This is going to be a tough first term
Sadly the start of University and freshers isn’t going to be as enjoyable, and you won’t be having the same experience as you should be because of the outbreak of Coronavirus. This should be an exciting time for you, but there are 100s of students in some university accommodations across the UK already having to isolate because of Covid-19 outbreaks.
Once you have moved into Dollis Drive, you are forming a new household with your housemates. Your parents and friends are not part of this household. Your “household/bubble” will only be your housemates, and so you are able to socialise with your flatmates as usual.
But, from last week it became against the law to meet people in a group larger than 6, including your housemates, indoors or outdoors. If your household bubble is 6, 7 or 8 people, then you are not able to have visitors.
Unfortunately we have now been told that we aren’t allowed to : Host gatherings or parties inside or outside our home with more than 6 people, including the people you live with.
I am sure none of you would have wished to have your experience of living in a new house curtailed in this way. As a student community, however, I’m sure you will set a really positive example for others to follow.
The police will have the powers to enforce these legal limits, including to issue fines of £100, doubling for further breaches up to a maximum of £3,200. Your neighbours who are not students could quite possibly call the Police. It would be safer if you do not meet people from any other households in your home, or another person’s home or flat socially.
Luckily in Farnham an outbreak has not yet occurred in the student community, but at least 124 students have tested positive at the University of Glasgow, and more than 500 are self isolating. Uni outbreak in freshers’ week
If you do contract the virus, your symptoms may be mild but could pass it on to people in the wider community who may suffer more severe symptoms. If you are anxious or worried about any issue you should notify your UCA Course Administrator, or your Programme Director, at the earliest opportunity.
It’s really important to keep yourself, your housemates and neighbours as safe as possible. You can do this by:
Washing your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap
Strictly avoiding contact with someone who has symptoms
Keeping your room as ventilated as possible by keeping a window open when you’re in your room. But remember to close your window when you’re out.
Don’t share crockery, glasses and cutlery and keep your equipment away from others
Remember to use a separate tea towel for drying everything
Clean surfaces before and after use with your normal cleaning products
Download the new NHS Covid-19 app NHS COVID-19 contact tracing app 