Information for Students
- My Queen's: Information on studying and life at Queen's
- Vaccinations
- On-Campus Walk-in Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics
- Mitigation measures in place on campus and in teaching spaces
- Social Distancing
- Face Coverings
- If you develop symptoms / are a close contact
- Travel
- Finance
- Disability and Wellbeing
- Accommodation
- Students' Union
- International Students
- Erasmus and Study or Work Placement Abroad
- Covid-19 Information
- Useful Contacts
My Queen's: Information on studying and life at Queen's
For the latest updates on studying and life at Queen's, including information for new students, your learning environment, all of our support services and advice on how to make the most of your student experience, visit the My Queen's website.
Vaccinations
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Where can I find information on the Northern Ireland COVID-19 Vaccination Programme?
We strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine.
The more of us who are vaccinated the more it helps reduce transmission and the health consequences if you do catch the virus.
Information on the Northern Ireland Covid Vaccination Programme is available on the NI Direct website.
You can book your vaccination online.
Just bring your photographic ID and proof of address (for example, a bill or letter from the University).
Further information
We recommend that for any information on vaccines, including frequently asked questions and myth busters, you look at the sources prepared by the Public Health Agency.
- Can international students get a vaccine in Northern Ireland?
We strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine.Information on the Northern Ireland Covid Vaccination Programme is available on the NI Direct website.
The more of us who are vaccinated the more it helps reduce transmission and the health consequences if you do catch the virus.
You can book your vaccination online.
Just bring your photographic ID and proof of address (for example, a bill or letter from the University).
Registering with a GP
We recommend that, if you have not done so already, you register with a GP.
For information on how to register with a GP please have visit the MyQueen’s site.
- Will I have to be vaccinated before I can return to campus?
While we strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine, it is not mandatory.
However, the more of us who are vaccinated the more it helps reduce transmission and the health consequences if you do catch the virus. It is therefore important to get vaccinated as soon as possible and before you leave for Queen’s if you can.
- Student Covid-19 Vaccination in Northern Ireland
We strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine.
The more of us who are vaccinated the more it helps reduce transmission and the health consequences if you do catch the virus.
Information on the Northern Ireland Covid Vaccination Programme is available on the NI Direct website.You can book your vaccination online.
Just bring your photographic ID and proof of address (for example, a bill or letter from the University).
- Student Covid-19 Vaccination in England, Scotland or Wales
We strongly encourage all staff and students to take up the vaccine.
Find information on how to arrange an appointment or access a walk-in vaccination centre in England, Scotland or Wales:
On-Campus Walk-in Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics
Queen's is working with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency to support and encourage students to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
To make this as easy as possible, we have arranged on-campus walk-in vaccination centres.
No appointment necessary. Just bring your photographic ID and proof of address (for example, a bill or letter from the University).
Mitigation measures in place on campus and in teaching spaces
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What mitigation measures are in place on campus?
As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary measures are in place on campus. Students and staff must also adhere to University and public health guidance regarding Covid-19, taking personal responsibility to ensure that transmission is minimised.
A range of mitigation measures and precautions are in place on campus:
- On-campus vaccinations: Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible. Queen's is working with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency to support and encourage students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. To make this as easy as possible, we have arranged on-campus walk-in vaccination centres.
- Ventilation: We have a range of ventilation protocols in place on campus. This includes mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation or a combination of mechanical and natural ventilation.
- Social distancing:
- While legal restrictions regarding the requirement to socially distance have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to keep their distance as much as possible when moving around campus.
- In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
- If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your workspace.
- Face-coverings: Students must wear face coverings as follows:
- While legal restrictions regarding the wearing of face coverings have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to wear a face covering in teaching, learning and study spaces, including the library. By wearing a face covering, you are showing your support and consideration for others together with playing your part to limit the transmission of the virus. Find out more about face coverings on campus here.
- Hygiene: Hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes are available across the campus. A number of external hand-washing stations are also available. Staff and students are encouraged to make use of these before entry to the building.
- Download the StopCovidNI app.
- Signage and one-way systems: There is no longer a requirement to follow signage displayed regarding one-way systems, priority access, capacity numbers etc. However, in some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
- What mitigation measures are in place in teaching spaces?
As always, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our first priority and all the necessary mitigation measures are in place on campus.
- Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from Covid-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible.
- Face coverings:
- While legal restrictions regarding the wearing of face coverings have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage all students to continue to wear a face covering during teaching sessions and when circulating around campus buildings including corridors and communal spaces. By wearing a face covering, you are showing your support and consideration for others together with playing your part to limit transmission of the virus.
- Cleaning: An enhanced cleaning regime is in place for teaching spaces.
- Hygiene supplies: Hand sanitiser and wipes are provided in teaching spaces.
- Download the StopCovidNI app.
- Scheduling: For larger teaching sessions, your lecturer or tutor may schedule the beginning and the end of the session to allow time for you to enter and exit in an orderly manner.
- Social distancing:
- While legal restrictions regarding the requirement to socially distance have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to keep their distance as much as possible when moving around campus.
- In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
- If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your workspace.
- Ventilation: All lecture theatres, teaching spaces and laboratories on the campus are able to be ventilated using mechanical ventilation, natural ventilation or a combination of mechanical and natural ventilation.
To support this, University heating systems will be carefully monitored and configured to help keep ambient temperatures comfortable for students and staff in naturally ventilated spaces during the winter months. When deciding what to wear on campus, we encourage you to consider that spaces will be ventilated.
- If I have symptoms, am awaiting test results or am required to self-isolate, should I attend face-to-face teaching?
No. Do not attend face-to-face teaching if you:
- have symptoms and are waiting for a test result
- have tested positive
- are required to self-isolate
Guidance on what to do if you develop symptoms is available on the NI Direct website.
Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following any of these steps or public health advice.
- What steps should I be taking to help protect myself and others and reduce the spread of Covid-19?
- Vaccination offers the most effective way to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and we are encouraging all staff and students, who have not already done so, to register for vaccination as soon as possible.
- Download the StopCovidNI app.
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All students and staff should continue to follow the latest public health and University guidance and continue to adhere to protective measures and sensible precautions to suppress coronavirus (COVID-19).
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It makes sense to practice good hygiene and follow public health guidance on how to help prevent the spread.
Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.
- Some teaching spaces have signage indicating social distancing in seating arrangements. Do students need to follow this signage?
No. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice.
Social Distancing
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Are students required to socially distance?
- While legal restrictions regarding the requirement to socially distance have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage everyone to continue to keep their distance as much as possible when moving around campus.
- In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Agency asks universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
- If you are a PhD student using work and laboratory space on campus, your School will advise you on the social distancing requirements in your workspace.
- Some teaching spaces have signage indicating social distancing in seating arrangements. Do students need to follow this signage?
No. For now, students are free to sit on any seat in teaching spaces and we will advise staff and students if this changes.
In some teaching spaces, you will notice that we have signage in place which will only be used if the Public Health Authority ask universities and colleges to implement increased social distancing. We have done this in advance to minimise disruption to your teaching should we have to make this change at short notice.
- What are the social distancing requirements for PhD students using work and laboratory space on campus?
PhD students using work and laboratory space on campus will be advised by their School on the social distancing requirements in their work space.
Face Coverings
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Are students required to wear face coverings on campus?
While legal restrictions regarding the wearing of face coverings have been removed and replaced with guidance, the University would encourage all students to continue to wear a face covering during teaching sessions and when circulating around campus buildings including corridors and communal spaces.
By wearing a face covering, you are showing your support and consideration for others together with playing your part to limit transmission of the virus.
- What is the guidance on face coverings in Northern Ireland?
The NI Executive have provided guidance regarding the use of face coverings here and you are asked to familiarise yourself with this guidance.
If you develop symptoms / are a close contact
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What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?
Guidance is available on the NI Direct website.
Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following public health advice.
- What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Guidance is available on the NI Direct website.
Your health and safety is the University’s first priority so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following public health advice.
- What should I do if I am a close contact?
If you are aware that you are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, you should follow the public health guidance available on the NI Direct website.
Your health and safety is the University's first priority, so please do not let any concerns about your work or study stop you from following public health advice.
During a period of self-isolation, you cannot come on to any part of campus.
Reporting absences from study
You should now follow the normal procedure for reporting sickness absences from study due to COVID-19. Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies. Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. You can find information on getting an isolation note on the NHS website.
If you are absent from campus due to isolation but well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence. However, you can get an isolation note using the link above and you should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person. Your School will do what they can to support you with your studies during any period of self-isolation.
- Reporting absences from study
You should now follow the normal procedure for reporting sickness absences from study due to COVID-19. Regulations for Students 5.11 states that students must inform the relevant School Office of absence due to illness within three working days of returning to studies. Medical evidence will be required for absence longer than five working days. You can find information on getting an isolation note on the NHS website.
If you are absent from campus due to isolation but well enough to continue with your studies, you do not need to report sickness absence. However, you can get an isolation note using the link above and you should advise your School that you are not able to attend in person. Your School will do what they can to support you with your studies during any period of self-isolation.
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What is the guidance on self-isolation for medical and dental students who are on clinical placement?
Medical and dental students who are on clinical placement must refer to and observe the HSC rules in place at this time.
- Do I have to isolate if I become a close contact again?
You should continue to follow the guidance on the NI Direct website.
Travel
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Where can I find official guidance in relation to travel?
Please regularly review and follow official guidance in relation to travel on the NI Direct website.
- Can students travel for international study or work placements?
Please see the COVID-19 Erasmus and Study Abroad FAQs on the Careers website for information.
- I intend to travel for a placement or research activity within the the Common Travel Area (CTA) (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man, and Channel Islands). What do I need to do?
In line with guidance from NI Executive there are no restrictions or testing requirements if you’re travelling from one region to another within the CTA (UK, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland).
This includes travelling to Northern Ireland via the Republic of Ireland from overseas. However, you will still need to follow their rules:
- What Travel Cover and exclusions apply?
Please be aware that in order for University travel cover to apply, the travel must be approved in line with University procedures (see FAQs), which includes a suitable risk assessment being carried out. Travel cover will provide for Emergency Medical Treatment, including Covid-related treatment while overseas. However, there is no cover for any costs incurred in respect of Covid related issues; for example, cancellation, curtailment, isolation etc, and any such costs will be borne by the home School/Directorate.
If travel is authorised by any School or Directorate, students should notify the University Insurance Section, of the relevant details for the journey, by completing an online travel notification form.
Details can be found on the Queen’s Travel Insurance page.
If you have any queries, please contact insurance@qub.ac.uk.
Finance
For information on fees, student loans and the University's Hardship Fund, please visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/fees-and-funding-faqs/
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Where can international students experiencing financial hardship get support?
This is a challenging and anxious time for students and in some cases, this may be exacerbated further by financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.
International students who find themselves facing significant financial hardship during their studies, due to exceptional or unplanned circumstances can access the University’s own Hardship Fund. The same application and assessment process as the Student Support Fund applies and includes providing copies of 3 months bank statement and evidence of accommodation cost, to demonstrate the financial hardship. If a student meets the criteria, and demonstrates evidence of significant financial hardship, a one off payment will be made.
You can apply to the University Hardship Fund online by logging into your Qsis Student Account at https://qsis.qub.ac.uk/
Disability and Wellbeing
For support and information for students with a disability, please visit the Disability Services website.
For general wellbeing and mental health support, including guidance on how to register with a GP or for support if you are concerned about the impact of Covid-19 on your wellbeing, please visit the Student Wellbeing Service website.
Accommodation
For advice on University accommodation, visit the Queen's Accommodation website.
Students' Union
For information on the services provided by the Students’ Union, including Fresher’s Fair, Clubs and Societies, Enterprise SU and Advice SU, please visit: qubsu.org/
International Student Support
International Student Support provides specialist information and advice in relation to a range of visa and immigration related issues including applying for your visa to come to the UK, extending your visa in the UK, biometric residence permit queries, etc. Find out more: https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/iss/.
Erasmus and Study or Work Placement Abroad
For further information on international study or work placements (for example, Erasmus), please visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/GlobalOpportunities/Covid19Update/
Covid-19 Information
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Where can I find support, information and updates?
To help keep you up-to-date with the latest support, information and updates, we continue to regularly update the information and support information provided on our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs website and MyQueen's website so please review these pages regularly.
- Where can I access public health advice in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
- I'm anxious about COVID-19 – what support is available?
If you are a student who is concerned as a result of COVID-19, the University’s Student Wellbeing Service can offer support and guidance.
Please contact the Student Wellbeing Service by emailing studentwellbeing@qub.ac.uk.
A member of staff will get in touch with you directly.
Useful Contacts
If the information you are looking for is not addressed in the University's Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQs, there are a range of contact points for staff and students: