Covid information for students
If you're applying to join us to study in 2021/22, here's how you'll be taught and what life on campus will be like.
Find out more about what your studies and student life will look like - including how we've adapted to the pandemic to ensure you'll still get the same level of outstanding teaching, support and guidance. You can also explore our frequently asked questions below if you can't find what you're looking for here.
There's more details about Covid measures on our current students' website MyPort:
- Covid vaccination for new and returning students - book into one of our on-campus clinics, or through the NHS
- Coronavirus testing for students – protect you and your mates
- Covid safety guidance – what to do if you come into contact with Covid
- Self-isolation support for students – what to do if you need to self-isolate
- Frequently asked questions for international students, postgraduate research students, and those planning to study and work abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
University vaccination clinics
We encourage all students to take up vaccination against Covid-19 provided by the NHS. This includes international students - anybody aged 18 or over in the UK is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination for free, regardless of their nationality or immigration status.
In the Autumn we're running a series of vaccination clinics on campus for anyone who hasn't had any vaccination, or who needs their second Pfizer jab.
Getting a vaccination through the NHS
If you need a second Moderna or AstraZeneca vaccine, or need different date or appointment times, you can many more appointments are available elsewhere in the city at the St James' Hospital site in Milton, as well as local pharmacies. Find an alternative appointment on the NHS website.
International students
If you're an international student with questions about vaccination or other Covid issues, please check the International Student Frequently Asked Questions.
Over summer 2021 we're working towards removing as many of the Covid restrictions on campus as possible, while ensuring that enough safety measures remain in place to reassure both students and staff.
Campus safety measures
Here are some examples of how campus will change over the months before the autumn term.
- Face masks - we will no longer require the use of face masks in our buildings. However, staff and students are strongly encouraged to wear them in indoor environments for now, especially crowded areas. We know that some will want to continue to wear masks and we are supportive of that and ask everyone to respect this personal decision.
- Hand sanitisers - these will remain in place and we advise everyone to continue with regular hand washing as well. This remains a good way to help reduce the risk of infections.
- Temperature checks - these will be removed.
- Room and space capacity limits - room capacity limits will be removed wherever possible, subject to checks on ventilation.
- Social distancing - social distancing will no longer be required.
- One way systems - these will be removed over the course of summer 2021
- Perspex screens - these will be kept in place
Vaccination
We're encouraging all students and staff to take up Covid vaccination available to them to help protect them and others around them.
We're also planning to offer on-campus vaccination clinics for students who haven't had the chance to receive a first or second jab before arriving in Portsmouth. We hope to share details of how students can get their jab through this service shortly.
Responding to changing government guidance
Covid hasn't gone away, and there'll be some areas of the University that will continue to have greater measures in place, such as some clinical settings. Importantly we're staying prepared in case we need to reintroduce any Covid measures if Government guidance changes.
However cautiously easing restrictions over the coming months will mean our community can return and enjoy the vibrant campus at the University.
If you don't have symptoms - you can collect or take a lateral flow test at a local test site, or you can order a kit to be delivered to you. We encourage staff and students to take regular Covid tests, ideally twice a week.
If you have symptoms - you must book a PCR test from the NHS.
Read more on Coronavirus Testing for Students.
Students who are facing financial difficulties can contact our Student Finance team for advice and support. They can help with you application to grants, scholarships and bursaries - including the University Support Fund which gives grants to students in financial hardship that don't need paying back.
If you need to self isolate because you’ve tested positive for Covid, have symptoms, have been contacted through NHS Test and Trace, or have to quarantine after travelling to the UK, we can support you.
We can offer you a free 3 day food parcel and advice on ordering in supplies. Read more about self-isolation support for students.
The Res Life Team can offer support in your accommodation, and the Student Wellbeing Service can help if you would like to speak to someone about staying well during isolation
Getting ready for study
Our study skills section can help you prepare for all styles of teaching and learning, especially if you want an introduction to independent online study.
