Supporting you through self-isolation

In the event that you might need to self-isolate, we're ready to support you.

You may need to self-isolate if:

• you have symptoms of COVID-19
• you test positive for COVID-19
• you are contacted by ARU or NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate
• you are not fully vaccinated and you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19
• you’ve travelled to the UK from overseas.

Contacts who are not required to self-isolate

You are not required to self-isolate if you are a contact of someone with COVID-19 and any of the following apply:

• you are fully vaccinated – fully vaccinated means that you have received an MHRA approved COVID-19 vaccine in the UK, and at least 14 days have passed since you received the recommended dose of that vaccine
• you are below the age of 18 years 6 months
• you have taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
• you are not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

Read the latest self-isolation guidance from the Government to find out what you need to do:

• Guidance for households with possible or confirmed COVID infection
• Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed COVID infection who do not live in the same household

What to do if you're self-isolating

If you need to self-isolate, follow these three simple steps:

1. Return to your term-time home address
2. Let us know if you're self-isolating
3. Call your loved ones to let them know you're self-isolating.

How we support you

For all students who need to self-isolate, we'll check in with you to make sure you're doing OK. We'll invite you to join a closed Facebook group and you can join a range of social and wellbeing events online.

You’ll be able to continue your studies as course materials will be available through Canvas to work through. If there are online sessions available, you’ll be able to join through MS Teams if self-isolating and well enough to continue to study.

If your course does not offer online study option, you can make use of Canvas materials, and if needed, will be supported by Module Leaders to catch up on any practical face-to-face sessions.

If you're living in University accommodation and are asked to self-isolate, please don't worry about getting hold of food or other essential goods. We're here to support you all the way, and we'll take care of the basics. Our student support services will also be there if you need them, including the Counselling and Wellbeing Service.

What to do next

It’s a legal requirement to self-isolate if you are told to do so by NHS Test and Trace. You must stay at home (or in your University room) for at least ten days. We'll support you throughout this time.

You may be able to leave self-isolation after five full days if you receive negative lateral flow tests on days five and six.

If you experience symptoms yourself:

Try not to worry. For most people coronavirus will be a mild illness, but it's still important to get tested and self-isolate.

Latest COVID-19 data from ARU

Every Monday, we publish newly confirmed positive COVID-19 cases reported to the University in the previous week. You can see the latest figures here.

We thank our community for following safety guidelines and helping to keep us all safe and well.

International students

International students who have not yet been vaccinated can get their vaccine in the UK, free of charge via the National Health Service (NHS).

We strongly encourage all our students to register with the NHS via your local medical centre or doctors (general practitioner) surgery. Once registered with the NHS, you will be invited to attend a vaccination appointment. Alternatively, any international students who have not been vaccinated can go to a walk-in vaccination centre.

If you have received any vaccinations (one dose or more) outside the UK, you must contact your doctor/GP surgery and provide details of the vaccination(s) so that you can receive the correct medical advice.

You can find information on how to register with the NHS on our International Student Advice Service pages.

The information on this page applies to anyone who is self-isolating – whatever the reason.

You can find more information about COVID-19 on My ARU.