Arrivals will be staggered and we will take a phased approach to resuming in-person teaching, as well as offering all students Covid-19 testing upon return to Nottingham. Testing will also be available for those who have remained in and around the city over the break.

Together these measures will help identify and isolate any positive cases early and, hopefully, reduce onward transmission of the virus to your fellow students, staff and the wider community.

The plans outlined below will support the government’s programme for the safe movement of students following the winter break.

All you need to do is arrange your return date based on the guidance below and book a test – please follow the step-by-step approach below:

1. Check the dates for the resumption of your in-person teaching

For those who leave campus for the winter break, the government has advised there should be a phased return to Nottingham throughout January and the first week of February.

This will fall into two windows and be aligned to subject disciplines, with a priority on courses that require in-person or practical elements.

• From January 4 to w/c January 18 – phase one returners
• From January 25 to w/c February 1 – phase two returners

As previously outlined, all assessments will be online between 11 and 29 January and Semester Two will resume as planned on 1 February.

Your Head of School will write to you to let you know which category you fall into and when your in-person teaching will resume.

On campus facilities such as libraries, study spaces, sports activities and catering and retail outlets will be available from 4 January to support you from the start of term.

2. Booking your return date and test

Students in halls of residence

An arrival and testing hub will be set up so you can access a test before joining your household.

In a similar way to the start of last term you will all be asked to book a return date. We will write to you with details of how to do this. You will then be able to book your tests using the same platform.

Students in third party and private accommodation

You will be asked to liaise with your housemates and agree suitable and staggered return dates.

You will then be able to book tests ahead of your return and we will write to you with details on how to do this.

Further advice on testing

The government has advised that students travelling to Nottingham from Tier 3 areas should take an accredited Covid-19 test using facilities in their home towns and cities ahead of returning to the city.

In addition, new international students and students returning from overseas - who would ordinarily be subject to a 14 day quarantine period if they arrive from a country which is not on the travel exemption list - will have the option to take an accredited Covid-19 test from a private testing provider after five days of self-isolation. A negative result will release students from the need to isolate from day six.

We will write to you regularly over the holidays to keep you updated and to confirm details of the booking systems for return dates and tests. Please ensure you check your University emails and junk folders so you don’t miss any important updates.