After following official guidance throughout the pandemic and after the latest government announcement that all Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted from 19^th July 2021, the University is planning a full return for all on-campus teaching for students starting and returning to their studies next term.

Dr Jayne Mitchell, Interim Pro Vice Chancellor for Education & Student Experience, said: “We know how important it is for our students’ learning to have face-to-face interactions and be with their peers, so we are currently planning to have all our teaching back on campus from September.  Following the government’s most recent announcement, we are excited to say that we expect our campus life will be back to normal from September.

“If the Government implements any future restrictions then our academic planning is sufficiently flexible to ensure that we can offer a blended approach of having some teaching online and some on campus, or – if needed – we can deliver our teaching wholly online.  We hope that plans stay as they are, however, we are ready to respond to any changes in official guidance to ensure that our students are able to safely continue with their studies, whatever the situation may be.”

Following previous guidance from the Department for Education, until May 2021 the University’s campuses were closed to most students and staff with only specific practical-based courses having been allowed on-site. For the last term of the academic year, students have been allowed back on campus for blended learning, dissertation work and to prepare for exams.

The University’s libraries have been kept open throughout the pandemic, with online access to all resources also made available. On-campus catering was also kept open for students who have been coming on-site to study and to ensure those living in University accommodation had access to a range of healthy food and drink. Students’ health and safety is paramount and the University has implemented a variety of adapted Covid-19 safety measures, including enhanced cleaning, sanitiser stations and the encouragement of wearing face coverings, which will stay in place for the next academic year.

As well as teaching being back on campus, Beds SU is planning a programme of both in-person and online activities and events for Welcome Week this September. Beds SU’s 2021/22 Co-Presidents, Laura Tamara and Quadri Yusuf, said:

“We are so looking forward to meeting new and returning students in September. We aim to ensure every student has the opportunity to get involved in the university's student community in a big way. As such, we will be hosting a range of activities and events to help get the university experience off to a great start." 

Throughout the pandemic, the University’s support services have played an important role in assisting students with financial support, accommodation help and mental health counselling, amongst many other things. From helping students access Hardship Funds, to arranging laptop loans for students without access to technology at home, to running wellbeing webinars, the Student Experience team – Directed by Ruki Heritage – has been extremely busy over the past 18 months, keeping students at the forefront of their efforts

She said: “Throughout the pandemic we have worked closely with Public Health England to ensure that we are Covid secure and ready to welcome students to our campuses. We know how anxious some students will be about returning or coming to University.  For many, this will be their first on campus experience since the beginning of their college courses nearly 2 academic years ago.  Our Return to Campus Advisors can answer any questions you may have about the pandemic and the support available to you.

“So whether it’s support settling in, advice about a disability or help with Finance, Student Services are open and here to help.”

The University understands that prospective students may have questions about what university life will be like next term, so the Recruitment & Admissions team is on hand throughout the week (8.30am-5pm, Mon-Fri) to answer any queries or concerns.

Bob Cozens, Director of Student Admissions & Recruitment, wants all prospective students to feel encouraged about starting at university in September. He said: “We are looking forward to welcoming students to our campuses in September where we plan to offer an exciting programme of welcome events. Our team are available throughout the summer to offer advice and guidance on university entry this year. We are also offering the opportunity to visit our campuses so you can see our state of the art facilities and prepare to join us on campus in September.”

To speak to a member of the Admissions team call 01582 743 500, email admission@beds.ac.uk or message them on the 'Live Chat' page. Alternatively, prospective students can chat online to one of the University’s student ambassadors via the ‘Ask a Student’ function: www.beds.ac.uk/askastudent

The University is aware that some international students may not be able to travel to the UK in time for the start of the new term.

“The International Office has been working creatively over the past 18 months to maximise contacts, support and communication with incoming and continuing international students. However, we understand that nothing can compare or replace the experience that students can have on campus in the country where their chosen university is,” said Harry Wang, Director of Bedfordshire’s International Office.

He continued: “I know first-hand how important this onsite experience is to international students, as I would not be what and where I am today if I had not taken the steps to come and study in the UK over 30 years ago. Rest assured, the International Office’s team of dedicated staff are on hand to help our students make the best of what we can academically and professionally offer in terms of study, support and the wider university experience, both remotely and in-person.”

The International Office is on hand to offer help and advice and access to teaching will be made available online, where needed. Further information for international students is available on the University’s Covid-19 information pages.

For further information about studying at the University of Bedfordshire visit: www.beds.ac.uk/howtoapply or www.beds.ac.uk/clearing