Travel and Covid safety advice for the Christmas break

We’ve put together some tips and guidance so you can both stay safe, and save on costs over the Christmas break.

Book your booster

Everyone over the age of 18 can now book a booster vaccine. A booster gives over 70% protection from the new Omicron variant of Covid-19. Book your appointment now.

Walk-in centres are available as well. You can find a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site near you online.

Getting tested

The Government has asked Universities to remind all students of some important steps they should take if they are planning to go home over the Christmas break to try and reduce the transmission of COVID-19:

• Please ensure you take an LFD test before you travel home for the Christmas break to help prevent outbreaks and limit the spread of the virus. You should also ensure you test before returning to the University in January, either picking up a test kit from the University before you leave for the Christmas break and using this, or alternatively ordering tests online to your home address or collecting from your local pharmacy.
• Home test kits are available in all student halls of residence, as well as Eastbourne Hillbrow Sports Centre, Falmer Sports Centre, Cockcroft and Grand Parade Caretakers’ desks and from libraries.
• All test results should be reported online, even if they’re negative or void, selecting the reference ‘University of Brighton’ from the list of education providers.
• Please check your University email before you return in case there are further updates.

Travel advice

You are required to wear a face covering on all public transport (aeroplanes, trains, trams, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles), unless exempt, and in other settings as set out by the UK Government.

If you are travelling internationally, the situation is changing frequently so please always follow the latest guidance. You must follow the rules for international travel, as well as guidance on returning when entering the UK. Please check our FAQs for international students too.

Save on travel

Savings can be made on travel using a Railcard, giving 1/3 off train fares. A Totem card provides 15% of National Express coach tickets and 10% off Advance Cross Country train tickets. Using a split ticketing website like Trainsplit can also save money on train tickets.

Cut the carbon this Christmas

Help us cut carbon this Christmas by switching off electrical items and turning down heating if going back home for the winter break. Simply follow these c-change Big Xmas Switch-off tips.

Out of hours support

Here are a few reminders if you need help or support during the holidays:

• If you’re staying in rented accommodation, contact your property management for an out of hours telephone number in case of any emergencies
• Student Support and Guidance Tutors (SSGT) are responding to enquiries and offering appointments via MS Teams up to 22 December and from 4 January.
• You can find contact information here for help on issues including health, wellbeing, academic support, crime and safety.

Finally, if you’re staying in the local area then why not check out our Christmas events guide for some festive activities.