2021-22 Return to campus: Looking ahead to Autumn

A message from Professor Ruth Whittaker, Pro-Vice-Chancellor emailed 8 June 2021 to all students.

We know that your university experience over the last year has been hugely challenging, and the pandemic has meant big changes to the way you learn, study, and socialise. However, with restrictions easing, we’re making plans for autumn, and thought you’d like to hear how returning students will be learning on campus and enjoying student life in the new academic year.

Timetables are being developed to give the maximum possible time on campus, but with measures in place to make it as safe, enjoyable and social as possible. These measures allow us to flexibly change our on-campus delivery with minimal disruptions should government advice change.

• All students will have timetabled on-campus, in-person learning – dependent on your course this will include seminars and tutorials, interactive workshops, studio time, clinical skills sessions and/or laboratory classes.
• Most students will have some remote learning – for example, some large group lectures, which will also be available as recordings, so that you can watch these at a time and place that meets your needs. This means that your time on campus can be focused on interaction and activity and makes the very best use of your time.
• You’ll also be able to use our libraries and study spaces, including computer suites, sport and fitness facilities and food outlets.
• The University and the Students’ Union are also planning a range of induction activities over the summer and into your first term. ‘Belong at Brighton’ will help you feel at home and settle back into life at uni.
• As we’ve done throughout the last 14 months, we will continue to follow Government guidance on the pandemic to ensure the safety of our students and staff. This means that there may still be some COVID-secure measures in place, such as some social distancing, a requirement to wear face coverings in certain settings and the provision of hand sanitiser stations, and your timetable will be planned with this in mind. In addition, we anticipate that we will set expectations around COVID-19 testing, and we will tell you about this nearer the start of the new term.
• You will be able to access our full range of online study support and wellbeing services, including support in relation to the pandemic.
• If you are travelling here from another country we will be in touch to guide you through the process so you can resume your studies with us in the autumn. Depending on where you are travelling from or through, there are different restrictions being applied when you enter the UK and our guidance will help you to understand what you need to do. We will also be able to share the range of support we will provide when you arrive including accommodation and quarantine if required.

As the term draws to a close, I sincerely hope that you will be making the most of the summer break. But please do take some time to check your emails from the University as we will continue to provide you with important information. For those of you returning in the autumn, we’re looking forward to warmly welcoming you back.