Semester 2 arrangements

On 27 January, the Government announced that schools and colleges in England will not return to full face-to-face education until 8 March at the earliest.

The Government has since confirmed that this also applies to higher education, and therefore all university students should continue their studies remotely until 8 March at the earliest. Only those students on courses previously permitted to return to campus will continue with face-to-face teaching for now.

Students on these courses should book and take two rapid Covid tests, three days apart, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days before commencing face-to-face study.

We will provide further information about what this means for Oxford Brookes students and their studies as soon as we can - no further information has been shared by the Government at present. Once we receive confirmation from the Government that face-to-face teaching on campus can restart for more students, we will give students at least one week’s notice while the University updates student timetables and Google Calendars. In the meantime, students should remain where they are and continue to engage with their online learning as planned.

Colleagues across the University are working hard to support students throughout the semester. We encourage students to reach out if they need help through Wellbeing and the other University student support services. If you have any questions please email covid-19@brookes.ac.uk 

Your health and safety is our highest priority and we will ensure that all face-to-face teaching continues to be delivered in a Covid-secure, on-campus environment. 

Research students will receive further information shortly. Students studying at partner colleges should follow guidance from their college.

Office for Students guidance states that wherever possible, students should not return to their term-time accommodation until their face-to-face teaching begins. This will help minimise the risk of transmission across the country and make it easier for students to get tested quickly when they do return to university. 

However, students may return to university earlier if they do not have access to appropriate alternative accommodation, facilities or studying space, or if they decide it is better for their mental health and wellbeing.

Students returning to/arriving at university accommodation should book and take two rapid Covid-19 tests, three days apart, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days before commencing face to face study.

You should avoid returning to university to collect any of your belongings which your may have left at your university accommodation over the winter break. However, you can travel back to collect any medical equipment or items required for online learning if it is essential.

We can confirm that our libraries, social and study spaces, IT facilities, labs and a selection of catering outlets are open. However, you should only utilise campus resources when you have to, in order to reduce footfall on campus. ou can check campus opening times on our facilities webpage.

The Brookes Union Advice service is open.

You can find out about accessing online help and resources from the Library on its webpage.

Students should access support services - such as Student Central, Careers, and the IT Service Desk - online through email or online meeting software such as Google Meet or Zoom, where applicable.

Wellbeing services will remain predominantly online as they have throughout Semester 1. Please visit the Wellbeing website for information on how to access these services.

Based on the Government's roadmap, and pending further review, Brookes Sport has a provisional reopening date of Monday 12 April. Please visit the Brookes Sport website for further information.

Students who are travelling or returning to the UK will need to quarantine for 10 days after arrival. 

New Covid-19 test requirements apply to anyone travelling into the UK. This International Student Advice Team webpage explains what you need to know about the test requirements and travelling to the UK, including new quarantine rules. 

All students without Covid symptoms will be strongly encouraged to undertake two rapid Covid-19 tests after arriving back at University. This will be an important way of preventing further outbreaks amongst the student community in the New Year and avoiding large numbers of students isolating.

Students returning to Oxford Brookes should also take a rapid (Lateral Flow) test prior to travelling back to University where possible. Local tests sites can be found via this NHS map service - use the filters to select ‘Test site for people without symptoms'. If you aren’t able to get a test, you may return to University as planned, however you should follow social distancing rules, reduce where possible your social contacts and book a rapid Covid-19 test as soon as possible.

Booking is now open via the Oxford Brookes rapid Covid-19 test booking website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email covid-19@brookes.ac.uk.