Covid: Will I need a jab and what will university be like this term?
- Published
As students begin the new term, they'll find many Covid restrictions have been lifted.
There will be more face-to-face teaching, but things won't be entirely normal.
Do students have to be vaccinated?
The government wants all students to get vaccinated, external, but won't exclude those who aren't.
Universities are also calling on undergraduates to get jabbed and many have on-site vaccination centres.
Only double-jabbed people will be allowed to go to nightclubs and some other venues in Scotland from 1 October.
What about Freshers' Week?
Freshers' Week events include parties, club nights, sports sessions and society fairs.
Many universities will hold in-person events for the first time since 2019.
But experts warn any sessions where people from across the country mix, could become "super spreader" events.
UCL professor Susan Michie, a member of the Sage group of scientists which advises the government, said freshers' events are high risk, external, especially if they involve alcohol.
Earlier this year, Scottish universities were advised to postpone "mass activities" for freshers, but events are going ahead.
Will lectures and seminars be in-person?
Universities will offer much more face-to-face teaching this year.
The Russell Group of leading universities says staff are preparing for most seminars, small group classes and lab work to be taught in person., external However it says some online learning will continue - partly to minimise disruption in the event of future Covid spikes.
Students should ask their institution about plans for their course.
Students are likely to be asked to wear a face covering in crowded areas such as libraries, and will be encouraged to take regular Covid tests. Staff will be asked to test twice a week.
What help is there for students?
The pandemic cost pupils nearly a third of their learning time between March 2020 and April 2021, according to research from the LSE and the University of Exeter., external This was especially damaging for those starting university this term.
The Office for Students also warned more than half of UK students felt their mental wellbeing hadn't been well supported.
The National Union of Students, external and the Student Minds mental health charity, external want the government to provide financial support for all students, with extra help for those on lower incomes.
They also want universities to prioritise support for mental health.
In July, England's Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said universities had access to up to £256m.
"We have set out clear expectations that the quality and quantity of tuition should be maintained," she said. "Students should be receiving good quality mental health support."
Working with the Open University, the Russell Group has launched "Jumpstart University",, external a free online information resource designed to help new students.
The programme - open to undergraduates in all universities - has advice on student finance, study skills and mental health, as well as a range of subject-specific courses.
What if I don't think I'm getting value for money?
Many students are frustrated that some teaching will continue online this term.
But Universities UK says there's no case to lower fees, as students can expect a "much fuller" educational experience this year.
Students who think they aren't getting value for money should first speak to their college or university.
They can take their complaint to the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, external (England and Wales), the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman, external or the Northern Ireland Public Service Ombudsman., external