COVID-19: Our response

Since the start of the pandemic, our approach has been based on official UK government guidance and developed in consultation with Public Health.

In line with government advice and the removal of remaining COVID-19 restrictions in England, we have adjusted our guidance for colleagues, students, and visitors.

We are continuing to monitor the national and local situation closely and will adjust our approach if and when necessary, in line with advice from the government and our local Director of Public Health.

Frequently asked questions

These FAQs are for students, staff and visitors to campus. We are continuing to add to and update them when necessary.

• Current COVID position

  COVID-19 remains a part of life, and national and university restrictions have been removed. However there are some good habits that we can all continue to observe to help us remain safe on campus:

  • Wash or sanitise your hands regularly and ensure workspaces remain well ventilated.
  • Respect everyone’s space.
  • Consider arranging your vaccinations, as soon as they are available.
  • Respect those who may still wish to continue to wear a face covering.
• What if I have symptoms or test positive?

  What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19

  Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have symptoms and either:

  • have a high temperature
  • do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
  • if you are unable to attend your timetabled sessions, you may wish to make your Course Leader or PAT aware

  You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.

  What to do if you have tested positive

  You are no longer required to do a COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test if you have symptoms.

  However you can purchase tests, so if you have tested positive for COVID-19:

  • try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for a further 5 days after your positive test if you are 18 or over
  • avoid meeting people who are more likely to get seriously ill from viruses, such as people with a weakened immune system, for a further 10 days after your positive test
  • if you are unable to attend your timetabled sessions, you may wish to make your Course Leader or PAT aware
• What is the university’s position on face coverings?

  It is not mandatory for staff, students, and visitors to wear face coverings in any setting on campus, except where required as part of formal training on specific healthcare courses. However, we recognise that everyone’s personal circumstances will be different. We encourage everyone to continue respecting the comfort and choices of others, by wearing a face covering and observing social distancing in busy settings.

• What if I am an international student or am travelling to England from abroad?

  You do not need to take any COVID-19 tests or fill in a passenger locator form when travelling to the UK from abroad. This guidance applies whether you are fully vaccinated or not.

  Please check the government website for the most up to date information.

  If you require further support on travelling to the UK, you can email our international student advisers internationaladvice@brighton.ac.uk and they can give you advice on your own personal circumstances.

• What is the university’s position on COVID-19 vaccination?

  In line with government guidance to the sector, and alongside all other universities, we continue to strongly encourage all eligible students to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

• What happens if the situation worsens and restrictions are reintroduced?

  Like all universities, we will be following government guidance and will be monitoring the pandemic very closely with our local Director of Public Health.

• I am still worried about COVID-19 – what can I do to manage my anxiety?

  The government has removed remaining COVID-19 restrictions in England, but COVID-19 remains a fact of life and we know that fears and anxiety are likely to remain for some. If you are anxious about the virus, there are some useful steps you can take:

  • Get the facts: Get the latest government guidance from Public Health England.
  • Keep things in perspective: take a break from the news and focus on the positive things in your life
  • Be mindful of your assumptions about others: Self-awareness is important in not stigmatising others in our community.
  • Stay healthy - Adopting healthy hygienic habits such as washing your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, frequently, and certainly after sneezing or before/after touching your face or a sick person. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (throwing this away after use) or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid contact with others who are sick and stay home while sick
  • Keep connected: Maintaining good social networks helps to reduce stress. If you need to, You can access the remote support network Togetherall - just tap in your university email account
  • Seek additional help: Individuals who feel overwhelming worry or anxiety can seek additional professional support. Check out what is available via your Student Support and Guidance Tutors.
• Where can I find details about protecting my grades?

  An updated FAQ setting out arrangements for the year can be found on our Problems with your course page.

Further information

For the latest official advice and guidance:

• Latest UK government advice
• NHS COVID-19 advice
• NHS 111 online
• Public Health England stay at home guidance
• Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice.

Student enquiries

If you have any questions about life on campus, COVID-19 testing or vaccination, please email studentcomms@brighton.ac.uk.

If your query is related to protecting your grades, please email academicqualitystandards@brighton.ac.uk.