Important information for students
The University will be offering face-to-face classes in January 2022. This is, of course, subject to change in line with UK Government guidance. If for whatever reason you are unable to travel to the UK please contact Registry Services at registryservices@richmond.ac.uk.
Please remember that you must attend a personal health check with Student Affairs on your arrival to campus. Also note that students coming to the UK are entitled to receive a Covid vaccination free of charge through your local doctor surgery once you are registered with the NHS or through a local walk-in vaccination centre without registration.
Our opening hours are:
- Richmond – 8am – 10pm, 7 days per week (Library, Psychology Lab in Red House)
- Kensington – 10:30am – 15:30pm, 5 days per week (37 High Street Kensington for postgraduate students only)
Registry Services are offering remote support via email at registryservices@richmond.ac.uk or at +44 208 332 8201.
Our Student Affairs Team also continue to offer in person and remote support at studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk or at +44 208 332 8208.
The gym is now open with limited capacity restrictions (3 at a time) 7am – 10pm, 7 days per week for residential students only.
We have also resurfaced the outdoor sports court to make it more accessible to residents.
Self-test kits are available from the NHS directly and they are available on campus for students currently free of charge.
As always, we will keep you updated on any changes to guidance as they become available.
Prospective students
Due to the improvements in the UK Covid situation and current Government guidelines we are now offering face-to-face, on-campus teaching and plan to continue to do so in January 2022. We have all learnt that the situation with the virus can change, so we will have in place precautions and contingencies should the situation change once you have started classes. If you have any questions please contact Student Affairs at studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk.
Changes may include a blended approach to learning with a combination of in-person teaching and online learning. We will also continue to provide our wide range of social activities and personal support, to deliver and all-round student experience.
Please remember that you must attend a personal health check with Student Affairs on your arrival to campus. Also note that students coming to the UK are entitled to receive a Covid vaccination free of charge through your local doctor surgery once you are registered with the NHS or through a local walk-in vaccination centre without registration.
Should it be necessary, our online teaching is delivered in a variety of formats. Students are able to access recorded lectures, engage in live webinars and workshops, asynchronous active work, and video-conferencing faculty members through tutorials or one-to-ones. This year we also implemented informal sessions to allow us to get to know students better.
We have taken all the appropriate steps to ensure you will be safe at Richmond, and we have in place mitigations should things change. Your learning and your well-being remains our priority.
Safety first, wellbeing assured
We appreciate that the COVID-19 situation has made studying at university more challenging and we are continuing to monitor the situation closely, listening carefully to the questions and concerns we receive from students. The health, safety and wellbeing of our students and staff is our top priority. To find out more about what steps are being taken at the University to keep everyone safe, click on our COVID-19 link.
We plan to continue offering face-to-face, on-campus teaching in January 2022, in line with UK Government guidance.
When it comes to managing COVID-19 at the University, we’ve had very low numbers of students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic – no more than 58. Plus we have very high vaccination levels among students and staff – 98% of those students who returned to campus as residents in September 2021 have been double vaccinated (this figure was 85% of the wider off-campus student population), as have 88% of staff and faculty.
Vaccination levels are also high in the UK generally – as of 22 November 2021, over 50 million people have now received a first dose of a vaccine and 46 million people have been double vaccinated, that’s 80% of the UK population aged 12+ who have had two doses of the vaccination.
Key dates for January 2022 semester at Richmond
International Students who need to self-isolate
If you are an international student arriving into the UK from a non-red list country, you will need to self-isolate for 10 days if you are over 18 and not fully vaccinated. Providing that you have booked campus accommodation at Richmond for the term, you can self-isolate at the Richmond campus free of charge for the 10 day period but you must arrive on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
Undergraduate students
- Tuesday 4 January – Arrival at campus for any international students who need to self-isolate for 10 days
- Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 January – Virtual Orientation
- Monday 17 January – Classes start at Richmond campus
Masters students
- Friday 28 January – Masters Registration and Orientation at Kensington facility
- Monday 31 January – Classes start at Kensington facility
Please contact us at studentaffairs@richmond.co.uk if you need help finding accommodation.
Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) students
- Tuesday 11 – Friday 14 January – Registration and Orientation at Carnegie Student Village
- Monday 17 January – Classes start
Prospective students can contact Sarah Crossland at RIASA via email, scrossland@riasasoccer.org with any questions or concerns that you or your family may have.
For returning students who have any questions, please contact Kirsty Ibbitson at RIASA via email, ibbitsk@Richmond.ac.uk.
Travelling to the UK
The rules for international travel to England have changed from 4 October 2021, with the key points being:
- new clearer travel system: red list and rest of world
- simpler, cheaper rules for fully vaccinated travellers coming from non-red list countries – fully vaccinated passengers will be able to replace day 2 PCR tests with cheaper lateral flow tests – from the end of October – and no longer need to take pre-departure tests (PDTs)
- 8 destinations removed from red list including Turkey and Pakistan
- government recognises full vaccinations from a further 17 countries and territories including Japan and Singapore
Red List Country Information
If you are travelling to the UK from a red list country, you are required to quarantine for 10 days in a government-facilitated hotel. You must take a Covid test 3 days before your arrival to the UK and take 2 pre-booked tests during your 10-day isolation (one on day 2 and one on day 8). These will be delivered to you by post.
Please follow the step-by-step procedure below:
- Book your flight to the UK
- Take a Covid test 3 days before your departure. Please consult with your airline about which tests are approved for travel also click here for more information
- Book a hotel making a selection from the list—please note that most of these packages include airport pick up and the 2 pre-booked Covid tests (see step 4). Visit the .Gov Website for more information
- If your hotel package does not include 2 pre-booked Covid tests, you must book these before your arrival. See here for more details
- Complete the passenger locator form at least 48 hours before you fly.
Be sure to pack essentials with you as you won’t be able to leave your accommodation to shop during your 10-day quarantine.
Please note that the 5-day test to release scheme is NOT open to passengers arriving from red zones - You may be entitled to a discount of £200 from your fees to help offset the cost of quarantine. Please complete our form here
Managed Quarantine Service Information for International Students
This guidance from the UK Government on Managed Quarantine is for international students who are travelling to England and have been in a red list country in the 10 days before they arrive.
It includes:
Pre-arrival information – what you need to do before you arrive in the UK
Managed Quarantine package – what is included, eg escort from airport, transport to the hotel, accommodation, food, student support and well-being
Departure – when you will be tested for Covid-19 and when you can leave
If you need to contact the University during your 10-day stay, please email us at studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk or call on +44 7715051516.
Short stay options
For any students (and their parents) who are travelling to the UK and are looking to stay in temporary accommodation, there is a wide range of options available, including local hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts.
Availability will vary, so please book ahead.
Important: you will need the full address of the hotel in order to complete your passenger locator form.
Hotel |
Location |
Contact Details |
| Richmond Hill Hotel | 144-148 Richmond Hill TW10 6RW |
richmondhill-hotel.co.uk |
| Harbour Hotel | Richmond Hill TW10 6RW |
harbourhotels.co.uk |
| Petersham Hotel | Nightingale Lane TW10 6UZ |
petershamhotel.co.uk |
| Bingham Hotel | Petersham Road TW10 6UW |
binghamriverhouse.com |
| Alexander Pope Hotel Twickenham | Cross Deep Twickenham TW1 4RB |
alexanderpope.co.uk |
Other short stay options include:
NHS vaccinations
If you have not yet had a Covid-19 vaccination, we are planning to offer all of our students registered with the NHS a vaccination free of charge as soon as possible after arrival on campus.
The NHS has information about centres in London where you can receive the vaccine by booking an appointment or visiting a walk in clinic. View NHS poster (PDF)
Why Richmond?
Here’s a reminder about what makes Richmond so special, providing diversity, choice and freedom:
- Our multi-disciplinary Liberal Arts degree programmes for undergraduates
- Our international and specialist education for postgraduates
- The UK university where you can graduate with both a UK and US degree
- Exceptional teaching – our students put Richmond in the top five London universities for overall satisfaction levels on the quality of the course – 2021 National Student Survey (NSS)
- Experience life in London, the top student city in the world
- Internships to enhance your employability
- Scholarships – making studying with us more affordable
- Study Abroad opportunities for undergraduates on a global scale
We are currently teaching face-to-face but if circumstances change, some online teaching may be needed. Read our student blogs to find out how students got the most out of the online learning experience at Richmond. You can also find out more about our approach to online learning through this link.
New scholarships
We are delighted to have launched a new range of scholarships for both undergraduates and postgraduates for 2021/2022 to help make your degree more affordable.
One of the first universities to introduce the liberal arts to the UK, Richmond pioneered this broad-ranging, multi-disciplinary approach. Our new portfolio of Liberal Arts Awards celebrates our unique curriculum.
Diversity and internationalism have always played a key role at Richmond. Our EU Unity in Diversity Awards for undergraduates and postgraduates highlight the importance of our truly diverse and international community.
New UK immigration system
The UK Government’s new points-based immigration system came into force on 1 January 2021.
The Student route, which is part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, opened for applications on 5 October 2020. This route replaced the existing Tier 4 student route.
All prospective international students, including those from Europe coming to study in the UK will need to apply through the Student route before coming to UK. Further guidance for EEA students can be found on GOV.UK
EU Settlement Scheme
If you are an EU citizen living in the UK, you can apply for EU settlement.
Settled status in the UK offers a number of advantages:
- you can work without restrictions
- you can access the National Health Service freely
- you can access funding for your education through Student Finance England
- you can access general public funding
- you have no travel restriction on moving throughout the UK or EU
- you may be able to bring family members with you to the UK
The EU settlement scheme is being offered until 30 June 2021, but you MUST have arrived in the UK no later than 30 December 2020 in order to qualify.
You can apply online once you have arrived in the UK.
In your initial application, you can qualify for either:
- Settled status (5 years continuous residency in the UK) or
- Pre-Settled status (less than 5 years residency in the UK). If you gain pre-settled status, you will need to apply for settled status when you reach 5 years of residency.
Contact us
If you would like more information or have any questions, our Admissions and Recruitment team would be happy to help. Please email our team on enquiries@richmond.ac.uk. If you are in the US, please email usadmissions@richmond.ac.uk.
Stay safe and well.
Current & Returning students
We appreciate that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation may leave people feeling anxious about student life, and the impact this will have on your studies, family, friends and community.
As a University, the wellbeing of our students and staff is always of utmost importance. We are monitoring the situation closely, following the latest UK Government advice and you can find updates on our webpage.
Our priority is to make sure that, for all of our students, your experience is enriching, exciting and above all, safe.
The University is now offering all classes face-to-face. This is, of course, is subject to change as the UK works through the easing of the National Lockdown.
Our timeline is dependent on the COVID-19 situation in the UK, government guidance and any precautionary measures the university’s senior management team deem necessary to take to protect our students and staff. The University’s Executive meets weekly to discuss plans for the term with the health and safety of the university community as their first priority and issues are discussed at the University Board and with the Board of Trustees. The Student Government is also consulted.
The current steps for campus arrivals are below:
If you plan to return to or move to on-campus accommodation at Richmond, please contact Oliver Brady at bradyo@richmond.ac.uk to confirm your intended arrival date.
We understand that the uncertainty caused by the unknown of Covid and its effects can be stressful and frustrating. We will keep you up-to-date on changes at the University via email and though our Covid Portal here.
Please contact us if we can help with further advice and guidance during these difficult times.
Contact us
If you have any questions related to your timetable or courses, you can e-mail us at studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk at any time.
Stay safe and well.
Q&As
1. What is happening at Richmond this year?
We are offering face-to-face teaching for January 2022 but should circumstances change, we will be in touch with all students, the health and wellbeing of our students, staff and faculty are our top priority.
2. I’ve heard there is a new immigration system from January 2021, can you tell me what’s happening?
The UK Government’s new points-based immigration system, came into force on 1 January 2021.
The Student route, which is part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, opened for applications on 5 October. This route replaced the existing Tier 4 student route.
All prospective international students, including those from Europe coming to study in the UK, after the end of the transition period (31 December 2020), now need to apply through the Student route before coming to UK. Further guidance for EEA students can be found on GOV.UK.
All students applying through the new Student route will need to demonstrate they meet the required 70 points. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, speak English and are able to support themselves during their studies in the UK.
A Student visa will cost £348 if applied for outside the UK and students will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application, which gives migrants access to the UK’s National Health Service on generally the same basis as a UK permanent resident. Students will receive a 25% discount on the Immigration Health Surcharge. The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge is due to increase later this year. Find out more on GOV.UK.
3. Can you tell me more about the Graduate route?
The launch of the Graduate route in Summer 2021 will make it easier for the best international graduates to secure skilled jobs in the UK. The Graduate route will allow international students who have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in the UK to stay for two years.
- The Graduate Route will be available to international students who have a valid student visa at the time of application and have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
- Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years if they have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree. Graduates will be able to switch into skilled work once they have found a suitable job.
- Applications for the new route will open on 1 July 2021, meaning that any eligible student who graduates in the summer of 2021 or after will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their courses.
- Please note: only students who graduate AFTER April 2021 can apply. If you are completing your degree in December 2020, this route is NOT on offer for you.
- The Graduate Route will require a new visa application.
- It will include the payment of a visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The exact fee will be set out in due course.
- Those who graduate and whose leave expires before the route is introduced will not be eligible, however, most of these students will have had no expectation of benefitting from such a route when they applied to study in the UK.
4. What is happening regarding funding
If you wish to seek funding, we would encourage you to continue with your application to the relevant funding bodies as normal. For further details, please see our Fees and funding website page. We also have a range of great scholarships on offer to make your university education more affordable, see our website for details.
5. I can’t take an English language test at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is there any alternative?
We recognise that because of the difficult circumstances created by COVID-19 that English language testing may not be able to take place in a test centre as normal currently.
In line with other UK universities, we have extended the range of tests that we will accept as evidence of English language proficiency. Please visit our Admissions Page for further details.
IELTS test centres are now open in many countries and territories, where it is permitted and deemed safe, with additional precautions in place to help protect the health of test takers and staff.
6. How many cases of students do you have who have tested positive for COVID-19?
We are publishing updates on our Coronavirus Advice & Guidance portal on how many students and staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
We have put in place significant safety measures, in line with the latest advice from the Government, Public Health England and our local health authority. More information on our safety measures can be found here.
7. What is the University’s policy on vaccines and COVID testing?
The University follows the advice and information of the UK government and the National Health Service, which can be found here. We monitor the situation and update our policies and procedures on a regular basis. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are available based on age and medical need, and the UK rollout has been very successful. We recommend our students are vaccinated when the opportunity arises, but we cannot require you do so.
Free rapid testing will be available on campus via tests linked to the NHS. We recommend all students, staff and faculty take regular tests but we cannot require anyone to do so.
8. Do I need to quarantine on arrival?
The quarantine situation will depend on which country you are travelling from. The UK government operates a ‘traffic light’ system. Currently if you are travelling from a ‘red’ zone on a student route visa, TIER IV visa or other long-term visa you will be required to stay at a government quarantine facility for 10 days. Short-term visitors and tourists from ‘red’ zone countries are not permitted to enter the UK at present.
Travellers from ‘amber’ countries are currently required to self-isolate for ten days after arrival, and this can be done in university accommodation free of charge for this period for individuals who have booked accommodation with us. Please contact studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk for more information. You should plan to arrive by 1 September 2021 for the Fall 2021 semester so that you can quarantine on campus for 10 days in advance of teaching starting on 13 September 2021.
Travellers from ‘green’ zones currently face no restrictions.
You will need to follow Government guidelines and these require a clear COVID-19 test before arrival and two postal tests pre-booked before arrival and this will have to be paid for by you (the cost is estimated at about £200). If you test positive at any time you are required to self-isolate and must inform studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk who will provide you with advice and support.
Please remember the status of countries and the requirements for quarantine will change according to assessments of the UK government so you must ensure you have the latest advice and information.
9. Will there be refunds for fees, accommodation or deposits if I am unable to travel or if the UK has to go into lockdown?
The University did not close down during the previous COVID lockdowns. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty and staff. If the UK goes into another lockdown we will follow government guidance and this may result in either an online or ‘blended’ teaching provision. We will take all appropriate and reasonable steps to ensure your safety and your education. Your learning and your well-being remain our priority.
Accommodation: the University will provide a full refund of accommodation charges if you are unable to travel to the UK to start your studies. Should you leave accommodation early the University shall review your circumstances and you can apply for a refund. Please see our complaints and appeals procedures.
Tuition Fees: the University will arrange online options for your studies. If you do not wish to take the classes online, you may apply for a refund via the website.
Deposits: For deposits, please go to the University’s Refunds and Deposits Policy on the website.
10. When will I be able to move in to university accommodation?
Some dates for students who moving into university accommodation have changed due to government guidance, please visit our Coronavirus Advice & Guidance portal for more information and regular updates.
11. Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact our friendly Student Affairs team for more details on studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk.
1. What is happening at Richmond this year?
The University hopes to offer all Fall classes face-to-face (as well as remote for students who are unable to travel due to Covid restrictions). This is, of course, is subject to change as the UK works through the easing of the National Lockdown.
2. I’ve heard there is a new immigration system from January 2021, can you tell me what’s happening?
The UK Government’s new points-based immigration system, came into force on 1 January 2021.
The Student route, which is part of the UK’s new points-based immigration system, opened for applications on 5 October. This route replaced the existing Tier 4 student route.
All prospective international students, including those from Europe coming to study in the UK, after the end of the transition period (31 December 2020), now need to apply through the Student route before coming to UK. Further guidance for EEA students can be found on GOV.UK.
All students applying through the new Student route will need to demonstrate they meet the required 70 points. They will achieve the required points if they can demonstrate that they have an offer from an approved educational institution, speak English and are able to support themselves during their studies in the UK.
A Student visa will cost £348 if applied for outside the UK and students will also need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of their application, which gives migrants access to the UK’s National Health Service on generally the same basis as a UK permanent resident. Students will receive a 25% discount on the Immigration Health Surcharge. The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge is due to increase later this year. Find out more on GOV.UK.
3. Can you tell me more about the Graduate route?
The launch of the Graduate route in Summer 2021 will make it easier for the best international graduates to secure skilled jobs in the UK. The Graduate route will allow international students who have completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in the UK to stay for two years.
- The Graduate Route will be available to international students who have a valid student visa at the time of application and have successfully completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance.
- Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years if they have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree. Graduates will be able to switch into skilled work once they have found a suitable job.
- Applications for the new route will open on 1 July 2021, meaning that any eligible student who graduates in the summer of 2021 or after will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their courses.
- Please note: only students who graduate AFTER April 2021 can apply. If you are completing your degree in December 2020, this route is NOT on offer for you.
- The Graduate Route will require a new visa application.
- It will include the payment of a visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge. The exact fee will be set out in due course.
- Those who graduate and whose leave expires before the route is introduced will not be eligible, however, most of these students will have had no expectation of benefitting from such a route when they applied to study in the UK.
4. What is happening regarding funding
If you wish to seek funding, we would encourage you to continue with your application to the relevant funding bodies as normal. For further details, please see our Fees and funding website page. We also have a range of great scholarships on offer to make your university education more affordable, see our website for details.
5. I can’t take an English language test at the moment because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is there any alternative?
We recognise that because of the difficult circumstances created by COVID-19 that English language testing may not be able to take place in a test centre as normal currently.
In line with other UK universities, we have extended the range of tests that we will accept as evidence of English language proficiency. Please visit our Admissions Page for further details.
IELTS test centres are now open in many countries and territories, where it is permitted and deemed safe, with additional precautions in place to help protect the health of test takers and staff.
6. Does Online teaching impact my scholarship?
If you have met the GPA requirements to keep your scholarship, there will be no change to this. Please contact Jason Elliot, Associate Dean for Financial Assistance if you have further questions about this.
7. Is my visa still valid with online classes?
Yes, provided that you are registered for 6 credits in Fall Two, and at least 3 credits in Fall One, A and/or B.
8. Is my funding still valid with online classes?
Yes, provided that you are registered for 6 credits in Fall Two, and at least 3 credits in Fall One, A and/or B.
9. How many cases of students do you have who have tested positive for COVID-19?
We are publishing updates on our Coronavirus Advice & Guidance portal on how many students and staff have tested positive for COVID-19.
We have put in place significant safety measures, in line with the latest advice from the Government, Public Health England and our local health authority. More information on our safety measures can be found here.
10. What is the University’s policy on vaccines and COVID testing?
The University follows the advice and information of the UK government and the National Health Service, which can be found here. We monitor the situation and update our policies and procedures on a regular basis. Currently, COVID-19 vaccines are available based on age and medical need, and the UK rollout has been very successful. We recommend our students are vaccinated when the opportunity arises, but we cannot require you do so.
Free rapid testing will be available on campus via tests linked to the NHS. We recommend all students, staff and faculty take regular tests but we cannot require anyone to do so.
11. Do I need to quarantine on arrival?
The quarantine situation will depend on which country you are travelling from. The UK government operates a ‘traffic light’ system. Currently if you are travelling from a ‘red’ zone on a student route visa, TIER IV visa or other long-term visa you will be required to stay at a government quarantine facility for 10 days. Short-term visitors and tourists from ‘red’ zone countries are not permitted to enter the UK at present.
Travellers from ‘amber’ countries are currently required to self-isolate for ten days after arrival, and this can be done in university accommodation free of charge for this period for individuals who have booked accommodation with us. Please contact studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk for more information. You should plan to arrive by 1 September 2021 for the Fall 2021 semester so that you can quarantine on campus for 10 days in advance of teaching starting on 13 September 2021.
Travellers from ‘green’ zones currently face no restrictions.
You will need to follow Government guidelines and these require a clear COVID-19 test before arrival and two postal tests pre-booked before arrival and this will have to be paid for by you (the cost is estimated at about £200). If you test positive at any time you are required to self-isolate and must inform studentaffairs@richmond.ac.uk who will provide you with advice and support.
Please remember the status of countries and the requirements for quarantine will change according to assessments of the UK government so you must ensure you have the latest advice and information.
12. Will there be refunds for fees, accommodation or deposits if I am unable to travel or if the UK has to go into lockdown?
The University did not close down during the previous COVID lockdowns. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students, faculty and staff. If the UK goes into another lockdown we will follow government guidance and this may result in either an online or ‘blended’ teaching provision. We will take all appropriate and reasonable steps to ensure your safety and your education. Your learning and your well-being remain our priority.
Accommodation: the University will provide a full refund of accommodation charges if you are unable to travel to the UK to start your studies. Should you leave accommodation early the University shall review your circumstances and you can apply for a refund. Please see our complaints and appeals procedures.
Tuition Fees: the University will arrange online options for your studies. If you do not wish to take the classes online, you may apply for a refund via the website.
Deposits: For deposits, please go to the University’s Refunds and Deposits Policy on the website.
13. When will I be able to move in to university accommodation?
Some dates for students who moving into university accommodation have changed due to government guidance, please visit our Coronavirus Advice & Guidance portal for more information and regular updates.
14. Who do I contact for more information?
Please contact our friendly Admissions team for more details on enquiries@richmond.ac.uk.
