The University will be operating a testing centre for students who currently have no symptoms of Covid-19.
It will be open from 4 January 2021.
So, if you currently have no symptoms of Covid-19 you will be able to book tests to confirm that you are negative. The NHS tests are free of charge, and ideally you should book two tests, 3/5 days apart each week while you are back on campus. If you are returning to your term-time accommodation you should self-isolate and book tests to check that you are negative for Covid-19. If you do not book tests you should self-isolate for 10 days when you arrive back. If you live at home and are coming in to campus for classes we also recommend that you take these tests.
Information about the test centre's opening in January.
What to expect
See inside the testing centre and learn what to expect when you arrive for your Covid-19 test with this guided tour.
International students
I am an international student can I take this test to reduce my self-isolation period?
Testing Centre January 2021
Why is the Covid-19 testing centre staying open in the new year?
If you are returning to your term-time accommodation you should self-isolate and book tests to check that you are negative for Covid-19, you should book tests 3-5 days apart each week. If you do not book tests you should self-isolate for 10 days when you arrive back. If you live at home and are coming in to campus for classes we also recommend that you take these tests.
We all want to help stop the spread of coronavirus and mass testing is a way we can support that aim and help break the chain of infection. Students and staff without symptoms, but who carry the virus, could spread the virus to many others. By carrying out mass testing, students and staff with symptoms can self-isolate and help stop the spread and protect others.
If you test positive, please report it to us as soon as possible, and check how the University can support you online.
Why should we keep getting tested?
We want to ensure the University is as safe as possible for students, pupils, staff and the wider community. If we all take tests, we are more likely to find and isolate cases to help keep us all safe and break the chain of transmission.
When is the testing centre open?
The testing centre will be open from Monday 4 January for five weeks, from 11am until 4pm on weekdays. You can book a test using your student/staff log-in details.
If I have symptoms, can I use the University’s testing centre?
No, this testing centre is specifically for students and staff with no symptoms. If you have symptoms you should book a test on the Government testing website.
Is this testing centre different to the ones Kirklees Council is running? Do I need to get tested at both?
The testing centre at the University is specifically for students and staff who have no symptoms of Coronavirus. The tests are Lateral Flow Test (LFT), which give results within 30 minutes.
Kirklees Council is working with the Government to roll out mass testing in the district, using the same type of testing for people with no symptoms. If you are tested at the University, you do not need to use the Kirklees testing centres as well.
I am an international student can I take this test to reduce my self-isolation period?
No. You must self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. You can take this test once you have completed your self-isolation period if applicable.
The University’s test is a free lateral flow test and is only for those who do not have symptoms of Covid-19. It is not suitable for ‘test to release’. Alternatively PCR tests are available for a fee through private organisations and if your result from this test is negative, you can stop self-isolating. Please see the UK Government website for further information.
Please do not book a University test if you are in self-isolation, you can only take this test when your self-isolation period is complete and if you are free of symptoms.
January return
Will teaching be face-to-face again in January?
Our current approach of blended learning, incorporating face to face teaching is expected to resume in January. We will, of course, continue to follow Government’s advice and will let you know if this results in a change to our approach. We anticipate publishing timetables for the new year before the end of term one and are looking forward to welcoming you back in the new year.
December moving online and services
Will the library still be open when teaching moves online?
The Library will remain open and more information can be found on the Library website.
You should not leave your accommodation to use the University's Library if you are self-isolating, but can access its services remotely, including access to online journals and a door-to-door service. You can find out more information about using the Library.
Can I still access studio spaces and workshops when teaching moves online?
Face-to-face teaching finishes on 8 December for the majority of our courses; special provisions are in place for healthcare students on placements. However, the move to online teaching means there will be no access to studios and workshops for any taught students.
When will my teaching move to online only?
We have been working hard to move teaching online in line with the Government's guidelines. The last day of face-to-face teaching will be 8 December (except for healthcare and tecahing students on placements). Depending on your timetable you may have your last face to face teaching earlier in the week. You should look review your timetable to identify your last teaching session and plan to get tested and travel home as soon as practicably possible after that.
Your School and tutors will provide more information on what this means for you, and your revised timetable for online classes will be published soon. Please do read the information carefully and do keep up with your studies. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus in January for the start of the new term.
I am a postgraduate research student – how does this affect me?
I have been working remotely and having supervision meetings online this term, will anything change?
No, your research supervision will continue as normal until the end of term on 18 December 2020.
I have been coming on to campus to use research facilities and laboratories, will anything change?
These facilities will remain open for work until the end of term on 18 December 2020.
What if I experience symptoms of, or test positive for, Covid-19?
If you choose to remain working on campus but test positive, experience symptoms or come into contact with a positive case between 9 December and 18 December 2020 you will need to observe current government guidelines for self-isolation which could delay your return home.
Will the library remain open for postgraduate research students?
The bookable computer facility in the library for postgraduate students will remain open all through the Christmas period.
What to expect at the testing centre
Social Media Rep Nathan shows students and staff what to expect when they visit the Covid-19 testing centre in the Sports Hall on campus.
