Studying at university in 2022/23: FAQs

On this page, you'll find information about studying at ARU from September 2022, including teaching timetables.

Our first priority is to keep you safe, and to make sure you're supported to start (or continue) your studies.

Student experience

Will you be offering online-only study options?

In September, we plan on face-to-face teaching on campus, supported with online learning. From September, we won’t be offering the option to study any of our face-to-face courses online only. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus.

What happens if there is another lockdown in future?

We do not expect there to be a future lockdown, but, if one does happen, we will follow guidance from the Department for Education and our local public health authorities, and keep you updated on arrangements.

Will I have to be vaccinated to study at university?

We continue to follow Government guidance around vaccinations and encourage our staff and students to get vaccinated to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We do also recognise, and respect, that there may be valid medical, cultural, or other factors why individuals may not want or be able to be vaccinated.

Some of our health care courses may require students to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be placed in certain settings, such as care homes, as vaccination is both for students' own protection and that of their patients. This is currently under consultation, and we await further guidance from the Government.

If Government or sector vaccination guidance changes, we will contact all our students to explain what this means for you.

The NHS website has more information about vaccinations for students in higher education.

What steps will be taken to keep me safe on campus?

We support students and staff if they choose to continue to wear face coverings and to practice safe behaviours when on campus, which include:

  • washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds
  • cleaning your workstation when you arrive and once you have finished 
  • opening windows in areas with poor ventilation 
  • do not come to campus if you feel unwell and report your absence via AskARU.
     

Will the Students' Union be open?

Yes – the Students’ Union will be running face-to-face and online services. Our independent, confidential advice service will be available to all students to help you through any questions or challenges you might have. Student-run societies will continue to hold events and activities; all our students are welcome and there'll be something for everyone.

The Students’ Union spaces in Peter Taylor House (Cambridge) and Tindal (Chelmsford) will be open 24/7.

I'm a level 3 student. Are there any specific requirements that affect me?

All the FAQs on this page apply to Level 3 students. If you're a Level 3 student at ARU College, the following also applies to you:

  • you'll use Moodle, ARU College’s Learning Management platform to access teaching resources for any supported online learning
  • ARU College will communicate with students via Zoom, ARU College website, email, telephone and face-to-face by appointment.