Free start of semester Covid tests for students with no symptoms

The test should take about 10 minutes, however you should allow additional time for registration and in case of queuing. Please remember to bring your mobile phone and student ID with you, for registration and results purposes.

You should ideally take two tests, three days apart. If this is not possible, you should take at least one test. Your first test should take place as soon as possible after you return to campus or to your student accommodation.

Tests will be rapidly processed on site; you may receive your results in as little as an hour, however it could take longer. 

Although they give a result much more quickly, the lateral flow tests are not as sensitive as the PCR tests (that is, lateral flow tests cannot detect very low levels of Covid-19). By doing two tests, three days apart, the programme is more likely to identify anyone with Covid-19 than from a single test.

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case, you can attend your booked test but you must then immediately return to your accommodation to self-isolate. You should avoid travelling on public transport. If you have no other option than to use public transport, you should strictly observe social distancing measures, wear a face covering and wash hands thoroughly and regularly during the journey. 

The test is self-administered - you will do it yourself at one of our testing facilities on campus, with support from a testing helper. The test involves rubbing a swab (similar to a long cotton bud) at the back of your throat and up your nostril. 

You should bring your mobile phone and student ID with you - this is for registration and results purposes. Please also remember to bring your face covering.

We will have testing available at our Headington (at The Terrace, John Henry Brookes Building), Harcourt Hill and Swindon campuses from 7 January.

The tests we are providing are a ‘lateral flow test’ that is quick to take and gives results quickly. This detects the coronavirus antigen that is produced when a person is infectious with coronavirus.

The test is self-administered - you will do it yourself at one of our testing facilities on campus, with support from a testing helper. The test involves rubbing a swab (similar to a long cotton bud) at the back of your throat and up your nostril.

There are two main types of test used to check if people currently have coronavirus.

The test that is being offered in this programme is called a lateral flow antigen test. This detects the coronavirus antigen that is produced when a person is infectious with coronavirus. These are quicker tests that produce a rapid result and do not require a laboratory to be processed.

If you’ve previously booked a test through the NHS, it is likely to have been a PCR test, and this looks for the virus’s genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA). These tests are currently more commonly used in the NHS for testing people with symptoms. They require a laboratory to be processed.

You can still be infectious and not show or experience any symptoms, which means you could pass the virus to others. The lateral flow test is designed to detect the level of virus in individuals who do not experience and show any symptoms (they are ‘asymptomatic’). By taking a test, you will help to stop the spread of the virus, protect other people and save lives. 

It is really important that we all do our bit to stop the spread of the virus and protect our friends, loved ones and other members of society. Taking the test will help us fight the pandemic and save lives. Stopping all contact with other people for a limited period of time to prevent them from becoming infected is an essential part of the fight against the virus.

The tests are recommended for all individuals without Covid-19 symptoms, including those who have previously tested positive for Covid-19 and completed their self-isolation 10 days ago or more.

Lateral flow tests are validated technology (the most commonly known type is a pregnancy test), they are safe and the results are trusted. These tests have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation including at Public Health England’s research laboratories to ensure they are verified for use. 

It may be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. 

Lateral flow tests are very accurate (highly specific), which means that only a very small proportion of people who do not have coronavirus will receive a positive result (false positive). However, in mass testing, because so many people without symptoms are being tested, there is still the possibility of getting a false positive result. If you receive a positive test result, you should book a PCR test to confirm the result either by booking a test online or by calling 119.

Assisted testing is available for anyone who is unable to self administer the test– including assistance with the swabbing of their throat or nose, or help with reading instructions. If an assisted test is required, please let us know via the online booking system and inform staff upon arrival, when completing registration.

Please note that disabled access bays are available at all sites. All testing sites are accessible to wheelchair users.

Appropriate face coverings need to be worn throughout the testing process whilst in the testing facility, apart from when guided by a testing professional to remove it when you take your sample by swabbing. You should put your face covering back on immediately after completing your test and before leaving the testing booth.

Should you have age, health or disability reasons for not wearing a face covering, please inform the site manager as soon as you arrive so that they can take additional precautions. 

We know that some students are on placements or have work commitments which meant they could not travel by 9 December. Testing will be available until 17 December to enable you to get a test before you leave. You will then need to travel as safely as possible. 

We ask students to travel home as safely as possible. You should observe social distancing measures, wear a face covering and wash your hands regularly during your journey.

If you are symptomatic or have tested positive for Covid-19, you should not travel until you have been tested and/or advised to do so by NHS Test & Trace. 

Those who are already licenced to reside in our halls of residence can remain in the accommodation as this is included in the licence term. If you require additional support during this time, please reach out to your halls team. If you are staying in private accommodation and need a room to isolate in we can also help with this. Please contact the Accommodation Bureau to discuss this further. 

If you receive two negative tests, you are advised to return home as soon as possible and avoid unnecessary socialising. 

If you test negative but are identified in the meantime as a close contact of someone who has tested positive, you should follow the instructions from NHS Test & Trace or from the Oxford Brookes Covid Response Team. you can return home  but must continue self-isolation at home for a period of 10 days, and you should use private transport wherever possible to get home. If you have no other option than to use public transport, you should strictly observe social distancing measures, wear a face covering and wash hands thoroughly and regularly during the journey.

If you are travelling overseas during the festive period, you may be required to show evidence of a negative Covid-19 PCR test prior to travel. Please note that the Asymptomatic Test (lateral flow test) we are offering is NOT the same as a PCR test.

If you need a PCR test for travel purposes you should organise this with a private provider. You will need to pay for this service.

You should also check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for details of country entry requirements to see which test you will require and any other conditions of entry currently in place.