Savanna Hoffman
Returning to university after a break can be an exciting but stressful time for students. There are many things to consider and prepare, from academic calendars and financial support to mental health and safety. Students should be aware of the key dates and deadlines, such as registration and exam periods, to ensure a smooth transition back to academic life. Familiarising themselves with the campus and staying up-to-date with vaccinations is also important. Universities offer various support services, including mental health platforms and financial aid, to assist students in their return to campus life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaccinations | MMR, MenACWY, and HPV vaccines |
| Financial readiness | Increased maintenance loans, scholarships, and support funds |
| Safety | SafeZone app, on-campus GP, and mental health support |
| Social connections | Umii app for connecting with other students |
| Registration | Register online if invited |
| Testing | Asymptomatic testing upon arrival and twice weekly |
| Course concerns | Contact university, then Office for the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education if unresolved |
| Mental health | Student Space platform with 1-2-1 web and text chat |
| Teaching quality | Office for Students (OfS) monitors online teaching and investigates institutions |
| Returning date | Staggered return to campuses advised |
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What You'll Learn
Returning students' guides
Returning to university after a break can be a daunting prospect. To help you get ready for the new term, we've put together this guide to ensure you're prepared and can set yourself up for success.
Before You Return
There are a few things you should do before heading back to university. Firstly, make sure you're up to date with your vaccinations, including MMR, MenACWY, and HPV, to protect yourself and others from serious illnesses. Get financially prepared by exploring cost-of-living resources and checking your eligibility for scholarships or student finance. If you watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, don't forget to purchase a TV licence. To connect with other students before the term starts, consider downloading the Umii app. For your safety, download the SafeZone app, which provides quick access to emergency aid and security services. Register with the on-campus GP to ensure you can access medical help when needed. Familiarise yourself with the support services and teams available at your university, especially mental health services, as transitioning back to university life can be challenging.
Returning to Campus
If you're studying on campus, there may be specific requirements or steps you need to take before or upon your return. Check with your university for any registration requirements. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, universities may advise asymptomatic testing for students returning to campus. Follow any guidelines provided by your university and take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe return for yourself and others.
Course Concerns
If you have concerns about your course, your first point of contact should be your university. If you're still not satisfied with the outcome, you can take your complaint to the Office for the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education.
Student Support
The transition back to university life is important, and various support services are available. The Office for Students (OfS) has allocated funding to improve mental health services and support students' transition to university. Student Space, a mental health platform offering 1-2-1 web and text chat, is one such initiative. Universities should also provide clear information about the balance between in-person and online teaching to help students make informed decisions about their courses.
We hope this guide helps you feel more prepared for your return to university. Don't forget to check your university's specific recommendations and requirements to ensure a smooth transition back to campus life.
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Student finance
Types of Student Finance
Eligibility and Application Process
To access student finance, you must create a student finance account if you're a new student or sign into an existing account if you're returning. This process can be done online, and it's important to provide any necessary evidence and details, such as household income and course start dates, to support your application. The application process can take up to six weeks, so ensure you apply well in advance to secure your funding on time.
Tuition Fee Loans
Tuition Fee Loans are available for eligible students, and the amount you can receive depends on the length of your course and any previous study. If your course started before August 1, 2016, you may have different grant and loan options, so be sure to check which ones apply to your situation. The loan is typically paid directly to your university, and you will need to pay it back later.
Maintenance Loans and Grants
Maintenance Loans and Grants are available to help with living expenses. The amount you can receive may vary, and for full-time students, it can be up to £9,535. These loans are usually paid directly into your bank account at the start of each term. If you are a distance learning student, your options may differ, and you may need to explore additional funding sources to cover all your living costs.
Scholarships and Bursaries
In addition to government and university-provided financial aid, scholarships and bursaries are also available. These are often donor-funded and can provide valuable financial support. Check with your university to see what scholarships or bursaries you may be eligible for and apply accordingly.
Evidence for Repeating a Year
If you are returning to university and repeating a year, you will need to provide evidence explaining your circumstances. This can include a cover letter with your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and any supporting letters from professionals or university staff who can confirm your situation.
Navigating student finance can be complex, so be sure to review all the available options and carefully follow the application instructions to ensure you receive the necessary financial support for your studies.
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Student health
One key aspect of student health is mental health. The transition to university life can be demanding, and many students may struggle with the adjustment. The Office for Students (OfS) has recognised this challenge and allocated funding to improve mental health support for students. This includes a £15 million investment specifically for the upcoming academic year to help students transition from school or college to university. The OfS also funds Student Space, a mental health platform offering 1-2-1 web and text chat support for students.
In addition to mental health, universities are also focused on students' physical health and safety. Students are advised to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations, including MMR, MenACWY, and HPV vaccines, to protect themselves and others against serious illnesses such as meningitis, measles, and cervical cancer. Universities are also taking steps to address concerns about drink spiking and needle spiking, working with the police and venues to stamp out these attacks and providing practical advice and support for students.
To promote a safe return to campus, asymptomatic testing is recommended for all students upon their arrival, helping to manage outbreaks and enable a return to face-to-face teaching. Universities are also advised to make testing available for staff and encourage their participation in testing programmes.
Finally, universities are encouraging students to register with on-campus GP services to ensure they have access to healthcare support during their time at university. This includes not only physical health services but also mental health support, with universities aiming to bridge the gap between university and NHS mental health services to provide continuous care for students.
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Student safety
To further reduce the risk of transmission, students are advised to get tested before leaving and returning to campus, and to take another test upon arrival. Universities are also strongly encouraged to provide twice-weekly asymptomatic testing for students and staff, which will help break chains of transmission and enable a safer return to face-to-face teaching.
In addition to COVID-19 safety measures, universities are also addressing other student safety concerns. For example, addressing the recent reports of drink spiking and spiking with needles, Universities UK has set out guidance to help universities respond effectively to these incidents and work with the police and other partners to stamp out these attacks.
Students are also encouraged to take steps to ensure their own safety. For instance, students should ensure they are up to date with vaccinations such as MMR, MenACWY, and HPV to protect themselves against serious illnesses. Additionally, universities offer a range of support services for students' mental health and wellbeing, with the Office for Students (OfS) allocating funding to improve mental health services and transition support for students.
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Student accommodation
The first thing to do when returning to university is to ensure you have somewhere to live. If you are living in student accommodation, there are a few things you should do before moving in. Firstly, check if there are any outstanding tasks you need to complete before your arrival, such as registering or making payments. You may also need to book a time slot for your arrival, as some universities manage move-in days this way.
It is also important to be aware of any safety measures or requirements that your university may have in place. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, universities advised students to get tested before returning to campus and implemented asymptomatic testing on arrival. Other safety measures may include downloading safety apps, such as SafeZone, which allow students to contact security and access emergency aid.
In addition to safety, it is also crucial to consider your well-being when returning to university. The transition to university life can be challenging, and ensuring you have the necessary support is essential. The Office for Students (OfS) has allocated funding towards student mental health, and universities have launched mental health platforms, such as Student Space, to provide students with access to 1-to-1 web and text chat facilities. It is worth familiarising yourself with the support services available at your university, so you know where to turn if you need help.
Finally, it is a good idea to connect with other students before your arrival, especially if you are moving into a new accommodation. This can help you feel more settled and make the transition smoother. There may be apps or groups specifically for your university or accommodation that can help you connect with your future flatmates and other students.
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Frequently asked questions
Students can return to university at the beginning of a new academic year or term. For students in the UK, this is usually in September.
There are a few things to do before returning to university, such as ensuring you are up to date with vaccinations, registering for your courses, and downloading any recommended safety apps. It is also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the support services available to you.
Returning students can access various support services at their university, including mental health services, financial advice, and hardship funds. Students who are concerned about the quality of their course can get in touch with their university or take their complaint to the Office for the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education.
