COVID-19: our university community commitment

We are a diverse community, with students, staff, and visitors joining us from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.

We are asking everyone to commit to being covid aware on campus and in the community, to keep us all safe as we study and socialise together again.

Alongside the government guidance and legal requirements around self-isolation, the university also has our own measures in place to manage the risks related to COVID-19. Make sure you keep up to date with any changes to this guidance.

Government COVID-19 advice

Office for Students advice

These commitments sit alongside the university’s general expectations around student behaviour both on campus and in the community.

On campus

What you can do

  • Face coverings are mandatory in all educational settings, study spaces, computer suites, face-to-face wellbeing appointments, SU shops, and when moving around the university.
  • Face coverings must also be worn in all food outlets, except when seated, in sports facilities, except when undertaking activity, and on the UB1 bus, as with all public transport.
  • Be respectful of other people’s personal space, in particular students and staff wearing a red wristband to indicate they wish to remain socially distant.
  • Follow directional signage, occupancy limit notices and ventilation reminders across campus. 
  • Wash your hands and use hand sanitising stations regularly, especially when entering university buildings.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are reducing the link between infection and serious illness. We encourage all students and colleagues to get both doses as soon as they can, and a booster, when available.
  • Keep taking twice weekly lateral flow tests and report your results online – search for University of Brighton in the list of education providers. You can order free lateral flow test kits via the government website or collect them from sites across the university.

Measures we have in place

  • Some rooms and learning spaces have occupancy limits, to allow for people to keep their distance. Please do not exceed these limits and remember to keep windows open to improve ventilation.
  • Some courses, workshops, labs and studios will have additional requirements in place. Please take time to familiarise yourself with these. Course leaders and technicians should be able to assist with any questions about this. 
  • All of our fitness facilities, libraries, study spaces, cafes and our wellbeing services at student centres and information desks are open. Please adhere to face covering rules, occupancy limits and ventilation reminders when using these spaces.

Food and drink

  • Catering outlets will still have QR codes in place should you wish to check into the venue to assist with contact tracing.
  • Face coverings are mandatory in these settings, unless you are seated.
  • Remember that all transactions are now cashless.
  • When moving furniture, be mindful that some people may still want to keep their distance.

Your wellbeing

If you feel ill

  • Do not come onto campus if you are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.
  • If you fall ill on campus, put your face covering on and move away from others.
  • You must go home to self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, even if your symptoms are mild. 
  • Follow Public Health England (PHE) instructions on self-isolation until you get your results.
  • If your PCR test result is positive: 
    • report your positive test to the university – students via the My Brighton app, and staff via the self declaration tab on My View
    • If you were on campus the day you tested positive, report this to the Facilities Team the same day by calling 01273 642222, so they can arrange additional precautionary cleaning.
    • follow government requirements around self-isolation
    • work with the NHS Test & Trace team to ensure that people you have been in close contact with can be identified and contacted if needed. Remember to tell the tracer if you have been on campus in Brighton or Eastbourne.
    • Students should refer to the self-isolation FAQs, for details of how to isolate and the support available.
Illustration of what to do if you receive a positive PCR test

At home

  • Government guidelines advise meeting outside where possible, and keeping windows and doors open for indoor visitors.
  • If one of your housemates has COVID-19 symptoms, your household should follow self-isolation regulations until their diagnosis has been confirmed (or not).
  • Show empathy, respect and due consideration to others in your household and to our neighbours. 
  • When off campus, be respectful of our local communities, following government and PHE guidelines at all times. Try and walk or cycle between campus and home whenever possible.

Wellbeing tips

  • Be aware that mixing with new people in larger numbers may be a source of anxiety for some.
  • Look out for your peers, friends, and those you live, learn or work with. If you are worried about someone, or you are struggling yourself, please ask for help.
  • You can speak to your course leader, SSGT, line manager, or a member of our Residential Wellbeing Team or our wider Student Wellbeing Service Support Network, who can all offer help and support.
  • There are lots of self-help guides on the Wellbeing pages of the website. Staff and students can access free confidential advice through the Togetherall service, too.