The UK borders are open for international students in January

The UK borders are open for both returning and new international students in January. The universities are prepared to welcome them back on their campuses but with rules that need to be followed to enable the students and the staff safe environment. The UK’s Department for Education is asking universities to stagger students’ return over a five-week period from 4 January.

They should start with medical students and those on placements or practical programmes as those might require in-person teaching. The remaining courses should be offered online at the start of the term so that the students can continue their studies from home. These students should return gradually from 25 January.

All students should be provided Covid tests upon their return to university to help to identify and isolate those who are asymptomatic but could spread the virus. The Government is also working closely with providers to facilitate the roll-out of two lateral-flow tests three days apart.

With regards to new international students or existing international students planning to travel home for the holidays, the Department for Education guidance advises that students should confirm in advance with their provider when face-to-face teaching will resume and the student should inform their institution when they intend to arrive on campus after the holidays.

The universities and colleges should try to be as flexible as possible with international students travelling to the UK from overseas, especially if they have already booked the travel.

Study spaces, libraries, and labs – should remain open for students

Dr. Tim Bradshaw

Suppose students arrive in England from a country that is not on the safe travel corridor. In that case, they will need to self isolate or have the option to undertake a private test after 5 days of self-isolation, with a negative result releasing students from the need to isolate from day 6. Universities are allowed to keep facilities open for international students who wish to remain over the winter break.

The Chief Executive of the Russell Group in the UK, Dr. Tim Bradshaw, commented on the Government’s advice on-campus facilities during the winter break: “Government has rightly said that campus facilities – study spaces, libraries, and labs – should remain open for students who don’t have suitable learning spaces at home, and those staying on campuses over the winter break, including international students, even if they are not attending in-person lessons in January. With the help of hardworking staff, universities will do everything they can to ensure the best possible learning experience for all students, be that in-person or online.”