Today, 4 December, Student Communications emailed all taught students to share information including: Government announcement on returning to campus in January 2021, Covid-19 travel testing and Sussex Sports facilities. You can read the full message below:

Dear all students

We hope you are all keeping well.  This week we’re updating you on the following:

• Government announcement on students return to campus in January 2021
• Reminder to book your on-campus Covid-19 tests
• Covid-19 tests for international travel requirements
• Mobile testing unit returns to campus this weekend
• Keeping your campus running during the pandemic
• Fraudsters targeting students
• Sussexsport facilities available to students

Please do read the whole message as there’s important information all students should be aware of.

Government announcement on students returning to campus in January 2021

On the evening of Wednesday 2 December, the Government announced that students would return to their University’s after the Winter break in a staggered start and that Covid-19 tests will be made available to students when they return. 

Spring term will start on the 4 January, and the recent government announcement won’t affect your exams and assessments. 

Teaching for the majority of students will begin on the 25 January.  A small number of courses (such as ESW and BSMS) will return to begin teaching on the 4 January, and specific information will be sent to students on those courses in due course.

We’re reviewing the government guidance and will be developing comprehensive plans for your return next term.  We will keep you informed of developments about this, so please do keep checking your Sussex email for updates over the coming weeks (even during the winter vacation).  Information will also be made available on the Student Hub too.

Reminder to book your on-campus Covid-19 tests

The University of Sussex is part of the Government’s mass asymptomatic testing programme (i.e. for people showing no symptoms of Covid-19).  Thousands of tests have already been carried out, if you have not booked your tests yet, there still time, so please do so via this online form.  Testing continues everyday with the last bookable slots at 4.50pm on Friday 11 December.  

It is important that you take two tests to be as certain as possible that you do not have the virus.  Book your tests via this online form.  If you live off campus you can find information about getting to the Sports Centre for your tests on the Student Hub.

Covid-19 tests for international travel requirements

If you need to book a private PCR Covid-19 test in order to travel, there are a few options available to you, including at the pharmacy on campus.  Information on how to book a private PCR Covid-19 test can be found on the Student Hub.

Mobile Testing Unit – returns to campus this weekend (5 – 6 December)

The Mobile Testing Unit will be back on campus this weekend (5 -6 December) and will be in the Arts Carpark (no.7A).  This testing facility is for symptomatic testing only and those students concerned about having Covid-19 symptoms and requiring a test should book an appointment through the national booking system.

Keeping your campus running during the pandemic

The University engages every week with the Students’ Union on a wide range of matters that affect students and we continue to do this – so we are really disappointed that the Students’ Union is actively encouraging students to engage in a rent strike, when our staff across the University are working so hard to ensure that student’s education can continue during a really challenging time.

We know things have and continue to be difficult for students as they are for many people.  Our staff such as porters, cleaners, receptionists, delivery staff and our many student services teams are working so hard behind the scenes to ensure that living on campus can been possible during the pandemic in a Covid-safe way.  We’ll carry on doing this right through the Christmas break so our students who need to stay on campus can do so and we’ll be ready to welcome students back in January.
 
Despite the immense challenges we face we have continued to maintain and service 5,000 rooms on campus and when something goes wrong we do all we can to make it better as soon as possible. 
 
We will also continue to support students who need to self-isolate with packages including money to buy food, free laundry and cleaning supplies; and those students who test positive for Covid-19 will get a hot meal delivered to them.  Providing this kind of reassurance and support to our students is something we really care about. 
 
Fraudsters are targeting students

Fraudsters and scammers are increasingly targeting students for their own financial gain.  Most recently some Chinese students were targeted by criminals to transfer large amounts of money.  Once transferred to the criminals this money is almost impossible to get back.  You can read more information about how to stay safe from fraudsters and their scams in this article on the Student Hub.

Sussexsport facilities available to students

With the national lockdown restrictions over, Sussexsport have been able to re-open their on-campus Falmer Sports Complex site for fitness sessions (gym visits), group exercise classes and pitch bookings.  The Outdoor Fitness Area is also available.  Please note that all sessions must be booked in advance, either online or by phoning reception.

The Sport Centre will remain closed for recreational use until Monday 14 December, while it is being used for the mass Covid-19 testing on campus.  In-person group exercise classes usually held at the Sport Centre will, where possible will take place in the Clubroom space at the Falmer Sports Complex.  Online classes will continue for Sussexsport members up to the 22 December, and the Stay Home With Us programme will resume again early in the new year. 

Active US is also running several £1 football sessions, open to all, on the outdoor pitches at the Falmer Sports Complex on Friday 4 December and Tuesday 8 December.  You can book your place using the University's online shop.

University online carol service

On Wednesday 9 December, students and staff are invited to join the University online carol service organised by the University’s chaplaincy teams.  The service called ‘Christmas Hope: Carols and Readings for a Very Different Christmas’ will feature reflections on what’s happening in our local community, seasonal readings and performances by the combined university choirs.  You can find out more and book your free place at the service here.

With best wishes

Student Communications