Following lockdown in March, and our quick move to work from 'virtual campuses', our focus has been on making our university environments safe and accessible to everyone, and on providing the best possible study environment for September.
Our term will start as planned on September 14th and we aim to ensure that all of our students are able to join seminars or tutorials on campus and experience wider campus life as much as possible.
A safe and secure campus
We're excited to see our students back on campus and safety remains our top priority.
We expect our halls of residence, libraries and social spaces to re-open with additional safety measures and social distancing in place where required.
We'll have hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems and new plans for our rooms and facilities to ensure we keep our students and staff safe, in line with the latest government guidance.
We're asking our university community to be flexible and work with us as we make these adjustments, but we're also being innovative and creative, for example, by changing the use of some of our spaces so we have additional teaching facilities available.
Teaching on and off campus
We know everyone's circumstances are different.
Many of our students are also carers and have working responsibilities, some may be shielding and at different points we know some may become ill or need to quarantine. We are also aware that some of our international students may be unable to join us as originally planned.
That's why we've prepared a 'blended model' of teaching. This means we'll be combining face-to-face sessions on our campuses - seminars and classes with tutors which will take place in line with social distancing rules - with online lectures.
We expect that all of our students will receive the usual amount of teaching time and that this will be a mixture of face to face and online. We'll be releasing videos and interactive learning materials so our students will be able to watch their main lectures at a set time and these will also be available later.
Regardless of whether we are teaching on campus or virtually, we will include discussions, debates and interactive sessions to support and build upon online lectures. If students are ill or shielding, or need to be away from campus for other reasons, we'll provide all lectures and course materials online.
Extra support for new students
Starting university is an exciting time, but we recognise that current circumstances mean our new students may be a little apprehensive.
We've developed a comprehensive package of support and help to make the transition to university as smooth as possible and we're currently organising a range of activities for the start of term to ensure our students can safely enjoy their student experience beyond the classroom.
During the two weeks up to, and including Welcome Week, we're introducing a brand new programme called 'Level Up', which is available to all new and returning students. This series of study skill sessions has been prepared to provide support for students who may have missed some school or college due to Covid-19 or if plans have had to change.
These practical and informative classes will help everyone feel ready for the start of term.
Making things easier, for everyone
We provide around 2,400 places in halls on our near our campuses at Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway.
Our new Accommodation Promise provides flexibility and peace of mind, and even includes a unique coronavirus break-clause which may allow students to be released from paying rent in the event of a further lockdown.
There's also scope for a rent-free period for our overseas students who are required to quarantine by the UK government.
And we have a generous financial support package worth up to £4,000 which includes providing tools to get the most from our new blended learning environment, including laptops and internet access. Students in financial hardship can also get help with travel costs or to buy a new bike.
Our Student Ambassador Scheme helps students earn while they learn, with access to part-time work opportunities.
Mental health and wellbeing
We know that some of our prospective and current students have been worried about their studies during the lockdown. That's why we have partnered with Togetherall (formerly the Big White Wall) to offer 24/7 online mental health support for all our offer holders and current students.
This service provides anonymous online support mediated by counsellors, peer and community support and clinically facilitated courses to support for Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Keep in touch
We'll continue to keep everyone - new students, current students and staff - informed about our plans and our progress as we prepare for Term 1, so keep an eye on our social channels, website and portal for more information.
If you have any questions speak directly to an advisor through Live Chat or get in touch via our contact form.
