Student FAQs

Acting Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Students) Email to Students (Monday 17 May 2021)

Dear student,

Today is May 17 and I writing with a warm welcome for all students, particularly those who have returned to campus today for the first time for some months.

I know that many of you will be finalising assessments and preparing for examinations. May I offer you very best wishes for every success.

As restrictions ease further today may I remind each and every student of the University that you are very welcome to return to campus providing, of course, that you do not have symptoms of Covid-19.

Thanks to your efforts and responsible actions we have been so very successful with very many fewer cases at our University than at others all around the country.

Regular testing and becoming vaccinated when invited, will help to keep us all safe – we should all play our part in the national effort so that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms that each easing of restrictions brings.

You should complete a lateral flow test before returning to campus and take two further tests (3-4 days apart). You should continue to take a lateral flow test twice a week thereafter.

We continue to work with Public Health Worcestershire to offer testing at the Riverside building. You can also collect test kits from Riverside, to test yourself at home, or request tests to be sent to you.

Please do take the time to report your test result.

As I outlined in my correspondence last week, today sees a number of changes to the restrictions. Please read about the latest changes and what you can now start to do and what remains the same.

Please continue to social distance and wear a face covering when indoors on campus, if you are able.  This is really important as Covid-19 is spread largely through airborne transmission.

This week also sees Varsity 2021 taking place at the University of Worcester Arena, and we continue to offer additional sport and recreational activities with each easing of the restrictions. Please do take a lateral flow test before enjoying these events.

The current situation in Bolton reminds us that we must not be complacent.  We should consider the risks of Covid-19 when meeting with friends and family and test regularly.

Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do in the weeks ahead.

All best wishes,

Tim

Dr Tim Jones
Acting Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Students)
Head of School, School of Psychology 

Acting Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Students) Email to Students (Wednesday 12 May 2021)

Dear student,

Following the further easing of restrictions announced on Monday, I am delighted to welcome all students back to campus from 17 May - we are really looking forward to seeing you.

Our buildings have remained open throughout the lockdown including the Perison study and guidance centre. The Hive library fully opened its doors again in April, and from 17 May our campus will fully open again including the Elgar Café and cafeteria.

You are most welcome to return to campus where our sport and recreational facilities will be open and you will be able to take part in organised indoor sport.

We have been working with the Student Union to bring you ‘Varsity 2021’ with a full list of fixtures being live streamed in the Varsity Fanzone at the University of Worcester Arena. Entrance is by ticket only and numbers are strictly limited.

Over half of the UK population has now received their first vaccination, hospitalisations and deaths continue to fall and we can all start to look forward to much brighter days ahead. Thanks to your efforts and responsible actions we have been so very successful with very many fewer cases at our University than at others all around the country.

You should complete a lateral flow test before returning to campus and take two further tests (3-4 days apart). We continue to work with Public Health Worcestershire to offer testing at the Riverside building.

Following the Government roadmap, I have highlighted what has changed and what remains the same, focussing particularly on what you can start to do from 17 May 2021.  

What’s different?

• You can meet indoors with up to 6 people (or 2 households) and up to 30 people outdoors.

• New guidance on meeting friends and family will encourage you to exercise caution and to consider the risks of Covid-19.

• Indoor hospitality (cafés, restaurants, bars and pubs) will reopen. 

• Organised indoor sport (including gym classes) will be available again.

• Indoor entertainment and attraction (including cinemas, bowling alleys and theatres) will reopen.

• You will be able to attend organised indoor and outdoor events (including live performances and sporting events).

What’s the same?

• You should continue to take a lateral flow test twice a week thereafter.  You can find out more and book a test on our website. Please do take the time to report your test result.

• The Government fine of £800 for anyone attending a house party  remains in place. This includes parties in Halls of Residence.

• Please continue to social distance and wear a face covering when indoors on campus, if you are able.  This is really important as Covid-19 is spread largely through airborne transmission.

• If you have symptoms of Covid-19 you should not come on to campus and you should self-isolate, take a test as soon as possible and inform us of your absence on your SOLE page.

• All of the safety measures, such as enhanced cleaning and extensive hand sanitisation stations, will remain in place.

• If you are travelling to campus you should continue to follow the safer travel guidance and wherever possible you should avoid car sharing. You should continue to avoid unnecessary domestic travel.

As a Worcester Student, you have agreed to abide by the terms of the Student Charter, which reminds us of our commitments to each other as a University community.

As our days become brighter we must not forget how far we have come or the impact that Covid-19 has had on each of us. If you require additional help, firstpoint remains open to support you.  As outlined in the letter from the Minister of State for Universities to you, Student Space provides additional support and guidance.

Thank you so very much for all you have done, your responsible actions and welcome back to campus!

All best wishes,

Tim

Dr Tim Jones
Acting Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (Students)
Head of School, School of Psychology

Can I return to campus? (UPDATED 17 May)

The University of Worcester campuses are  open.

You can access on-campus study spaces, catering facilities and the Hive library. You can also join in with organised sport and entertainment activities.

Which courses are currently continuing with in-person teaching? (UPDATED 17 May)

The Government has announced that all university students who had not already returned to in-person teaching can now do so from as part of its easing of England's lockdown rules.

The University campus and the majority of buildings are open. The Covid-secure measures in place, which are fully in line with the government guidance, continue to provide a positive, secure learning environment for students and staff.

Do I need to wear a face covering if I’m on campus?

Unless you are exempt, you should wear a face covering whenever you are indoors on campus, including in classrooms.

Please remember to clean your hands before and after touching your face covering – including to put it on or remove it.

Face coverings should be safely stored in individual, sealable plastic bags between use

If a face covering becomes damp, it should not be worn and should be replaced carefully. Please consider bringing a spare face covering to wear if your first face covering becomes damp during the day.

Face visors or shields should not be worn as an alternative to face coverings. They may protect against droplet spread in specific circumstances but are unlikely to be effective in reducing aerosol transmission when used without an additional face covering. They should only be used in additional to a face covering, after carrying out a risk assessment for the specific situation and should always be cleaned appropriately. 

Who can I contact for support?

As always, your first point of contact for support should be the Firstpoint team.

This handy web page draws together a whole range of resources that are available to you: https://www2.worc.ac.uk/student-services/wellbeing-support-during-lockdown.html 

The health and wellbeing of our students and staff is our top priority. We recognise that many students may face additional mental health challenges over the coming period.

If you are struggling with your mental health at this time, you can access support through specialist support services: https://www2.worc.ac.uk/counselling/ . To arrange an initial STAR (Support, Triage, Advise, Referral) appointment with a member of the Counselling and Mental Health Team contact firstpoint.  We also offer TALKWORC, a 24 hour text line - text TALKWORC to 85258 for confidential help and support in a crisis

You can also access support via the NHS and online resources from Public Health England, along with support from mental health charity Mind. The Student Space platform bridges gaps in support for students arising from this unprecedented situation and is designed to work alongside these existing services. Further sources of information and support are Every Mind Matters for adults, and Young Minds for young people.

I am experiencing financial difficulties. Where can I find support? 

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, the University of Worcester has two non-repayable grants available for you to apply for, depending on your circumstances.  These include a specific fund to help with the costs of IT when you are studying off-campus.  Please see www.worc.ac.uk/moneyadvice for more information.

I am resuming some in-person teaching. Should I take a Covid-19 test? (UPDATED 11 May)

All students who are studying on campus (and not showing Covid-19 symptoms) should book a lateral flow test before returning to campus for the first time, and then two tests a week thereafter. These will help you know if you have the virus, even if you do not have symptoms. 

The Government advises that you should take a test before travelling back to university, either through your local community testing programme or by ordering a home test online via the Universal Rapid Testing Offer. On arrival at university, it is recommended that you should then take three tests (3-4 days apart) at the on-site testing facility (at the Riverside Building on the Severn Campus). All students should then test twice a week, either using home test kits (available for collection from Riverside) or at Riverside.

Visit our Testing pages to find out more and book your tests.

If you are showing any symptoms you should self-isolate and take a PCR test as soon as possible.

I am returning to my student house in Worcester, but there is already someone self-isolating in the property. What should I do?

You should avoid returning to your student house if a housemate is already self-isolating in the property due to a positive Covid-19 test. If you do wish to return before your housemate completes their 10 day self-isolation, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from when you come into contact with them. If you are a student on a course that requires placements, you should contact your Personal Academic Tutor or placement for guidance. 

How do I access IT support for online learning?

You may wish to refer to this helpful IT guide, which reminds you of the available online learning tools.

Is there any financial support available if I need to buy additional IT equipment for online learning?

The University’s Access to Learning Fund has continued to support eligible students in need of extra financial support throughout the pandemic, including those needing help with the cost of IT equipment for remote working.

Now, to make it even easier for you to apply for this support, extra funds have been made available. Under this new initiative within the Access to Learning Fund, applications for help with these IT costs will be fast-tracked and take the form of credit to your Reach account. Please see https://www2.worc.ac.uk/moneyadvice/815.htm for details and the shortened application form for the Access to Learning Fund Technology Awards. A flyer of additional information is also available.

I am a research student, how does the current lockdown impact on me?

We expect most research students will continue their research from home. You will continue to have remote access to library and other resources and details of how you access these resources remotely are set out here:  https://www2.worc.ac.uk/it/documents/studying-at-home.pdf. You should also check Library Service FAQs for more information on this: https://libraryfaqs.worc.ac.uk/faq/240825.

We know a small number of students will need access to specialist facilities or equipment on campus, such as labs. You will continue to have access to these facilities subject to an appropriate risk assessment based on your activity but also on your health – we need to take account of any health conditions you may have in the risk assessment. You should liaise with your Director of Studies in the first instance if you need access to specialist facilities or equipment. We will always ensure that your working environment is Covid-secure.

Where you are unable to work from home due to issues with your IT at home or any other factors (such as your mental health), you will still be able to access workspace (and associated IT) on campus (including the Hive) in a Covid-secure way. You can find details of how to book a PC here: Book a PC - Information & Communication Technology - University of Worcester. Currently, the Research Student Space in Jenny Lind, which you do not need to book, remains open but unsupervised; we will communicate if this changes.

We expect all supervision to be “virtual” and not face-to-face. You can find guidance on virtual supervision in the Covid-19 tab of our Research Degree Programmes Blackboard pages.

All taught elements of research degree programmes and all researcher development workshops will continue to be offered online.

How will the move to online learning affect my assessments?

Over the past year, we have adapted the curriculum to ensure that we give you the best possible learning experience. This means that we have designed our teaching and assessments to recognise that you are working remotely, or might not have access to normal facilities, or won’t be able to sit in physical examination halls.

When designing our teaching, learning and assessment for Academic Year 2020-21, we anticipated that there might be national ‘lockdown’ and this has meant students and staff are well prepared for the current situation. Every subject area and every course have been reviewed. Staff have re-reviewed their course assessment strategy and worked extremely hard to ensure that, where necessary, alternative adapted assessments are in place to test the learning outcomes, reflecting any changes to teaching and learning and/or the need for assessments to be conducted online.  This has meant, for example, some unseen examinations have been changed to open book examinations, or group presentations have been changed to individual presentations. We will do the same for Semester 2 assessments.   

How will I submit my assessments in the May Assessment Week? Will my exams be online in May?

As a response to the exceptional circumstances, we have agreed that all examinations which would usually take place in an invigilated examination room will again be held online in May. Students who are unable to access appropriate facilities at home may arrange to take their examination online on campus. 

In the interests of fairness, all July examinations will also take place online and again, students who are unable to access appropriate facilities at home may arrange to take their examination online on campus.

The Students' Union supports this decision.

For all other assessments, course teams will ensure that students are given instructions for submission in the usual way. If you have any queries, you should contact your Course Leader or Personal Academic Tutor.

What happens if I fail my dissertation or project module? 

If you submit your dissertation/project on time (29^th April 2021) or have been granted an extension of up to one month after this date, and achieve a E (marginal  fail) grade at the June examination board, you will be offered the opportunity to resubmit for an uncapped grade by the reassessment deadline of 8^th July 2021.  If the failure is more significant than a marginal fail your re-submission date will be set for January 2022 as is normal practice.

If you have been exceptionally granted a longer extension, and you achieve an E (marginal fail) grade at the July examination board, you will be offered the opportunity to resubmit for an uncapped grade with a deadline of 30^th August 2021.

This arrangement only relates to dissertation and project modules at Level 6 (and Level 7 of Integrated Masters) and is only available to students who have been granted an extension through the normal processes, or a deferred submission  date agreed with your supervisor and recorded on the student record system.  The arrangement does not apply to other forms of assessment.

I am worried about resources and data collection for my final year/postgraduate dissertation or project. What should I do?

Most dissertations or research projects will be unaffected by the move to online teaching. However, if you have any concerns about access to facilities or data collection, please contact your supervisor and Course Leader straightaway, so that they can discuss options with you. You may, for example, be able to revise your topic to a more desk-based study, or ask for an extension to the submission date.

The Hive and Peirson Building have remained open for students who do not have access to study space and the University has a very extensive online resource of journals and e-books, which are available remotely. The Library staff will be happy to help you with accessing these resources, if you need help: https://library.worc.ac.uk/

Can I request an extension for my dissertation?

You may request a short extension for the submission of your dissertation/project, using the new online process through SOLE.  This is available for any student who has experienced unforeseen significant difficulties, including for matters related to Covid-19.

If you are unable to access facilities or collect data for your final year dissertation or project, you must contact your supervisor as quickly as possible. Your supervisor will be able to discuss possible options with you, which may include a later submission date, in exceptional circumstances.  

What happens if I am ill with Covid-19 and have to submit an assessment?

Covid-19 might affect your studies in a number of different ways – you might be ill yourself, you might need to self-isolate, you might find that your mental health is being affected by lockdown restrictions, or you might have significant caring responsibilities.

If this is having a significant impact on your ability to study or complete assessments, you can apply for Mitigating Circumstances, in the usual way. Our Mitigating Circumstances processes are designed to support you through events that are sudden, highly disruptive and beyond your control.  

Are there particular arrangements in place to support parents and guardians?

If you are a parent or guardian, you may have been particularly impacted by additional caring/home-schooling responsibilities during the latest national lockdown. If this has caused significant difficulties with your assessments since 4 January, you can submit a claim for mitigating circumstances. You’ll need to support your claim with evidence such as an email from your child’s school notifying you of a closure.

Do I need to provide a GP’s note for mitigating circumstances?

As always, students are expected to provide evidence.

If you have had to self-isolate, you will simply need to present a Covid-19 test result or a notification to self-isolate and will not need to request additional certification from a GP. If you have had mental health issues, which have significantly impacted your assessments, you can provide evidence from the University’s Counselling Service, or your own counsellor or GP.

You will still need to request a note for illnesses that are not related to Covid-19.

If you have paid employment or volunteer in roles supporting critical work related to the pandemic, and this has directly impacted on one or more assessments, you can submit a mitigating circumstances claim with evidence of your employment/volunteering work.  

If you consider that your assessments have been directly adversely impacted by the pandemic in ways not outlined here, you should seek advice from your Personal Academic Tutor, from Firstpoint or from the Students' Union on making a claim of mitigating circumstances.

Will my grade be capped if I fail an assignment and have to re-submit?

Exceptionally, this academic year, if you submit an assessment by the due date and achieve a fail grade at your first attempt, you will automatically be granted a reassessment opportunity and the grade will not be capped in the normal way.  You must make a  genuine attempt in the initial  assessment (see 7.6 in the Taught Courses Regulatory Framework for a definition); non-submissions and token submissions will not qualify for an uncapped reassessment opportunity.

This will apply to all submissions made in this academic year.

Is there a no detriment policy at Worcester?

In addition to the exceptional measures put in place this academic year, our approach to degree classification already builds in a safety net, which helps protect you from underperforming in any one year. 

We do not include your first-year module marks in your final degree classification. In addition, for the majority of students, we use two different methods to work out overall marks, and calculate which of these two methods would give the best possible degree classification. You can find out more about degree classifications in this helpful guide produced by the Students’ Union.

Our ongoing, fair and genuinely inclusive means of calculating a degree classification means that, even before this crisis, we have sought to ensure that students do not suffer from unexpectedly underperforming at either level 5 or level 6. Many other universities do not routinely adopt this approach, or are using this approach as the basis of their ‘no-detriment’ policy.

I have further questions. Who should I ask?

If your questions are related to your studies, you should speak to your course leader, dissertation supervisor or personal academic tutor.

If you need help accessing well-being support, or are concerned about financial problems, please get in touch with firstpoint@worc.ac.uk  

Can I continue to live in halls of residence? (UPDATED 11 May)

Yes.

Accommodation has remained open throughout the lockdown. If you are already on campus and are living in University-managed accommodation, you can continue to do so, and you are also welcome to return if you have not yet done so.

Takeaway food is available from the canteen on the St John’s campus and the Campus Shop is open. You can access study facilities in the Peirson Building and in the Hive Library, which is open specifically for students.

Our team, including Accommodation Services, Student Services and Security are all here on campus to support you. If you have an urgent matter, please get in touch with our Security Team 24/7 on 01905 855000 or email security@worc.ac.uk.

If you are in any immediate financial difficulties please get in touch with us at firstpoint@worc.ac.uk, as we may be able to support you through the University’s hardship fund.

If you haven’t already done so, please email us at accommodation@worc.ac.uk to let us know you are on campus.

I am currently at home. Can I move back to my University accommodation?  (UPDATED 11 May)

Yes, changes to the Government’s guidance mean that you are able to return to your University accommodation.

I am at home at the moment. Can I return to collect some things from my University accommodation? (UPDATED 11 May)

Yes, changes to the Government’s guidance mean that you are able to return to your University accommodation.

I continue to live in University accommodation but can’t afford my rent. What should I do? (UPDATED 11 May)

If you are struggling financially please contact firstpoint@worc.ac.uk straight away as we may be able to help you through the University’s hardship fund. Do not cancel your direct debit / recurring card payment. 

I normally live in private rented accommodation but am not living there at present due to Covid-19. Do I have to pay the rent?

Contact your landlord as soon as possible. The published government advice states that as part of the national effort to respond to the Covid-19 outbreak, it is important that landlords offer support and understanding to tenants whose circumstances may have changed.

An early conversation can help both you and your landlord to agree a plan. This can include reaching a temporary agreement to accept a lower level of rent, or agree a plan to pay off arrears at a later date. If a plan is agreed, then it is important that both you and the landlord stick to this plan.

If you are in immediate financial difficulties please get in touch with us at  firstpoint@worc.ac.uk, as we may be able to support you through the University’s Covid-19 Emergency fund.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

The latest advice from the Government includes the following symptoms for Covid-19:

• a high temperature
• a new cough where you keep on coughing. This means coughing a lot for more than an hour or three or more episodes of coughing in a day
• Losing or there being a change to your sense of smell or taste

I don’t have a thermometer. How do I know if I have a temperature?

The most common symptoms associated with a fever are feeling hot or flushed, chills, body aches, sweating, dehydration, and weakness. If you're experiencing one or more of these symptoms, and you feel warm to the touch, it's likely that you have a fever.

If you are a resident in University accommodation, Security will be able to provide you with a thermometer, please email Security@worc.ac.uk or call on 01905 855000.

What should I do if I have symptoms, or someone in my household has symptoms?

If you have any coronavirus symptoms, even if you feel well, you must return to your current place of residence and stay there for 10 days or until you have received a negative test result. You should report your absence as soon as possible via your SOLE page.

You should not attempt to return to your family home unless that is where you are currently residing.  If you are residing in student accommodation that is where you must remain for your isolation period.

You should also not:

• Go to lectures
• Visit friends or family
• Go to work
• Mix with others in any social setting or at home
• Go shopping

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital unless it is an emergency. 

In an emergency dial 999

Book a test as soon as possible. To do this visit the NHS website or call 119.

Students living in the same flat or house as you will also need to self-isolate, just as any household would, until you have the results of your test. If you test positive you will all need to continue to isolate in line with the guidance you receive from Public Health or from the University.

If you test negative, and you feel well, you can return to your studies and student life.

Find out more about when to self-isolate and what to do on the NHS website.

Please don’t be tempted to carry on as normal if you have a symptom or have been told to isolate.

How does testing work? 

If you have any of the symptoms described above you should immediately self isolate and book a test through the NHS: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Who do I need to tell if I have symptoms, if I test positive for Covid-19, or if I am told to self isolate by NHS Test and Trace?

It’s really important that you let us know at the University if you think you may have Covid-19 or have tested positive for Covid-19, so that we can support you and help you manage your studies.

It’s equally important that you let us know if you have been told to self-isolate because you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, even if you don’t have any symptoms.

Get in touch with us as soon as possible by logging on to your SOLE page. You’ll find a link at the left of the screen, called 'Report Absence'. This link will take you through to a simple form, which will collect some important information. If your situation changes you will need to return to this link and ensure that it is updated.

If you live in on-campus Halls or University managed accommodation your details will be sent to the Accommodation and Security teams. These teams will check in to see whether you need help getting supplies or other practical support and advice. Students living with you in the same flat or house will also need to self-isolate, just as any household would, and should also report this on their SOLE page.

If you test positive for Covid-19, the NHS Test and Trace service will contact you. This service helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus. They will work with you, and with Student Services, to help identify any contacts who need to be notified.

What happens when I report an absence that is Covid-19 related?

By reporting a Covid-19 related absence through your SOLE page your Personal Academic Tutor and Course Leader will be informed that you will be unable to attend face to face teaching or placements while you are self-isolation, and they will record this as an authorised absence.  If you feel well, you should continue to attend online lectures and seminars, and complete any assignments that are due.

If you are informing us of a positive test for Covid-19 we are required to share that information with Public Health. You will then be contacted by Public Health and Student Services who are working together to ensure you and any close contacts are given the correct advice to isolate promptly, to keep you, them and our community safe.

If you are living in University Managed Accommodation the Accommodation and Security teams will be informed that you are self-isolating. They will be able to assist if you need help with the practicalities of self-isolation like receiving deliveries.

I have seen that the UK government is starting to lift restrictions. When can I come/return to the University? (UPDATED - 13 MAY)

The Government has announced that all university students who have not yet returned to in-person teaching will be able to do so from 17 May. If your course continues over the summer you will revert to blended learning; if your semester is completed, you may still come to campus to use the university facilities as long as you observe all the usual COVID precautions. You will hear directly from the University about your return to campus so please keep monitoring your emails.  

I am an international student. I have not received my CAS yet to apply for a visa. When will I receive my CAS and when can I travel to the UK? (UPDATED - 13 MAY)

The Government has announced that all university students who have not yet returned to in-person teaching will be able to do so from 17 May. If you fulfil all the criteria to be issued with a CAS in order to apply for a Student Route visa, Admissions will contact you individually to explain what you need to do next.  If you are a UW student and have any questions, please email us on international-experience@worc.ac.uk. If you are a student at UWIC, please email ss@UWIC.worc.ac.uk. 

I am currently planning to travel to the UK to start my studies in the UK. What do I need to do? (UPDATED - 13 MAY)

If you need to travel to the UK because the University has informed you that the course you are studying is moving to a blended version, then you need to ensure that you follow the Government advice.

What you must do when you arrive in England from abroad depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive. You need to make sure you are compliant with all the entry requirements to avoid being denied boarding your flight or being fined on arrival. 

You can find all the necessary information on the steps you need to take to prepare for your travel to the UK in this webpage:  

Red, amber and green list rules for entering England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Please make sure you monitor the above webpage regularly as the travel advice will be revised every three weeks from the 17^th of May.

Please bear in mind that you must have proof of a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test to travel to England. More information on the types of tests that are allowed can be found here: Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Additionally, you must complete a passenger locator form before travelling to England as explained here: Fill in your passenger locator form - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

If you need any support in preparing for your travel to the UK please email international-experience@worc.ac.uk 

I cannot find any part time work and am struggling to pay my bills and buy food. 

If you are a student from the EU, you are entitled to apply for the Access to Learning Fund.  The application form can be found on this page.

Students paying international fees are not usually eligible for University hardship funds, but if you need any help or advice with your finances please contact firstpoint (firstpoint@worc.ac.uk ) and ask them to make an appointment for you to talk to one of the Money Advice team.

If you are struggling to pay fees, it is important that you make an appointment to speak with a Money Adviser immediately.

I am an international student currently studying at the University of Worcester. I have been notified by my School we won’t have any face-to-face lectures for the rest of the semester. Can I go back to my home country and study online until the end of the academic year? (UPDATED - 13 MAY)

If your School informed you that your course will not resume face-to-face teaching you can travel back home. However, we urge you to consider a number of factors including: 

• The risk of taking the virus home with you 
• The possibility of being stranded in your home country if restrictions change and prevent your journey back to UW 
• You may need to be tested on departure and arrival at your own expense 
• You will still have to pay accommodation fees if your contract ends in May or June 

You need to make yourself acquainted with the entry rules in your home country and be sure you are compliant with them too. 

If you decide to travel and you still have outstanding exams or assignments, please make your PAT and Course Lead aware of your decision. 

Please note that the Government is still advising against travel to amber list or red list countries or territories for leisure purposes.

I am an international student currently studying at the University of Worcester. I cannot go back to my home country over the summer and would like to stay on campus. Can I book a room in the halls? (NEW - 13 MAY)

You can book a place on campus either if you have been renting privately or if you have already a place in our halls.

The summer letting period begins on Monday, 14 June 2021 and ends Sunday, 5 September 2021. The minimum allowed stay is 14 nights.

You can place your booking following this link: Student Summer Accommodation - online payment form - University of Worcester

If you have any questions, please contact conferencing@worc.ac.uk

If your accommodation contract with the University is due to expire in June and you just need a short extension to match with your travel arrangements you can contact accommodationteam@worc.ac.uk and discuss your options with them.

I’ve been told that I need to self-isolate. Do I need to inform the University?

It’s important that you let us know if you have been told to self-isolate because you have recently arrived in the UK, or for any other reason.

Get in touch with us as soon as possible by logging on to your SOLE page. You’ll find a link at the left of the screen, called 'Report Absence'. This link will take you through to a simple form, which will collect some important information. If your situation changes you will need to return to this link and ensure that it is updated.

If you live in on-campus Halls or University managed accommodation your details will be sent to the Accommodation and Security teams. These teams will check in to see whether you need help getting supplies or other practical support and advice. Students living with you in the same flat or house will also need to self-isolate, just as any household would, and should also report this on their SOLE page.

If you test positive for Covid-19, the NHS Test and Trace service will contact you. This service helps trace close recent contacts of anyone who tests positive for coronavirus and, if necessary, notifies them that they must self-isolate at home to help stop the spread of the virus. They will work with you, and with Student Services, to help identify any contacts who need to be notified.

My internet connection in my home country is poor. How can I study effectively online from home?

If you are a registered student with the University of Worcester you may be able to go to a co-operating university, library or other hotspot anywhere in the world and access EDUROAM https://www.eduroam.org/

The internet connection and working conditions in my private accommodation are not always adequate for successful study. Can I to travel to the University to use the Hive and other facilities? (UPDATED - 13 MAY)

The University of Worcester campuses are open.

You can access on-campus study spaces, catering facilities and the Hive library.

I am an EU/EEA student and returned home for the Christmas Break. My course will be online, but I haven’t applied for pre-settled status. Will that cause a problem when I return?

The deadline to submit an application for pre-settled status is the 30^th June 2021 and you can apply from within the UK or from abroad. You will need to provide at least one document dated within the last 6 months to prove your residence in the UK so providing you have this you will still be able to make an application if you haven’t already done so. You are also allowed to be outside of the UK for up to 6 months within a 12-month rolling period without it affecting your residence so, providing you have not exceeded this amount, you should be okay if you have not been able to return to the UK yet. If anyone does have concerns about their absences, please contact Deb or Danielle at isa@worc.ac.uk

I am a current international student living in private rented accommodation. I have lost my part time job because of lockdown and I will struggle to pay my rent. Is the University able to help me? 

If you are a student from the EU, you are entitled to apply for the Access to Learning Fund.  The application form can be found on this page.

Students paying international fees are not usually eligible for University hardship funds, but if you need any help or advice with your finances please contact firstpoint (firstpoint@worc.ac.uk ) and ask them to make an appointment for you to see one of the Money Advice team.

If you are struggling to pay fees, it is important that you make an appointment to speak with a Money Adviser immediately.

For those students who are in University managed accommodation, please refer to the Accommodation FAQs above. 

I am an international student with a Student Visa to enter the UK. I have been strongly advised not to travel to the UK until blended learning resumes and restrictions are lifted but I am concerned about my BRP (Biometric Residence Permit). Will I lose it if I don’t pick it up from the Collection Point within 10 days as it says in my letter from UKVI?

When you receive your visa, your entry vignette should be valid for 90 days. If your BRP collection point is the University, then we will keep your BRP until it is safe for us to issue this. The International Student Advisers have recently been given approval to start issuing BRPs again, so you will receive an appointment by email when it is time for you to come in. Please do not come to the University to collect your BRP unless you have received an appointment as we must ensure you have completed your self-isolation first.

If your BRP collection point is a Post Office, then they will keep your BRP for 90 days. Once you arrive in the UK you will need to complete any mandatory self-isolation before going to collect the BRP from the Post Office. Due to Covid-19, you are not currently required to collect your BRP within 10 working days of arriving in the UK, so you will not be penalised if it takes you longer than expected to collect your BRP. Your visa letter will state how long your visa has been issued for so this will serve as proof of your status until you have your original BRP or a copy of it.

 

I have arrived in the UK and I don’t have my BRP yet, how can I open a bank account, work and rent somewhere to live?

The following information is taken from UKVI guidance and should answer all your queries:

Proving Right to Work, Rent or Status to Other Government Departments:

National Insurance Number

If customers do not have a National Insurance number, they can obtain one by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions.  Further information about how to obtain a National Insurance Number can be found here:  https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number.

If customers have been granted leave in any Tier 2 category, or as a refugee, their National Insurance Number will appear in the remarks on the reverse of their BRP, so there is no need them or their employers to make a separate application to the Department for Work and Pensions to obtain one. If customers need to know their National Insurance Number before they have received their BRP, it can be obtained by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions.

Right to work

If a customer needs to prove their right to work, they should ask their employer to use the Employer Checking Service at: https://www.gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status. Once the request is received the Home Office will confirm their right to work directly to the employer to allow them to fulfil their statutory duties.

Right to rent

If a customer needs to prove their right to rent, they should ask their landlord to use the Landlord Checking Service at: https://eforms.homeoffice.gov.uk/outreach/lcs-application.ofml. Once the request is received the Home Office will confirm their right to rent directly to the landlord to allow them to fulfil their statutory duties.

Proving status to other Government departments

If the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the NHS, a Local Authority or other government department wishes to confirm a customer’s status, they should contact Status Verification, Enquiries and Checking (SVEC) at the Home Office. They will know how to do this using existing arrangements.

Registering with a GP or accessing NHS services

Anyone can register with a GP surgery. Guidance on registering with a GP is available at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/

If a customer is accessing the NHS for secondary healthcare, the NHS will be able to confirm their status via established Home Office communication channels. If a customer is asked by the NHS, they can advise them that they are awaiting the delivery of their BRP. If the NHS wishes to confirm their status, they should contact Status Verification, Enquiries and Checking (SVEC) at the Home Office.

Opening a bank account

The decision to open a bank account is a commercial decision for the bank in question. The absence of a BRP should not impact a customer’s ability to open a bank account.  If anyone does experience difficulties opening a High street bank, please try an online only account for the time being. The following link provides information for online only banks where they will give you a UK account but there is no requirement to provide an original BRP How To Open a UK Bank Account (Even Without Proof of Residency) (monito.com)

Education Providers:

Education providers are reassured that they will not face non-compliance action if their students are experiencing delays in obtaining BRPs and are encouraged to allow students to continue their studies whilst they are awaiting receipt of BRPs.

Education providers are permitted to enrol students who they have sponsored, provided they are satisfied those students entered the UK during the period of their student visa. Further details can be found here.

 

What if my 90-day vignette expires before I can travel to the UK?

Replacement vignettes were previously being issued free of charge up until the 31^st December 2020. Unfortunately, this service is no longer available and UKVI have indicated that they do not intend to renew it. Anyone who cannot travel before their vignette expires will need to apply for a replacement using the online form and will need to pay a fee of £154. For anyone whose vignette will expire before they can travel, it is strongly advised that you do not apply for a replacement unless you are confident you can travel to the UK. We will continue to check for updates in the meantime and will update this section should any advice change.

I received a letter from the University about the June graduation ceremony (postponed from November 2020). I am currently in my home country and would like to travel to the UK to attend it. (NEW - 13 MAY)

The Graduation ceremony is a celebratory event for which attendance is not mandatory. Passing the required examinations and assessments is what turns a student into a graduate.

If you are abroad and wish to travel to Worcester to attend it, we urge you to consider a number of factors including: 

• You may need to self-isolate for 10 days depending on the country you are travelling from.
• You may need to be tested on departure and arrival at your own expense 
• The possibility of being stranded in the UK if restrictions change and prevent your journey back to your home country

All information on entering the UK from abroad can be found here: Entering the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You may wish to consult our general Graduation FAQs for further information about the graduation ceremonies.