Student FAQ COVID-19 - University of Huddersfield

Table of Contents
Information for this term
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Support

Summer arrangements and the new academic year from September 2021

Planning for the Autumn term now is well underway and we expect that the campus will be fully open. This means that all of our facilities across all subjects from drama and music studios, art and design and film facilities through to laboratories and clinical simulation suites will be open for students to access on their courses.

Our on campus induction and welcome week activities will go ahead without restrictions as will timetabled on campus classes such as workshops, practical sessions, seminars and project work. All of this will be supported with online materials and tutorials, taking the best elements of digital engagement that we have developed over the last year.

We will continue to follow Government guidance about keeping the campus Covid-secure so our plans are of course subject to change, please check these pages regularly for updates.

Professor Jane Owen-Lynch, PVC Teaching and Learning has recorded a short video explaining what will be happening in September.

FAQ

Can I come on to campus during the summer?

Our campus will continue to be open over summer, and operated in line with updated Government guidance from 19 July. Our students will be able to access our library, laboratories, workshops, classrooms and all our facilities to support learning, and for some courses, especially post graduate courses, classes may be held on campus over the summer – please check with your course leaders for details.

All students and staff are encouraged to wear face coverings indoors (unless exempted).

How do arrangements from 19 July affect me as a post graduate research (PGR) student?

Our PGR students continue with current arrangements for remote working or access to facilities as required. School based PGR facilities will be available. For information on PGR studies, go to the Graduate School website.

When will term start?

Please look at your timetable to see when your classes will be taking place. It will be published in early September.

Should I book accommodation?

All our accommodation partners have been putting in extra measures to ensure that you have somewhere safe to stay whilst studying at the University of Huddersfield. Wherever you choose we suggest that you look in detail at the terms and conditions of any contract that you may be considering taking out with an accommodation provider and consider that government guidance may change.

How do I re-enrol?

You will be sent details of how to access the re-enrolment portal. Please do complete all the steps that are listed there to ensure you are re-enrolled before the start of term.

Student Wellbeing

I am feeling isolated and lonely - how should I take care of my mental health?

Some of your classes may be delivered on campus, but others will be online which means you may be seeing other people less frequently than normal, which could lead to you feeling isolated or lonely even on days you are not on campus. It is important to maintain some routine and structure, where possible build in activity such as online learning, exercise, a daily walk (self-isolation guidance permitting), reading or other such activities. You can find more advice in our self-isolation guide.

Depending on your School there may be virtual groups you can join – contact your school based support and guidance teams for information on these. There is also a support page for students needing to self-isolate.

The Students’ Union will also have information on how you can get involved in clubs and societies. Activities have been hosted online and where restrctions allow will have in person events taking place too.

Further information on managing isolation can be found through the links below.

NHS

Corona virus and your wellbeing (MIND)

Student Minds

True Student

Save the Student

Other support options can be found here

Togetherall

SHOUT

Staying Safe (suicidal thought planner, help making a safety plan)

Hub of Hope

Accessing Health Advice

If you are experiencing possible symptoms of covid-19 and require health advice you can contact NHS 119.

If you require health advice or a medical appointment in relation to other health difficulties or conditions then all primary care GP practices are open. You can contact the GP practice you are registered with to seek advice and where needed they will arrange an appointment for you. You can start your enquiry with your GP ether by phone or using the e-consult option if your GP is using this service (details will be available on your GP practice webpages).

I'm experiencing financial hardship as a result of this situation.

The University has a hardship fund (ALF) which students can make an application to. Find out more on the Access to Learning Fund Pages. The Wellbeing Service may also be able to offer advice and support in these circumstances. To contact the Wellbeing Service please email studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk

I am self-isolating and struggling to get essential items such as food and medicine

The wellbeing service can talk to you about local community support. You can contact the wellbeing service through email on studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk

Kirklees, the local Council, are working alongside local citizens and organisations to make sure that together we can all support our neighbours and communities. They have set up a website and forms where you can both request and offer support.

Most pharmacies now operate an e-prescription and delivery service. Enquiries about this facility can be made with the GP practice that you are registered with.

Food deliveries can be arranged with all major supermarkets. See the links below for further information.

COVID-19 FAQs - International Students

Drop-in sessions for international students

If you need to speak to us, we are running regular online drop-in sessions.

International Student Support Drop-in sessions

Monday - Friday 10.00am - 11.00am (UK Time)

How to join?

These session will be hosted online through Zoom

Join the drop-in during the times above or use Zoom Meeting ID: 959 642 421 (no password is required).

Please note the ‘waiting room’ will be operational during these meetings.

Immigration Team Drop-In Sessions

Mondays 12:00 - 13:00 (UK time).

Wednesdays 12:00 - 13:00 (UK time)

Fridays 11:00 - 12:00 (UK time)

How to join?

These session will be hosted online through Zoom

Join the drop-in during the times above or use Zoom Meeting ID: 949 762 438

Passcode: 030530

Please note the ‘waiting room’ will be operational during these meetings.

Our international office and immigration team are available to speak to one to one at these drop-in sessions, these are hosted on Microsoft Teams.

International Student Support Drop-in sessions

Monday - Friday 10.00am - 11.00am (UK Time)

Join the dro p-in

Please note the ‘waiting room’ will be operational during these meetings.

Immigration Team Drop-In Sessions

Mondays 12:00 - 13:00 (UK time)

Wednesdays 12:00 - 13:00 (UK time)

Fridays 11:00 - 12:00 (UK time)

Join the drop-in

Please note the ‘waiting room’ will be operational during these meetings.

What to expect:

Sessions will be on a 1-1 basis and you will automatically enter the queue. Please do not close the holding window or you will lose your place and have to re-join
We will alert you when the session is about to end
When your session is over, please click the red ‘leave’ button, alternately, we can put you into the waiting room if you may need to speak to us again.

If you would rather speak to someone outside the University of Huddersfield, you can contact an UKCISA, an independent charity supporting international students who will give you free, impartial and confidential advice. Contact UKCISA’s confidential helpline on +4420 7788 9214, Monday to Friday (except for public holidays), 1.00pm to 4.00pm (UK time). No information will be passed on to universities.

What to expect on campus?

Our on-campus induction and welcome week activities will go ahead without restrictions as will timetabled on-campus classes such as workshops, practical sessions, seminars and project work. All of this will be supported with online materials and tutorials.

We will continue to follow Government guidance about keeping the campus Covid-secure so our plans are of course subject to change, so please check these pages regularly for updates.

We would like to reassure you that we are making the University as safe as possible for our students and staff in accordance with UK government guidelines.

Self-isolation and Stay at Home Guidance

The most important symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are recent onset of any of the following:

a new continuous cough
a high temperature
a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell

For most people, coronavirus (COVID-19) will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms above you must stay at home and arrange to have a test to see if you have COVID-19. We've also published guidance and support for students self-isolating.

You should review current UK government guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. This guidance says “If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19, self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, restart your 10-day isolation from the day you developed symptoms.”

“If you live with others, all other household members need to stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days. The 10-day period starts from the day when the first person in the household became ill or if they do not have symptoms, from the day their test was taken. If anyone else in the household starts displaying symptoms, they need to stay at home for at least 10 days from when their symptoms appear, regardless of what day they are on in their original 10-day isolation period.”

Should you or any of your friends fall ill while in your student residence, there is guidance on isolation for residential educational settings. Let your halls provider know you need to self-isolate and let them know about the support you may need during this period.

If you are experiencing difficulties self-isolating in halls, please contact your provider or studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk.

What is the guidance and support available to me if I am self isolating in a halls of residence or shared house?

UK government guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection states that “If you are not experiencing symptoms but have tested positive for COVID-19, self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken. If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, restart your 10-day isolation from the day you developed symptoms.”

“If you live with others, all other household members need to stay at home and not leave the house for 10 days”

If you are living in halls of residence then the ‘household’ would normally include those students living in the same flat or on the same floor who share cooking or washing facilities, or both. Please contact your accommodation provider if your ‘household’ has not been defined for you. Government guidelines also say that you should self isolate in the halls of residence and not move to any other address.

Let your halls provider know that you need to self-isolate and let them know about the support you may need during this period. All of the major providers have support in place to help you with access to shopping and other necessities.

If you are experiencing difficulties self-isolating in halls, please contact your provider or studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk and we can offer assistance. Please also look at the well being web pages Student Wellbeing.

What will happen about my attendance record if I need to self-isolate?

There is no need for you to notify us of your absence. Any face-to-face sessions that you may miss will be disregarded in terms of attendance monitoring. Please continue to engage with sessions as appropriate via Brightspace.

IT Resources and support

What IT resources do I have access to?

The digital applications used to enable student learning include:

Brightspace – our web based virtual learning environment provides key course information, learning activities and access to recorded lectures and other teaching sessions.
Microsoft Teams – provides a flexible environment where video conferencing, chat, file sharing and many other features will enable you to collaborate and learn.
MyHud – both an app and website, provides access a wide range of personalised information and digital services relevant to students.
Microsoft Office365 - provides online applications to support student learning. The main suite of MS applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, OneDrive, Outlook, Teams) are available to students via the University without need for student to purchase their own licences.
Uni-desktop – provides access to a virtual PC providing access to a campus applications and services.
On-line library E-books, Journals and search are accessible through University library service.

All enrolled students have web access to these learning resources.

What IT equipment do I need for my studies?

To access all the support and learning technologies that are available we recommend that you have the following equipment:

A laptop or desktop PC with a camera, microphone, internet access: a laptop is recommended rather than a tablet as laptops better enable completion of assignments and engagement in the digital learning environments. Laptops also enable learning from home, on campus and during travel to and from campus. The computer you use does not usually need to be a high specification, but comfortably run IOS or Windows10. If your computer was new within the last 4-5 years, it should enable you to access the primary applications listed above.

A reasonably fast and reliable internet connection is required to participate in online tutorials and lectures. If your internet connection at home is not very good consider whether you can use an internet connection somewhere else (for example a workplace, library or friend’s house dependent on the Government’s latest guidance) when you need to study online or join an online tutorial. If you are moving into new accommodation don’t forget to ask about the availability of wifi.

A head set or earphones with a microphone. To more fully participate in online tutorials, you’ll need a headset with a microphone. You might be able to use a built-in microphone if your computer has one, but you’ll be able to hear, and be heard, more clearly with a headset.

How do you support students without access to IT facilities?

Our Library and computer labs are currently open and operate in line current Covid Secure guidelines. We operate a Laptop Loan scheme using a lapsafe system in our Library where you can book out a laptop for your own use, and our Library staff will be able to advise you on how to access this.

The University also has in place a Huddersfield Scholarship scheme, eligible students receive a £1000 award. Early in term one of 2021/22 eligible students will be provided with the opportunity to use up to £500 of this award to secure a laptop suitable for studies. Review the eligibility criteria for the Huddersfield Scholarship. If you are eligible the Huddersfield Scholarship the University will make contact with you directly.

We also have an Access to Learning Fund which we use to help all students who are experiencing exceptional and extraordinary financial hardship.

Disabled students and wellbeing issues

I need to speak to someone about wellbeing or disability issues. Who do I contact?

You can get in touch with the Wellbeing Services on studentwellbeing@hud.ac.uk or Disability Services on disability@hud.ac.uk. You can request an appointment with a Disability Adviser by completing the Disability Services Online Appointment Request form.

If you are on campus, iPoint can facilitate access to Wellbeing and Disability Services. They are situated at the main entrance to Student Central and are the reception to all student services and more. You can also ring iPoint on 01484 471001.

Please be aware, your appointment with Wellbeing and Disability Services will be online via Teams or via telephone unless there are circumstances which require you to meet staff face to face.

I need support with emotional or mental health issues. What type of support is available?

In addition to the appointments with Wellbeing Services, there is a range of other support, such as online information, support for care leavers, a Counselling Service, guidance on staying safe on campus etc.

You can access online support through an online service called Togetherall. This is confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It offers online self-help information, advice from trained staff and peer support.

There are Support and Guidance staff within each Academic School. Please have a look at your school's web pages for details of these staff and how to contact them.

Can I register with the GP practice on the edge of the University campus?

Yes, you can do this using the online registration form. There is further information about registration on the University Health Centre Web site in the new patients section.

What is the University guidance on face coverings?

Students, staff and visitors are asked to continue to wear face coverings when using internal spaces on campus after 19 July 2021.

I am exempt from wearing a face covering, what will happen if I come on to campus and I am not wearing a covering?

The University is aware that there are certain situations where the wearing of a face covering is difficult and that some conditions or disabilities can be exacerbated by the use of this. Therefore, if you are unable to wear a face covering, this is understood. Staff have been instructed to politely ask people on campus to wear a face covering, so please be prepared to explain that you are exempt.

There are several societies and organisations offering lanyards, badges, downloads for mobile phones etc. which indicate that you are exempt from wearing a face covering. You may wear or display one of these; however, this remains your choice and not an obligation.

I rely on lip reading when communicating with others. Will this be taken into consideration?

Yes. Staff delivering remote online lectures or taught sessions will not be wearing a face covering and are asked to ensure their face and lips are visible on the screen where possible. Staff have also been asked to record their online taught sessions whenever possible. You can therefore watch the session again at your own pace and in an environment to suit you.

Remote taught sessions will be delivered using Microsoft Teams which has a captioning facility. You can turn this on, and the spoken information will be subtitled. There is information about how to use this in the induction module on Brightspace, the University's virtual learning environment.

In face-to-face sessions on campus, provision can be made so you can continue to lip read. Please alert Disability Services to this so the necessary arrangements can be made. Many of the taught sessions on campus will be recorded through lecture capture. This captures all that the lecturer says alongside the information on the presentation screen.

If you have been recommended radio aids or hearing equipment through the Disabled Students’ Allowance, please check that Disability Services are aware of this as they can let the academic staff know that they may be required to wear a microphone transmitter. If you have been recommended equipment or software for recording lectures yourself, please make use of this and again, check that Disability Services are aware of this.

If I have an on-going or long-term health condition which increases my risk of infection or compromises my immunity, am I expected to come on to campus for face-to-face taught sessions?

We are awaiting further guidance on this situation and in the meantime, you are advised to get in touch with Disability Services to make us aware of your circumstances.

Will campus tours be on offer before the start of term in September 2021?

Campus tours are available until 17 August 2021 for applicants. Each tour will be for one household and there is more information on how to book a campus tour on the University web site.

Disability Services will be running campus tours on the Induction Day which will take place on Thursday 16 September 2021. This is available to disabled students who are joining us in September and second year students who are unfamiliar with the campus.

There is an interactive map of the campus showing a number of the facilities on campus such as food and drink outlets, accessible toilets etc. and a document showing the accessible routes around campus, including the accessible entrances and exits to buildings.

All the buildings on campus are named after patrons who are linked with the areas of work of the University. There is also information about how the rooms are labelled to assist you in finding the locations where you will be studying.

There are some short videos of the different floors in the University Library (Floor 2, Floor 3, Floor 4, Floors 5 and 6) Student Central and the main University Reception. You can either click on the screen to move through the different areas or press the play button to watch as automated tour of each site.

Staff at the main University Reception in Harold Wilson Building or at iPoint in Student Central will be able to help you find a location on campus if you are having difficulties with this.

I need to use a lift to fully access a building. Is lift access available on campus?

Yes. There may be restrictions on the use of some lifts and signage will clearly indicate this. Lift use is being continually monitored and guidance may change depending on the level of need.

Can I be supported through the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) application?

Yes. Our team of advisers are ready to help you through each step of this process. Registering with Disability Services helps put in place the best possible support at the earliest opportunity and we can work alongside you to complete the application and submit the necessary evidence.

I need a support worker to be with me on campus, for example a campus guide or a note taker. Can I still access this support?

Yes. Please contact Disability Services to discuss this further. The Support Workers will be working to guidelines to ensure they meet your individual requirements and minimise any risks associated with Covid-19.

How will my note taking support be provided for remote teaching?

If you require notes for online teaching sessions, we can link one of our note takers to the lecture on Brightspace so they can access the online provision to take your notes.

Will I be able to access support from my Specialist Tutor or Mentor?

Yes, we will be offering students a choice about accessing one to one support either remotely or in person and aiming to provide support in your preferred format wherever possible.

I need to ensure that I frequently eat and drink because of my condition or disability. Will there be facilities on campus where I can purchase food and drink?

The campus food and drink outlets are open and measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will be in place such as the use of contactless payment where possible. It may take longer to purchase food. We recommend that you do not wholly rely on this but have your own supply of cold food and drinks as a back-up.

If my face-to-face taught sessions are combined into one or two longer days on campus and I become fatigued and cannot attend some sessions, will this be taken into consideration?

Yes. Teaching materials from sessions you have missed can be made available to you. If you are struggling to catch up or understand information from a lecture you have missed, you can request support from your tutors.

In many circumstances you will also have access to the lecture capture of your lectures, so you can watch the presentation and listen to the information. Where this is not available, other options for capturing the information can be put in place. Please contact Disability Services for more information.

There is the potential that I will experience seizures when on campus. What will happen if I do?

Where appropriate, first aid staff will be called. Guidelines to minimise any risks associated with Covid-19 will be made available to them, so that they can provide the support you may require.

First Aid staff can be summoned from the security hub at the University Reception in the Harold Wilson building or by ringing 01484 472222.

I experience seizures which can be triggered when spending longer hours at a computer screen. Is there anything I can do to reduce the likelihood of a seizure?

There are several things you could try, although we cannot guarantee how beneficial you will find these suggestions:

You could purchase an anti-glare filter to place over your monitor or computer screen
You could download software which provides you with the option to put a colour filter on your screen. Colourveil is a free app which allows you to choose the colour and opacity of the overlay, although there are several different apps available. You are advised to check the terms and conditions before you download any apps.
You could download f.lux.com, which is a piece of software that adjusts the lighting to reflect the environment you are in and which reduced the blue glare from the computer screen.
You could check whether your display driver is out of date and update this if necessary.
Make use of tinted lenses if you have been recommended these by your optician.
Ensure you take regular breaks to reduce the amount of continuous time you spend in front of a computer screen.
Please ensure you consider the environment where you will be during your online taught sessions to ensure it is as safe as possible, and whether there are individuals around you who may be able to assist should you experience a seizure.

I have adjustments in my examinations to accommodate the impact of my disability. How will this be accommodated?

This will depend on the mode of assessment and the reasonable adjustments you have in your PLSP (Personal Learning Support Plan). Adjustments such as additional time, the provision of a support worker or the use of assistive software will normally be applied to the mode of assessment where relevant.

Placement FAQ 2021-22

These FAQs are relevant to students on a sandwich year placement, or a short placement only. It does not apply to students whose course incorporates work-based learning throughout e.g. allied health professions or education.

As the impact of Covid-19 across the UK and globally continues to evolve, we recognise that placement opportunities for students in 2021-22 will continue to present challenges, particularly as cases are likely to increase into the autumn and travel restrictions remain unpredictable.

This guidance has been produced with reference to the QAA’s eight contingency planning principles for placement provision.

I’m thinking about a placement, what are my options in 2021-22?

Not all options are open to everyone, and you should check with the placement team in your School. However, some or all of the following models are available:

Start the placement in autumn 2021 and complete the requisite hours/weeks as normal. If government guidance changes and your placement is curtailed, you may need to interrupt and return next year.
Progress to the final year to complete your degree without a sandwich year.
Interrupt your studies for 2021-22, return to take up a placement in autumn 2022 and progress to the final year in September 2023.

When is the deadline to confirm my placement choice?

30 September 2021, unless your School advises it will accept a later confirmation (in limited circumstances only).

What is the minimum duration for my placement?

For a placement starting autumn 2021, we expect in most cases that this will be completed in full. However, in emergencies we can apply a degree of flexibility. Your placement would need to be at least 60% of the usual duration in order to award credit, but your School team can tell you exactly how much this will be for your course, as this can vary. All placements must give sufficient opportunity for you to fulfil the learning outcomes. If you are undertaking a shorter placement, you are expected to engage in independent study or casual employment whilst you are not in the placement setting.

Where hours are used rather than weeks to calculate the commitment, a 35-hour working week is assumed.

Does remote working count?

The University expects you to work in a supervised environment. However, remote working is a legitimate part of the professional experience across a wide range of employment sectors, and it is quite possible to supervise work remotely.

If you are required to work partially or fully ‘off-site’, your School will check with you that you have received sufficient information from your employer to enable you to do this safely and individual arrangements will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re working from home, your placement provider will be required to carry out the same risk assessments as they would for all their staff who are working remotely and you will be required to follow your employer’s protocols.

How late can my placement start?

We want to be flexible and we recognise that it is still an uncertain time for a lot of companies, so there is some leeway. Your placement must be complete, graded and moderated by the relevant Course Assessment Board. In most cases, this means we expect your placement will begin before 01 November 2021. It may be possible to make an exception for a slightly later start, with 03 January 2022 being the last possible date under any circumstances. Please speak to the placements team in your School if you have been offered a start date after 01 November 2021.

What is my student status during this year?

You will enrol on your placement year as normal, even if it starts late, and be charged placement year fees. See the Student Finance information on the website for further details.

What would happen if I take up the offer of a later placement that is subsequently cancelled?

If you agree to take a later starting placement, you must accept the risk that if the placement cannot go ahead, you will have to change your plans. If possible, your School might be able to give you a ‘virtual placement’ e.g. a company report or piece of consultancy with modified assessment to ensure you can continue the sandwich year as planned. If not, we will allow you to interrupt your studies and return the following year. This might be to a new placement and continue with the sandwich route, or you might choose to complete your final year without a placement. This will be subject to availability and your personal circumstances.

If you have an agreed start date but then need to interrupt due to circumstances beyond your control, we will refund your placement year tuition fee. We advise you to check the implications of interruption with Student Finance England. Our student finance team can also provide support and advice if you need it.

If my placement starts later than the start of term, what do I do in the meantime?

We expect you to engage in independent study in the meantime or seek casual employment. Your School may ask you to do some preparatory work before your placement starts, for example a personal development plan and/or skills assessment with reflective commentary. If you are required to submit this work as part of your summative assessment (Placement report/Portfolio), your School will advise you of this.

If my placement finishes early, what do I do for the rest of the year?

As long as your placement meets the minimum requirements outlined above and your tutors are satisfied that you have met the learning outcomes, we expect you to engage in independent study in the meantime or seek casual employment.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet all the learning outcomes, you will either need to interrupt your studies (see FAQ above) or it may be possible for you to demonstrate the learning outcomes through an additional activity and assessment set by your school. The exact circumstances will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and it is not possible to guarantee in advance that you will be able to finish the sandwich year.

What support is available for me?

Placement units in schools and the Careers and Employability Service (CES) are available to help students in the search for a placement. It’s difficult to anticipate the volume of opportunities that will become available, but the new levels of flexibility will appeal to existing and new placement partners.
Specific placement preparation advice and guidance should be provided by your school’s placement unit. In the first instance you should contact them for subject specific advice including:

placement retractions
understanding placement offers and placement conditions

Additional and more general advice can be accessed from CES to support your preparation for placement. CES can help with:

placement search and application
CV and interview

Where will I live whilst waiting for the placement to start?

You need to be aware that the student loan is significantly lower during placement year and you must budget for relocation / accommodation costs for the whole year. We hope that most students will be able to stay at their home address when not actively employed on placement and study/prepare from that base.

If you are concerned about your financial situation before or during the placement, you should contact the Student Finance Office. International students may also seek advice from the International Office.

Is it possible to flip the final year and the placement year?

Unfortunately, this is not usually possible. However, it may be available to students who have already secured a placement and whose employers have specifically requested that they defer their placement for a year. It is only available where the placement provider has made a specific request to the University, and it cannot be requested by a student. If you are in any doubt, you should speak to your placements team.

Can I still do a placement overseas?

The University has placed restrictions on international travel in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the advice of the UK government and the terms of the university’s insurance policy.

At this time, if you are a UK student, you will not be able to travel overseas to take up a placement, including to any country on the government’s green list, as the situation is too uncertain at present and even the green list countries may become amber at any time.

Any travel during this period will not be covered by the University’s emergency assistance travel insurance policy. Given the current risk levels and the fluctuating situation globally, we would also not normally permit you to travel under an alternative insurer’s policy at present.

If you are overseas, you should always follow all local laws and regulations but also take heed of FCO advice which may change during your placement.

If I’m an international student currently in my home country, can I undertake a placement there next year?

Yes, you can, subject to your employer being able to assure us of an adequately Covid-secure working environment. This will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Your School will arrange a remote placement visit if travel restrictions on staff continue to prevent an onsite visit.

What if companies offer part time placements due to social distancing and capacity issues in their premises?

Your placement should ideally be full time, but part time may be acceptable as long as the overall placement time is sufficiently long. So, a longer part time placement could be equal to a shorter full time one. If a proportion of your role involves remote working, this commitment is included in the overall hours. You should contact your placement team in School if you have any questions about part time opportunities.

Placements and Vaccinations FAQs 2021-22

These FAQs are relevant to all students whose course incorporates work-based learning throughout e.g. allied health professions or education.

It may also apply to students on a sandwich year placement, or a short placement.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Getting fully vaccinated gives you the best protection against coronavirus (Covid-19). The University encourages all members of our student and staff community to get vaccinated as soon as they can, in line with World Health Organisation and UK Government advice and, if you are receiving a vaccination that requires two doses, to have had them both prior to the start of the 2021/22 academic year if possible.

Is vaccination mandatory?

Under current UK law, a person cannot be required to undertake medical treatment, including vaccination. However, refusal to have the vaccine may limit your options on your course.

Do I have to have a vaccination before I go on placement?

That will depend on the placement provider. If they require you to be vaccinated, then you will need to comply, otherwise you will not be able to attend the placement setting.

If I can’t get vaccinated in time for my placement, what will happen?

We will do our best to support you and arrange for an alternative whilst you wait for your appointment. However, it may be necessary to interrupt your studies if this is not possible.

If I don’t want to be vaccinated at all, what are my options?

That depends on the course you are studying. The University strongly encourages you to have the vaccine, but does not require it for you to come onto campus. However, if your course includes placements and the provider requires it, then you will not be able to continue on that course. We will always try to offer you an alternative course in a similar subject area, but we cannot guarantee availability. In the worst-case scenario, you might have to leave the University.

What is the advice from professional bodies?

We are in contact with the PSRBs for all our accredited courses. PSRBs positively encourage vaccination for students wishing to enter their chosen profession. You might like to read the NMC’s position on the recent decision to require mandatory vaccinations for care home staff.

What vaccination locations are available in Huddersfield?

You will be able to see the locations and times available through the National Booking Service.

I want to have the vaccine, but what do I do if I currently have Covid or I’m self-isolating?

If you are currently self-isolating because you have symptoms of Covid, have tested positive or someone in your household or a close contact has tested positive, you cannot leave the house to attend a vaccination appointment. You can book an appointment for a date when your isolation period has ended.

If you have tested positive for Covid you should book your first vaccination appointment at least four weeks after your test.

Who should I ask questions about vaccinations?

If you have questions relating to your own health or circumstances in relation to the Covid-19 vaccination, please speak to your GP or medical provider.

Covid-19 - Every vaccination makes a difference

You can be reassured that we’re working hard to ensure the campus remains a Covid-secure environment.

It’s important that you play your part in keeping everyone safe, and there is a clear expectation from us that you will have been vaccinated before you come to campus. So if you are eligible and haven’t been for a Covid-19 vaccination yet please do so as soon as possible. We also expect that all students will engage with twice weekly testing whether through our testing centre on site or through home testing kits.

Taking the vaccine is the best way we can save lives, keep pressure off the NHS and keep your studies on track – double vaccinated students, without symptoms who test negative after a close contact will not be required to self-isolate. Vaccination will get all our lives back to normality. It’s safe, quick and significantly protects you from Covid-19.

Every vaccination matters, so the more people that take it, the safer we all are.

All vaccinations are free of charge.
They are available to all including UK, EU and international students
You don’t need to be registered with a GP.

NHS England has published a Frequently Asked Questions document for students on Covid-19 vaccinations which you may also find helpful.

How can I get a vaccination?

If you are registered with a GP in England you can book via the NHS website.

You can look on the web pages for the local council where you live. If you live in Kirklees you can find the details here: COVID-19 vaccination programme - Kirklees Council. If you are new to Huddersfield the centres closest to campus are Boots Pharmacy- 5 minutes’ walk or Cathedral House - 12 minutes’ walk.

The University will be organising some pop-up vaccination opportunities at the start of term, lookout for services at Storthes Hall and on campus.

How soon can I get my second vaccination?

Second doses are available 8 weeks after the first. They will not be routinely offered earlier unless for exceptional clinical reasons.

I can’t get my second vaccination before I come to campus – can I still come?

In order to ensure that campus is as safe as possible then we do have a clear expectation that you will be vaccinated as soon as personal circumstances allow and that all students will engage with twice weekly testing whether through our testing centre on-site or through home testing kits. You can get your second dose while you are here, either via the University Health Centre if you register there, or via one of the sessions organised by the local council – you can find details here: COVID-19 vaccination programme | Kirklees Council

I am unable to or don’t want to take the vaccine – can I still come to campus?

The University recognises that individuals will have many reasons why they are not able to be fully vaccinated before the start of term. We are not mandating that students need to be vaccinated in order to access campus facilities and activities.

Please be assured that your individual circumstances will not affect your ability to engage with your teaching and learning and any planned activities on campus. In order to ensure that the University community is as safe as possible then we do have a clear expectation that you will be vaccinated as soon as personal circumstances allow and that all students will engage with twice weekly testing whether through our testing centre on site or through home testing kits.

Student FAQ relating to Covid-19 virus

If you are a student or a member of staff and have symptoms of Covid-19 or have had a positive test

Covid-19 - Every vaccination makes a difference.

The new academic year, September 2021

Your safety, campus access and services

Self-isolation and Stay at Home Guidance

IT Resources and support

Student Accommodation

International Students

NHS COVID-19 app

Placement FAQs 2021-22

Placements and Vaccinations FAQs 2021-22

Student Wellbeing

International students

Disabled students and wellbeing issues

COVID symptoms or positive test

Support for Students