support students arriving and moving in.

Welcome Weekend activities will continue as planned.

Where can I watch the funeral on campus?

Students and staff will be able to view the funeral at the following places:

Headington Campus: Union Hall (10.00am-2.00pm) and Taylor’s Yard, John Henry Brookes Building
Harcourt Hill Campus: Westminster Hall.

Residents will also be able to view the funeral in the following places:

Clive Booth Student Village: lounge, Postgraduate Centre
Paul Kent Hall: common room, Rowan House.

Quiet spaces will also be available on some campuses for personal reflection:

Headington Campus: Buckley Building - Reflection Room (all day), and Garden Room (until 10:45am)
Harcourt Hill Campus: Westminster Chapel.

Services on campus will pause between 10.45am and 12.15pm, during the state funeral service at Westminster Abbey.

Please be aware that bus and train services may be impacted on the bank holiday - please check before you travel. Most supermarkets and other shops are also expected to close.

If you are an international student returning to campus and have questions or concerns, please contact the International Student Advice Team for advice.

We recognise that cancelling our induction and teaching activities on Monday 19 September may cause some disappointment, but we feel that this is the appropriate decision to take and that it is important for students and staff to be able to observe this solemn occasion. Please be reassured that there will be no detriment or loss to your ongoing student experience.

Her Majesty the Queen was a dedicated and committed public servant. Her loss is felt deeply and our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.