FAQs for Brighton students

COVID-19 remains a part of life, and whilst national and university restrictions have been removed, 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, looking out for those wearing red wrist bands to indicate they wish to remain socially distant.
• Receive both doses of your COVID-19 vaccine and booster as soon as possible
• Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
• Check in on friends and be kind to each other.

Do not come onto campus or travel if you are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.

While you’re no longer legally required to stay at home (self-isolate) if you test positive for COVID-19, you should still take steps to help reduce the chance of passing COVID-19 on to others. Guidance remains in place advising people to stay home and avoid contact with other people for at least 5 full days, avoiding contact with those at higher risk from COVID-19 for ten days.

You can read full details here about what to do if you have symptoms of, or have tested positive for COVID-19.

Please note - You no longer need to report a positive test result to the university. If you are a student and need support, please contact your Student Support and Guidance Tutor (SSGT) or Residential Wellbeing team, if you are living in halls.

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.

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.

Free testing for coronavirus has ended for most people in England. You can check if you are still eligible for a free test here. If you still want to get tested and you’re not eligible for a free NHS test you can pay for a COVID-19 test yourself. You can buy a COVID-19 test from some pharmacies and retailers, in person and online.

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.

Anyone who gets COVID-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (long COVID). The COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others. Research has shown the vaccines help to reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 and reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

Please check the NHS website for the most up to date information on when you can book. Nationality or immigration status do not affect your eligibility for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Like all universities, we will be following government guidance and will be monitoring the pandemic very closely with our local Director of Public Health. Should a worsening of the situation occur, we have robust plans in place for students to continue their studies.

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.

An updated FAQ setting out arrangements for the 2022-23 academic year can be found on our Problems with your course page.