Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice & Guidance
While we will make every effort to provide all of our students with any updated information, the COVID situation may change quickly, and the advice below is subject to change on the basis of UK Government policy.
If you are a Richmond staff or faculty member, click here to visit the dedicated portal.
Updated: 4 May 2022
Latest UK Government advice
Travelling to the UK?
All remaining Covid travel restrictions have now been lifted for passengers entering the UK.
As of 18 March, all travellers to the UK no longer need to complete a passenger locator form and unvaccinated travellers do not need to test for Covid before and after arrival in the UK.
Tested positive?
- People with Covid are no longer legally required to self-isolate
- Guidance remains in place for those who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days
You can find more UK Government approved information here.
For more information on travelling to the UK visit our Important Information for Students webpage.
Confirmed cases among staff and students
Our University’s priority is the safety of staff and students. To ensure we are being as transparent as possible, we are publishing regular updates on known confirmed cases among staff and students.
- We have been informed of 57 employees who have tested positive for Coronavirus
- We have been informed of 133 students who have tested positive for Coronavirus
These are cumulative figures for positive tests among employees and students since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Update on campus services
- In person services including catering, security and cleaning will remain available this semester
- Student Affairs provision will be unchanged. In-person Student Affairs support is available at Richmond and at 37 High Street Kensington
- Registry Services are available on site in Richmond Monday – Friday 9am-5pm, Kensington is by appointment only.
- Please refer to the Library calendar for details of online support and staffed opening hours at both Richmond and 37 High Street Kensington
- Finance Department is available to contact via email studentfinance@richmond.ac.uk or via telephone Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm on +44 (0) 20 8332 8334. Request student refunds and refund queries via email refunds@richmond.ac.uk. Details on how to pay can be found here.
- Other offices and departments will be available both in-person and online
We would like to thank all of our students for their persistence during the Covid-19 pandemic. The education of our students and their safety remain our top priorities.
Safety measures
While the UK Government has published a ‘Living with COVID-19 plan’ which has removed legal restrictions, it is important to continue to protect people most vulnerable to COVID-19. This is why we are keeping in place key protections:
- On-campus accommodation
- Students are being housed in zones which operate as a household with some shared facilities and common space. No external guests are allowed in the residential (non-common) areas of any of the residence halls
- Residential students can visit friends from other residential zones, but please meet in building common spaces, not in residential rooms or residential zone common rooms
- Residential students must use designated toilets and showers only in their area to manage the potential spread of illness
- If any students test positive, please contact Dr Allison Cole-Stutz (colesta@richmond.ac.uk)
- Hand sanitiser at every entrance, in computer labs, library and offices
- Stepped up cleaning on high touch areas and public toilet facilities
- All guests must sign in and out at our reception desk
- The University is also:
- offering unique building entry and exit points to manage the flow of people
- asking all community members to adhere to room capacities
- Mask wearing in corridors, classrooms and offices is strongly encouraged but not mandatory
We are also encouraging people to get vaccinated. This is free and available by appointment through your local doctor’s surgery if you are registered with the NHS or through a walk in clinic for anyone 18+ years of age.
See here for more details.
Testing
The rules for Covid testing have changed in England.
It is now only possible to qualify for a free Covid test if:
- you are eligible for Covid-19 treatment as recommended by your GP
- you are being admitted to the hospital
- you work for the NHS or in adult social care
- your GP has asked you to get a test
If you do not fit any of the categories above, you can still order and pay for tests online or visit a clinic. You can find a list of walk-in and bookable clinic appointments, pharmacies and other retailers by location using the NHS Track and Trace search function HERE.
Travel information
Click here for travel information for any international students and parents who are travelling to the UK.
Richmond awarded independent certificate of assurance for COVID-19
We are delighted to announce that Sodexo, who are responsible for facilities management at the University, have been awarded a Certificate of Assurance from Bureau Veritas for implementing appropriate measures, policies and procedures, in accordance with local and national guidelines and WHO guidance to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
These high standards help to minimise the risk posed by COVID-19 at the University. The Sodexo team manages the cleaning, security, catering, reception, maintenance and energy procurement at Richmond.
