In line with Government guidance:

• Students studying programmes requiring practical or specialist facilities such as laboratories, studios and workshops will return from Monday 8 March. Lectures for these students will remain online until Easter.
• Lectures and other classroom-based teaching for all other degree programmes will continue to be delivered online until after Easter.
• Students may also return if:
  • They have already arranged international travel to the UK
  • They do not have adequate space or facilities at home to study
  • Their mental health would be negatively affected if they stay at home
  • They are part of an elite sport performance pathway

Students have been advised they must book a lateral flow Covid test at home if possible, or on arrival back in Loughborough and before they access any part of the campus. Once on campus, all students will be required to take a free Covid test at least once a week to minimise the risks of Covid-19 transmission in the student and wider community. The University is ensuring compliance with this testing regime.

The University has also confirmed that restrictions on non-academic activities largely remain in place. Students have been reminded that they are able to mix within their households and that they can meet up with one other person not in their household outside for the purpose of exercise.

As has been the case since the beginning of the year the University continues to take action where there are breaches of the restrictions.

The government has indicated that it will make a further announcement towards the end of the Easter vacation in relation to any potential further return.

Richard Taylor, Chief Operating Officer comments: “A significant proportion of our courses have practical elements to them so there will be more life and energy on our campuses very soon. The health and wellbeing of our students, staff and the wider community is at the heart of our plans to resume our activities.” 

All relevant external partners have been consulted on the University implementation plans so that the return is phased and fully compliant with the Government roadmap out of lockdown.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The University and College are working extremely hard to make sure the return of more students is carried out in line with the guidance which is there to protect everyone, including residents in the Loughborough community.

“The Council will continue to work with the University, College and other partners as restrictions are lifted.”

Jo Maher, Principal & CEO at Loughborough College, said “Across Charnwood, the education community is working collaboratively to ensure the safest possible return to learning. As at the University, the College has introduced a comprehensive testing regime and we have consistently aimed to exceed the government’s safety guidance, including a campus-wide face covering policy.”

More information about the new arrangements is available online.  

Anyone with concerns about breaches of Covid-19 regulations or other student anti-social behaviour should report these to University security on 01509 222141.