What University Students Can Expect in September

Just four months ago, universities around the world were forced to close their campuses because of coronavirus.

Now, they are working hard to reopen them as they prepare to welcome students back for the new academic year in two months’ time.

As universities finalise their plans, there will be significant changes and key decisions. But many, including Northern Ireland’s Queen’s University Belfast, have promised that, while student wellbeing remains the top priority, students can still look forward to a meaningful and memorable experience at this leading Russell Group university.

Strict hygiene measures

Needless to say, face coverings and hand sanitiser will become as essential as your phone, wallet, and textbooks.

You can expect to see more cleaning teams across campus, along with hand-washing stations, plastic screens, and one-way systems to help maintain social distancing.

Blended learning will become the norm

Some universities have announced that all lectures will move online next academic year. Others, such as Queen’s University Belfast, are planning to introduce blended learning, where students can attend virtual webinars as well as classes in person.

An induction week you won’t forget

The first week of term is usually famous for nightlife and discovering your new home. It is also the time to meet your roommates and try out every student society, club, and organisation.

This September will be a little different, though. Keep in mind that this will depend on where you are, since official government guidance will vary.

For now, restrictions on large gatherings mean there will be no crowded lecture halls or freshers’ events. But that does not mean you cannot meet other students and get to know them, or that you will be left to organise everything on your own as you settle in.

First-year students at Queen’s can expect as much face-to-face interaction as possible, along with occasional introductions to virtual classes, as part of the university’s Campus Commitment initiative.

Student accommodation may feel a little different at first

Moving into student accommodation for the first time comes with a real sense of excitement: making those four walls feel like home and getting to know your new housemates.

It is important to remember that, while universities will do everything they can to minimise disruption, each institution has its own way of managing student accommodation.

At Queen’s University Belfast, supportive isolation measures, rota systems, and capacity limits will allow all shared living, study, and social spaces in residences to remain open to students, giving you the fullest experience possible.

The new reality of campus life

From student libraries to campus cafés and student unions, many universities are planning to provide a full range of services wherever social distancing allows.

Queen’s students’ union will be open, and students will be encouraged to join one of the 200+ student societies and clubs on campus, all in line with social distancing requirements. The university’s McClay Library, Graduate School, and other shared study spaces will reopen in early August, but with reduced capacity.

Student support services will still be on hand

Even before coronavirus, universities encouraged students to use their support services whenever and wherever they needed them, and the new academic year will be no exception.

Although face-to-face services may be limited, students will still be able to get friendly, professional guidance every step of the way.

Sports and recreation will be encouraged, where possible

For many students, getting involved in sport is an important part of the university experience. While some sports clubs and groups may not be able to resume activity immediately, universities are doing everything they can to ensure that some sports facilities can safely reopen for students to use, in line with guidance from governing bodies.