Coronavirus information

We have worked hard to make sure our campuses are safe spaces. Some of the solutions we have put in place are:

• Staff and students are strongly advised to wear face coverings in all indoor spaces
• Screens have been installed in places where they are needed, for example at reception areas
• Hand sanitiser is available at the entrance to every building
• All our buildings have enhanced cleaning every day, and we are providing cleaning stations so that staff and students can clean the spaces they use before and after doing so
• We are doing all we can to ensure that all rooms are well ventilated, exceeding required levels, with CO2 levels monitored regularly.

You can read further details in our risk assessment (docx 173kb).

While the use of a face covering on campus is not mandatory, we strongly advise the wearing of face coverings in all indoor spaces. In some specific areas, where close contact is needed, a face covering may still be mandatory. These spaces could include lab settings or settings where a face covering would mirror practice. You will be informed of this in advance.

Please do continue to show kindness to those who do choose to wear a face covering, and keep your distance if asked.

Additionally, we ask you to bring your own reusable face covering from home, as this is the most sustainable way of utilising a mask.

You can collect a lanyard from Poole House reception on Talbot Campus and Bournemouth Gateway Building reception on Lansdowne Campus. The lanyards are yellow with the wording “I’d like to keep some space between us” printed on them.

If you have symptoms or are unwell, please remain at home and avoid contact with other people until you no longer have a high temperature (if applicable) or until you no longer feel unwell. You are no longer legally required to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19, but you are strongly advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. There is no longer any requirement to carry out Lateral Flow Device (LFD) testing on day five/six or to obtain a confirmatory PCR test.

We will support you to remain at home if you have symptoms and/or test positive for Covid-19 and, if you are well, will provide support for you to study as required.

If you are unwell due to Covid-19 (or another reason) and need support, the university is here to help you, so please get in touch with us via the AskBU team.

You can also find up-to-date support, including local services, on our Student Wellbeing webpages where we have put together a list of online wellbeing resources for any health or wellbeing issues you experience while at BU.

All students over the age of 16 can receive both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, as well as a booster, free of charge. This includes any international students in the country, who are eligible for your first (if you haven’t already had one), second or booster doses in line with relevant guidance. More information about vaccinations, including how to book, can be found on the NHS website.

While is it not compulsory to get vaccinated, we strongly encourage you to take up the offer of vaccination and get all your jabs. Ensuring you are fully vaccinated is the best way that you can keep yourself and those around you as safe as possible. 

The best way to get your jab is to register with a GP (doctor), although you can also book through the NHS vaccination centre. 

If you are studying on a health or social care programme and have specific questions about the Covid-19 vaccination in relation to your programme or placement, please speak to your programme team.

Due to travel restrictions because of Covid-19 some people may have queries about the expiry date of their current visa or leave to remain in the United Kingdom. The Home Office has provided further guidance around this, which you can read on the gov.uk website.

If you are a student and have any further concerns about your visa please contact the Immigration Compliance and Advice Team via AskBU.

Please see our specific FAQ for postgraduate research students.

Please see our staff intranet for further guidance.

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions mean this is an unsettling time for many students hoping to study in the UK. The UK Government rules and restrictions are constantly being evaluated so please make sure that you refer to the latest information regarding travel to the UK on the gov.uk website, as well as checking any restrictions in your own country before making any travel arrangements.

From 5 January 2023, if you travel from mainland China to England, you must take a pre-departure Covid-19 test. This should be taken no more than two days before you travel and you will need to show proof of a negative test result at the airport and on arrival in England.

These rules apply to all direct and indirect flights originating from mainland China. An indirect flight involves one or more stops in other countries or territories before arriving in England. This includes if you are travelling through Hong Kong or Macao.

Please read the Covid-19 guidance on travel from mainland China for further information.

In addition, in order to help understand the spread of new variants of Covid-19, some passengers will be invited to complete a PCR test for Covid-19 from mainland China, when they arrive at London Heathrow airport. This is in addition to the need for a negative test result before leaving China.

Royal Bournemouth Hospital is looking for volunteers for a Covid-19 vaccine booster comparison study. This research, which is taking place at locations across the UK, is examining the immune response of young people to the Covid-19 vaccines. If you are aged between 18 and 30 years, you may be eligible to take part. Volunteers will receive up to £225 for supporting this vital research.

You can find out more information and sign up for the study on the Cov-Boost website.