Covid-19 FAQs for students
Your questions, answered
On this page you will find information about changes to our campus, learning, and more in light of the ongoing situation.
For information on our plans to keep you safe, please click here.
For information on how you will be learning, please click here.
What safety measures have been put in place on campus?
We have put in place comprehensive safety measures, in accordance with government guidelines, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff while on campus. These measures include temperature checking on entrance to campus, enhanced cleaning of communal areas, one way systems and separate entry and exits, non-contact swipes pads on exits, and numerous hand sanitiser stations.
Please take a look at the following resources which details the safety measure that have been put in place, along with other information and guidance:
- A safety measures video
- Infographic highlighting safety measures
- Rules to follow whilst on campus
- Welcome back to campus guidance
- Key contacts for students
- Temperature screening advice
Can I still attend university?
The University of Bedfordshire is open to students. Following a recent announcement, learning has moved online with some course exceptions.
For more information on learning and details of exceptions, please click here.
Where do I enter and exit on each campus?
There are single entrance points for each of our campuses and you will not be able to enter through any other route:
Luton – B Block front, including access to the library
Atrium –Main entrance
Alexon – Main entrance
Putteridge Bury – Main entrance
Bedford – Gateway main entrance
Aylesbury – Mary Secole Building main front entrance
Milton Keynes – Side entrance, further details when our new MK campus opens in September
On entering will be routed through campus by a one way system, with directional signage.
There are directions and restrictions on staircases and lifts. You may not be able to get to your destination through your normal route.
If there is a fire alarm you must proceed to the nearest exit ignoring the one way system.
What services are available on campus?
Our university libraries will be open and our student services will be providing continued support to all our students via a remote delivery and some on campus support.
We also have some takeaway catering services available.
While social distancing is in place the best way to get in touch with our student support services is to email:
Student Money advice: studentmoney@beds.ac.uk
Counselling/mental health/counselling: disability@beds.ac.uk
General enquiries: student.engagement@beds.ac.uk
What catering facilities will be available on campus?
The Costa Coffee and catering facilities are back open at our Bedford and Luton campuses. You can grab a drink or some food if you're working on campus.
Luton
Costa Coffee
Open 8am to 2:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Serving hot beverages, breakfast rolls, sandwiches and paninis, confectionery, cold beverages and smoothies.
Bedford
Costa Coffee
Serving hot beverages and snacks.
Face coverings will be required when purchasing food, unless you are exempt.
What help will there be for me on campus?
We understand you may be feeling anxious. Our dedicated Advisors will do their best to support you and answer your questions and concerns, and where appropriate refer you to specialist support teams for further advice.
You can contact them on: returntocampus@beds.ac.uk
I’m an international student. Will there be any additional support available for me?
Our International Office will be open to provide dedicated support to our international and EU students.
Get in touch, please click here for contact details of the International Office.
How do I report hate crime?
We will not tolerate hate crime of any kind.
If you have witnessed or experienced hostility or violence that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person due to a particular characteristic, for example disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity or an alternative sub-culture hate crime, please report this via supportandreport@beds.ac.uk.
Concerns will be viewed by senior management at the University and your concerns will be fed in to the appropriate team to respond to you. The University also offers specialist support for you and for anyone you know who may have been affected. As well as offering support, our advisors have been trained to offer support for victims with reporting an incident or crime to police and other relevant external agencies. Find out more about Support and Report at the University.
Where can I get support if I am feeling anxious about returning to campus and/or I have underlying health conditions which may impact on my ability to attend?
If there is anything that we can do to help you, please let us know and we will do our best to support you and answer your questions. We have support available to you.
You can contact our teams directly on the following emails and you can arrange a telephone appointment if you want to have a chat about support:
returntocampus@beds.ac.uk – dedicated Advisors to support you with a Student Care Plan if you are self-isolating (with symptoms or after testing positive for coronavirus)
student.engagement@beds.ac.uk – complex issues, withdrawals and interruptions
mitigation@beds.ac.uk – extensions on assessment deadlines
studentmoney@beds.ac.uk – financial difficulties and budgeting advice
mentalhealth@beds.ac.uk – new or on-going mental health support
counselling@beds.ac.uk – professional one-to-one counselling support
chaplaincy@beds.ac.uk – pastoral and emotional support
disability@beds.ac.uk – support with a range of disabilities
If you have any concerns about your health you should contact the free NHS 111 telephone helpline. If you are unable to get through on the phone to NHS 111 you can find specific advice at NHS - check your symptoms.
What are the university endorsed accommodation providers doing to ensure my safety?
We understand this is an uncertain time and that’s why now more than ever it’s important to us that you to feel comfortable and supported when you choose to live with us. We know that plans can change too. That’s why we’ve introduced a range of measures to give you peace of mind and to ensure you feel as safe as possible during your stay.
Enhanced cleaning and hygiene
An enhanced cleaning regime has been introduced, including regular cleaning of all communal high touch points such as handrails, door handles and push buttons to ensure that we maintain hygiene within our villages.
Hand sanitiser stations are being installed at entry and exit points.
Social distancing measures
Our staff will ensure that they work in accordance with the social distancing guidelines.
The number of people allowed in lifts, our laundries and communal spaces at any one time will be restricted and there will be a one-way system throughout our villages in line with government guidance.
We are requesting all of our residents to follow the government guidance on staying alert and safe (social distancing) here.
Dedicated support if you need to self-isolate 24/7 on site support
Our friendly village teams work around the clock, every day of the year, to ensure you always have someone to speak to should you need our help or support.
How are you re-configuring university-owned accommodation?
We have conducted a full and in-depth risk assessment for all aspects of our accommodation and taken the necessary steps to ensure our residents and staff remain safe. New residents will move into shared flats, following the government guidance on moving house and forming new households with their new flatmates.
Social and communal spaces across these properties such as gyms, will carefully reopen, subject to the relevant government guidance.
The number of visitors allowed on site at any one time will be reduced to ensure the safety of our staff and residents. Visitors may be subject to screening and should wear PPE where necessary.
What Covid-19 provisions are being made in privately-owned halls of residence used by University of Bedfordshire students?
A thorough risk assessment has been carried out to ensure our properties owned by our approved partners comply with government guidance.
We’ve introduced a range of measures to give our students peace of mind about residing in our accommodation. These measures have been assessed as COVID19 compliant by external health and safety consultants. They include:
- Enhanced cleaning and hygiene practices including all communal high touch points such as handrails and door handles, and the placement of hand sanitisers around the premises
- Social distancing in place and signage throughout including signage illustrating two metre distances, two people maximum in lifts, and modifications to our reception areas including the installation of protective screens
- Staff available 24/7 and dedicated support for residents who need to self-isolate
- Students who need to self-isolate for two weeks in their accommodation before starting their studies are able to check in early
- Virtual tours and orientation videos for new residents to limit physical interactions
These measures will continue to be reviewed in accordance with future government guidance.
telephone
University switchboard
During office hours
(Monday-Friday 08:30-17:00)
+44 (0)1234 400 400
Outside office hours
(Campus Watch)
+44 (0)1582 74 39 89
Admissions
admission@beds.ac.uk
International office
international@beds.ac.uk
Student support
sid@beds.ac.uk
Registration
help@beds.ac.uk
Exchanges
erasmus@beds.ac.uk