Advice for prospective students
If you've applied to ARU – or are thinking about applying – this information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) is for you. It includes advice about events such as Open Days.
If you're already studying at ARU, check our advice for current students.
On this page, we’ve answered some key questions about applying to university and studying at ARU. We’ll continue to update this information as the coronavirus situation develops.
You'll find further information on our FAQs page – this focuses on teaching and learning arrangements once you start at ARU, and student support services.
Support for applicants and prospective students
Are you reviewing and processing applications as normal?
Yes, we're following our usual student admissions processes as far as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on your plans to join ARU, there are several ways to get in touch:
- speak to us on Live Chat
- drop an email to admissions@aru.ac.uk (UK and EU students)
- email internationaladmissions@aru.ac.uk (international students)
- call us on 01245 686868.
If you were affected by changes to exam arrangements in summer 2020 or are concerned about arrangements for 2021, we're happy to discuss the situation and offer information and support.
Are your campuses open?
Yes, our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford and Peterborough are open for study and research work. This includes our campus libraries.
Your health and wellbeing is our priority, so we're asking everyone in our University community to follow our updated safe behaviour guidance when on campus.
If I join ARU, will I be able to study on campus?
Yes, you will. Our on-campus experience is going to focus on in-person active and inclusive learning and teaching: you’ll have seminars, practicals and workshops with your peers and in our specialist labs and workspaces. We structure the face-to-face timetable in teaching blocks, as we know this helps our students to plan their week.
We’ve made changes to our non-teaching spaces to provide flexible and safe places for you to meet between and after classes, catch up with friends, study or relax.
Campus teaching is supported by online technologies. You’ll find weekly course materials, activities and support through our Canvas platform; with online MS Teams areas to support group, tutor and individual study activities (except ARU College students). The combination of on-campus learning supported by online content and collaboration provides the flexibility needed to make sure all students feel part of our community and, importantly, allows us to quickly adapt if the Government asks us to at any given point.
If you need to study with us online only for the first trimester (September-December 2021), you will join the same learning community and receive the same or similar content as our face-to-face teaching.
Can I join events such as Open Days?
Yes; we're running both physical and virtual Open Days, where you can chat to tutors and Student Ambassadors, and get all the information you need about studying at ARU. We run undergraduate and postgraduate events: book your place today.
Alternatively, you can sign in to access our On Demand content at any time.
Am I able to apply for accommodation at ARU?
Accommodation applications are open. You can view our halls and houses and reserve accommodation online for September.
We’ll confirm accommodation offers once you have an unconditional offer to study with us.
Do you have any advice for international students?
Yes; please visit our frequently asked questions page where you will find the section 'Advice for international students'.
You can also contact us by phone, email or live chat between 9am–5pm UK time (Monday–Friday). You'll find all our contact details here.
Universities UK also has an information page for students who are considering studying in the UK.