What Does Lockdown Mean For Me?

With the latest government announcement of a national lockdown we know you will have a lot of questions and worries. Your Union is still here for you. Find out more about what’s happening, what support is available and how you can tell us what you need.

  • Posted Wed, Nov 4, 2020 5:19 PM

The most recent government announcement told us that we’re approaching another national lockdown beginning on Thursday 5th November. Well, the first bit of good news is that even under the latest national guidelines universities are staying open. But what does that mean for you? 

The University is still open. Since the beginning of term, there have been a number of changes across campus to keep everyone safe, including hand sanitizer, capacity restrictions, one way systems and even a brand new blended learning approach. So, while your lectures may have shifted into a virtual world, the facilities on campus are still available to use, even the library (plus a bunch of other study spaces). 

Though we understand not everyone is comfortable with physically being on campus at the moment. If you have any concerns, get in touch with your personal tutor; they’ll be able to help. Are you unsure of what your personal tutor can help with? Find out more with our handy infographic here

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We want you to have your say! 

As the Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan MP stated in her letter to students. “Your university must ensure the quality of the tuition you receive. If more teaching is moved online the standards must be maintained”. 

As your Students’ Union we need to hear your voice. We want to ensure your views are heard at the highest level of the University. And that’s why it’s important, now more than ever, to give us your feedback. Tell us what’s good and tell us what could be improved.

How can you do that? Well, by filling in the Great Big Student Survey

If you have an idea of something you think should be changed on campus or your course you can submit an idea through the Have Your Say platform, or vote on already submitted ideas.

We understand that with another set of guidelines it’s a strange time to be at University. But there is still a lot on campus that you can safely get involved with and many spaces that are still available for students to use. 

Student Group Activity

We know that many of you are wondering what the new lockdown means for student group activity, our Groups Team have been working hard behind the scenes to see what is feasible and have provided a recent update for all student groups.

Reception and Shop

The shop and reception team are still here for you. If you have any questions you can pop into the Union building and talk to a member of the team Mon - Friday 9am - 3pm or email us at hello@upsu.net.

Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten your classic hoodie to snuggle up in for the colder weather. Our Union shop will remain open online where you can choose to have official University merchandise delivered to your door or to click and collect from the Union building.

Instagram Live Q&A

On Friday 6th November at 5pm, head to our Instagram (@portsmouthsu) for a Live Q&A with your Elected Officers, Hayley & Rama. They will be on for an hour to answer any of your questions regarding the new lockdown, support and campus life in covid times.

Advice is open!

Your Advice Service is still open. We are offering digital and phone appointments as well as keeping our physical Advice Reception Desk open Monday - Friday. If you need help with navigating academic policy or need some guidance for filling in an ECF, then Advice are here for you! advice@upsu.net

Check out our Mythbusting guide to ECFs here

Can I go home for the Christmas Break now? 

As for everyone under the new national restrictions from 5 November, you should stay in your current home. This means you should not leave your term time address to return to your parents’ or carer’s home until at least 2 December - and should continue to learn at university for the remainder of this term. The national restrictions are for 4 weeks. The Government will publish further guidance shortly on how students can return home safely at the end of term. 

If this is causing you any level anxiety then we highly recommend getting in touch with either your personal tutor or University Wellbeing.

If you're worried about your rights in your student housing during this strange time, your Welfare Officer, Hayley, has put together a Renter's Rights pack.

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