Lockdown III: Here we go again…

A new year, a new lockdown - as we left 2020 behind us and ran into 2021 with hopes and dreams of a better year than the last one, we’ve been met with a new lockdown and the toughest restrictions since March 2020 for the next seven weeks.

Like with all the changes and restrictions being introduced, it can feel overwhelming and confusing and you might feel a little lost. That’s totally normal. And there is support available to you if you are struggling with anything.

• You can get in touch with our Advice Team
• You can find out more information about the University wellbeing services here
• You can read our article about the different services available here
• You can visit Student Space

On the very base level of it, you might be wondering how this will affect your University experience. Here is what we know:

Most University Students are being asked to remain off campus until the Government reviews the restrictions in mid-February.

Those students who are undertaking training and study for the following courses should return to face to face learning as planned and be tested twice, upon arrival or self-isolate for ten days:

• Medicine and dentistry
• Subjects allied to medicine/ health
• Veterinary science
• Education (initial teacher training)
• Social work
• Courses which require Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) assessments and or mandatory activity which is scheduled for January and which cannot be rescheduled (the University will notify you if this applies to you).

Students who do not study these courses should remain where they are wherever possible, and start their term online, as facilitated by the University until at least Mid-February. This includes students on other practical courses not on the list above. The majority of courses will be continuing online - you will be contacted by your course leader with more information.

There are currently no plans to close university buildings, and services such as the library and open IT rooms will remain open for study support.

Covid-19 testing will continue, and the university will strongly be encouraging students on campus to get tested regularly. Find out more about testing here.

University sport facilities will be closed in compliance with national Government guidance, however be sure to check out UOP Sport and Recreation's page for free virtual fitness sessions!

Further wellbeing and financial support will be available, including support from the University of Portsmouth Student Wellbeing Service and the Student Finance Service.

We don't have any further information about rent releases, the running of the university bus service and exams but we are looking into this and will update as soon as we can.

The Government has previously published ​guidance to universities and students on how students can return safely to higher education in the spring term​. This guidance sets out how they will support higher education providers to enable students that need to return to do so as safely as possible following the winter break.

If you live on campus, you should not move back and forward between your student residence and your ‘home’ residence during term time.

We know you'll have lots of questions about whether you can travel, if it is safe and what will happen. This page has a lot of FAQs which might help you. 

For those students who are eligible for face to face teaching, you can meet in groups of more than your household as part of your formal education or training, where necessary.

Students should expect to follow the guidance and restrictions. You should socially distance from anyone you do not live with wherever possible.

We are here to help and support you as much as possible during this time. You can get in touch with our Advice Team: advice@upsu.net

or your Elected Officers: electedofficers@upsu.net

Information correct as of 2pm 05/01/21