Easter break

Please remember to follow all current public health guidance to protect yourselves, your friends and your family over the Easter break, taking a sensible approach and being mindful of the risks of spreading the virus - particularly to others who may be more vulnerable because of their age or an underlying health condition.

Please also continue to visit the COVID-19 FAQs on these webpages for information and guidance.

• Getting tested before return to campus

  All students and staff are strongly encouraged to get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then to arrange regular testing twice a week for as long as you are on campus.

  Find out more and book a test.

  Asymptomatic testing is suitable only for those who are notdisplaying symptoms. If you develop symptoms at any time, it is essential that you self-isolate immediately and book a test here.

Offering you a safe campus experience in 2020/21

• How will the University support my learning and student experience?

  In line with the NI Executive's announcement (February 2021) of the extension of current lockdown restrictions until 1 April, it is necessary for the University to extend the current teaching arrangements to that date.

  Therefore, the majority of teaching will continue to be delivered remotely over the coming weeks. As we approach the end of the academic year, there are programmes for which a degree of face-to-face engagement will need to take place; for example, to enable students to meet professional accreditation requirements or for progression reasons and if this applies to you then you will receive further information from your School once they have had the opportunity to review their arrangements.

  The option to pause rental contracts for Queen's Accommodation has also been extended to 1 April.

  While remote access to your learning is different, we continue to work diligently to ensure that you are being provided with a high-quality Queen's education however you are accessing it. To support you as a digital learner, we also have put in place a range of rich resources and courses, available through Queen's Digital Skills Discovery Hub, to help you unlock your digital skills potential.

• Are the University’s campus and facilities still open?

  The University will continue to offer many services and the following facilities will remain open, with strict social distancing and safety measures being applied.

  • Queen’s Accommodation
  • Physical Education Centre for individual exercise
  • McClay Library
  • Graduate School
  • Student Guidance Centre
  • Students’ Union (inc. Advice SU, Student Representation, Clubs & Societies)
  • The Welcome Centre

  The University will keep the availability of all of these services and facilities under constant review.  Other services and activities such as cafes and restaurants (other than for take-away) and team sports will not be possible for the next four weeks.   All students living in University accommodation will continue to be fully supported and we would encourage students to remain in their accommodation if they wish to do so.

• What are the current teaching and postgraduate research arrangements and what safety measures are in place in teaching spaces?

  Teaching arrangements

  We expect that for the majority of students, the teaching plans that were put in place and communicated to you by your School earlier this semester will remain unchanged.

  The majority of lectures, tutorials and seminars will continue to be delivered online. The following teaching will still go ahead in-person and on campus:

  • Teaching that is practical in nature (for example, lab sessions, clinical skills etc.) that cannot be delivered remotely or deferred to a later date.
  • Face-to-face teaching that is essential for professional accreditation and/or student progression reasons and which cannot be delivered online or deferred to a later date.    

  For a minority of students, therefore, it is possible that some classes which cannot continue to be deferred may need take place in person and on campus during this period. Where this is the case, your School will contact you directly.

  It is important to emphasise that stringent safety measures remain in place on campus and that our teaching spaces are fully risk assessed.

   

  Research

  Research students should liaise with their supervisor. As with previously, research should be conducted from home where possible. Where it is not possible and you need to come on to campus (for example into a laboratory), this is considered essential work and you are able to do so. 

   

   

  Safety measures

  A range of safety measures are being applied to teaching spaces:

  • Large lectures, where social distancing cannot be maintained, will be delivered online from the start of semester. This will be kept under review.
  • You should maintain social distancing before entering the lecture theatre/teaching space and wear a face covering if this is not possible.
  • You are required to wear face coverings during teaching, assuming you are able to do so (see Face Covering section for exemptions).
  • You should maintain a minimum of 1m physical distance from each other during teaching. Furniture has been reconfigured to support this.
  • You are expected to maintain a minimum of 2m physical distance from the member of staff delivering the session. Teaching rooms have been reconfigured to support this, including the use of floor markings. This is to allow the member of staff to deliver the session without the need for a face covering which may be essential for some students with impaired hearing/other disabilities. Whether or not they wear a face covering will be a decision for the individual member of staff.
  • 20 min changeover time between classes has been included in timetabling to allow safe, socially distanced, transitions.
  • Sanitising wipes and hand sanitiser will be provided at the entrance to all teaching rooms. You are encouraged to wipe down the surfaces where you sit and frequent touch points before and after the start of each class.

  VIDEO:  Prof. David Jones summarises how face to face teaching will be delivered in safe, socially distanced way and what everyone can do to ensure public health guidelines are adhered to.

• Can I return home?

  We appreciate that restrictions may lead to a number of students wishing to return home for the remainder of semester.  As part of the restrictions and guidance issued by the NI Executive, the avoidance of unnecessary travel was reiterated and this should be taken in to account.  We would, therefore, encourage students and their families to consider the risks of transmission before they travel.

  It is now more important than ever that all members of the Queen’s community play their part and follow the guidelines to reduce transmission of the virus.  All students are asked to continue to follow and regularly review the latest guidance and advice provided on our dedicated FAQs page and on the Public Health Agency website.

Covid-19 Information

• 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 provided on our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) FAQs website and MyQueen's website.

  We know this is a very difficult time for students. You may be worried and have lots of questions but please know we are here to help and support you.

  Any students experiencing financial difficulties are strongly encouraged to access the support available. The University Hardship Fund is accessible by all students.

• Where can I access public health advice in relation to COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

  Please follow public health advice published on the PHA website.

   

• What precautions should I be taking?

  It makes sense to practice good hygiene and follow advice published on the PHA website.

  Please remember these three simple steps:

  1. Download the app
  2. Immediately self-isolate if you develop symptoms / test positive
  3. Inform the University on 028 9097 3550 if you receive a positive test. If you have developed symptoms/are self-isolating, inform us via our dedicated online platform.

  There are other steps we should all be taking on a daily basis. Please continue to:

  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Practice social distancing
  • Wear a face covering if 2 metres social distancing cannot be maintained
  • Follow the latest public health agency advice
  • Review Queen's FAQs for staff and students

   Your wellbeing is the University’s first priority. Please do not let any concerns about your work or studies stop you taking this advice.

   

  VIDEO: Dr. Conor Bamford reminds us how the virus spreads and the key things we should all remember.

   

• How can I play my part in preventing the spread of the virus on campus?

  VIDEO: Dr. Conor Bamford reminds us how the virus spreads and the key things we should all remember.

  VIDEO: Dr Lindsay Broadbent explains more about social distancing, why it is so important and how it should be applied on campus with the help of some of the Students’ Union Officers.

  VIDEO: Dr. Dan Corbett outlines why hand washing is one of the most important things we can do and how to do it right.

  VIDEO: Keith Halliday, Estates Manager summarises the cleaning protocols we have in place and with the help of the SU President, what we can all do to play our part.

  VIDEO: Dr Lindsay Broadbent summarises why face coverings are so important to reduce the spread and clarifies the University policy.

  VIDEO:  Prof. David Jones summarises how face to face teaching will be delivered in safe, socially distanced way and what everyone can do to ensure public health guidelines are adhered to.

  VIDEO: Prof. Stuart Elborn provides clear guidance for staff and students to explain what you should do if you develop symptoms, receive a positive test or are contact traced.

• I'm anxious about COVID-19 – what support is available?

  If you are a member of staff concerned as a result of COVID-19, please contact the Staff Wellbeing Service by emailing wellbeing@qub.ac.uk.

  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.

Finance

For information on fees, student loans and the University's Hardship Fund, please visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/FeesandFundingFAQs/

• Government support for students (including the COVID-19 Disruption Payment): What is available and who is eligible?

  The University and the Students’ Union have welcomed the COVID-19 Disruption Payment and other support measures for students announced by the Minister for the Economy. The announcement followed meetings with Queen’s and Ulster University in January and significant lobbying efforts of the Students' Union in recent months. Through the COVID-19 Disruption Payment, eligible students will receive a one-off payment of £500 to help alleviate the challenges that students have faced as a result of the pandemic.

   

  Who is eligible for the Covid Disruption Payment?

  All full-time undergraduate and postgraduate UK and EU students are eligible to receive the £500 payment through the COVID-19 Disruption Payment that is being provided by the Department for the Economy.

   

  Do I need to apply to receive the Covid Disruption Payment or is it automatically issued?

  You do not need to apply to receive the payment. Payments will be issued to students by the University on behalf of the Department for the Economy and the University is working hard to establish appropriate mechanisms to do this as soon as possible. The method/timing of payments will be clarified in due course but the University will make every effort to issue the payment by the end of March 2021.

   

  Is the Covid Disruption Payment available to international or part-time students? 

  Unfortunately, the Covid Disruption Payment it is not available to part-time or international students but these students are strongly encouraged to access the existing hardship funds to obtain support if needed. The University Hardship Fund is available to all students, including international and part-time students.

  Eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 Disruption Grant has been agreed by the Northern Ireland Executive.

   

  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.

  The University recognises that international students are not entitled to access the Department for the Economy’s Student Support Fund or Covid Disruption Payment, which are administered by the University on behalf of the Department for the Economy.  Visa conditions normally require international students to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover living costs, however sometimes changes to circumstances may result in international students’ suffering unplanned financial hardship. 

  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/     

    

  Who sets the criteria for the Covid-19 Disruption Payment?

  Eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 Disruption Payment has been set by the Department for the Economy and agreed by the NI Executive.

   

  Does the Covid Disruption Payment apply to postgraduate research/PhD students, including those on funded PhDs?

  Yes. The £500 Covid Disruption Payment will be made to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate UK and EU students. This includes full time PGR students on funded PhDs, therefore students who are Thesis Only are not eligible for the payment.

   

  Does the Covid Disruption Payment apply to students on placement

  Yes. The £500 Covid Disruption Payment will be made to all eligible full-time undergraduate and postgraduate UK and EU students. This includes students on placements.

   

  Does the Covid Disruption Payment apply to students who pay international fees but hold an EU passport?
  
  Unfortunately, the Covid Disruption Payment it is not available to international students (defined by their fee status) but these students are strongly encouraged to access the existing hardship funds to obtain support if needed. The University Hardship Fund is available to all students, including international students.

   

  Are students who were on programme in 2019/20 and graduated in December 2020 or before, eligible for the Covid Disruption Payment?

  Students who were on programme in 2019/20 and graduated in December 2020 are not eligible for the Covid Disruption Payment.

   

  Are full time students currently on a Leave of Absence in 2020-21 eligible for the Covid Disruption Payment?

  Yes. The £500 Covid Disruption Payment will be made to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate UK and EU students registered in the 2020-21 academic year who are on a leave of absence.

   

  Are students who received the one-off special recognition payment from the Department of Health eligible to receive the Covid Disruption Payment?

  Those non-salaried students on clinical placements in the health service who will receive the one-off "special recognition" payment of £2,000 announced by the Department of Health last week are also eligible to receive the £500 payment as part of the COVID-19 Disruption Grant.

  These two Government payments recognise different contributions and challenges.

   

  Are students who were on a full-time programme at the start of 2020-21 but have become part-time, eligible for the Covid Disruption Payment?

  The £500 Covid Disruption Payment will be made to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate UK and EU students registered in the 2020-21 academic year. If you are registered as a part-time student and therefore not eligible but in need of financial support, you are strongly encouraged to access the existing hardship funds.

Test and Trace

• How does Test and Trace work in Northern Ireland?

  Public Health Agency contact tracing

  The PHA’s contact tracing service has been established to minimise community transmission of COVID-19. Close contacts will be contacted by the PHA’s contact tracing service team using the following phone number: (028) 9536 8888. Please save this number to your phone and be sure to answer any call from them, should they get in touch. 

  
  'StopCOVID NI' app

  A Northern Ireland-specific contact tracing app 'StopCOVID NI' has been developed by the Department of Health. To help protect yourself and all within the Queen's community and wider public, we are encouraging all our staff and students to download this free app, which will support contact tracing, support our health service, help prevent another lockdown and save lives. 

  The app works by telling you automatically if you've been near another app user who tests positive and can also let them know if you test positive, though the app never knows or shares your identity or location. 

  You can download from: 

  • Google Play Store 

  • Apple App Store 

   

  Text alert service

  The Public Health Agency has introduced a new text alert service for close contacts of positive COVID-19 cases, which means that they will be sent a message as soon as their details are added to the PHA system. If you receive a message from 'HSCtracing' you must self-isolate immediately.

   

  During your period of self-isolation, you cannot come on to any part of campus. At the end of your isolation period, provided you have not developed symptoms, you should book an asymptomatic test before returning to campus. Book a test here.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms

It is important that we all monitor our own health and watch out for any of the following symptoms:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature); OR
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual); OR
• a loss of or change in sense of smell or taste.

• What should I do if I develop COVID-19 symptoms?

  If you feel unwell with any of these symptoms, you should follow these important steps:

   

  • Self-isolate immediately. If you are on campus when symptoms begin to develop, please put on a face covering straight away and return to your home or accommodation, avoiding public transport if you can. Where required the University can assist you in booking a special COVID-secure taxi to transport you home, please call extension 3550.

  • Arrange a test. You can do this online via this link or by calling 119. The advice from the Public Health Agency is that you should get tested in the first three days of coronavirus symptoms appearing. If you have no access to transport to access a drive-through test, the University can help you arrange a special COVID-secure taxi, please call 028 9097 3550 for further assistance. Please note that there is a cost for the taxi.

  • Notify. Please inform the University that you are self-isolating via this online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. This is essential to ensure that the University can maintain a record of the staff and students who develop symptoms and apply precautionary measures as quickly as possible. If you live in University Accommodation, other members of your apartment will be contacted and you will be provided with the necessary support. This link is also available on the University homepage and you may wish to bookmark the link so you can find it easily. If you do not live in University Accommodation, you should also inform other members of your household so they can follow the official public health agency advice to self-isolate. Members of staff should also inform their line manager or school manager separately.

  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.

   

  VIDEO: Prof. Stuart Elborn provides clear guidance for staff and students to explain what you should do if you develop symptoms, receive a positive test or are contact traced.

   
• What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

  If you receive a positive test, you will be given clear guidance from the health authorities to continue to self-isolate and you should update the StopCOVID NI app.

  Please also inform the University immediately through the online portal: http://go.qub.ac.uk/covidupdate. If you have already notified us that you are isolating, updating the portal to let us know that you now have received a positive test is really important.

  If you are not able to access the portal you can call the Covid Response Team on 028 9097 3550. 

  Letting us know is vital as it will enable us to assess the risk to others and take all the necessary precautionary steps. If you have previously used the portal to inform us that you are self-isolating, your records will be updated by the call handler accordingly. Please save this number to your phone so you can access it quickly. It is also available on the University homepage.

  For further information, please contact the University Covid Response Team:

  Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm

  Email: covidresponseteam@qub.ac.uk
  Tel: 028 9097 3550

  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.

• How long does a close contact have to isolate for?

  The PHA guidance states that close contacts have to isolate for 10 days from date of last exposure with contact. This is because of the length of the incubation period and the risk of transmission.

   

• If I isolate but then receive a positive test, how long do I have to isolate for?

  The PHA guidance is that those with a positive test have to isolate for 10 days and can complete their period of isolation after this time if they have been free of fever for 2 days. If they have not, they need to continue until it is 2 days since they experienced a fever.

• Do I have to isolate again if I become a close contact again?

  Yes – that is the current advice of the PHA.

   

• Do I have to continue to isolate if I test negative for Covid-19?

  PHA guidance states that if you have been identified as a close contact you must isolate for 10 days irrespective if, during this time, you take a test that is negative.

  If, however, you have symptoms and take a test that is negative, then the guidance states that you can return to normal activity if you test negative and have not had a fever for 48 hours. However, if there are members of your household who have had a positive Covid-19 test result, then you must continue to isolate even if you are negative. This is because of the risk of going on to test positive. For specific advice on how long you should isolate please contact the PHA or call 111.

• What should I do if I am notified that I am a contact of a confirmed case off-campus or am asked to self-isolate?

  If you are notified that you are a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the community, you should follow all of the guidance you are given – including self-isolation if required. If you have been asked to self-isolate via the contact tracing system or by a medical professional, please inform the University via the dedicated portal. If another member of your household has been traced but they are not displaying symptoms, please check the latest advice here.

  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.

On-campus asymptomatic testing

All students and staff are strongly encouraged to get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then to arrange regular testing twice a week for as long as you are on campus. 

Find out more and book a test.

Easter break

The Asymptomatic Test Centre will be  closed for the Easter break from 8.00pm on Thursday 1 April until 11.00am on Wednesday 7 April.

• How can I access on-campus asymptomatic testing?

  All students and staff are strongly encouraged to get tested before coming on to campus for any reason and then to arrange regular testing twice a week for as long as you are on campus. Find out more and book a test.
  

  Asymptomatic testing is suitable only for those who are not displaying symptoms. If you develop symptoms at any time, it is essential that you self-isolate immediately and book a test here.

  It is essential that we all continue to follow the public health guidelines regardless of whether or not we have received a negative asymptomatic test. All members of the Queen’s community are expected to maintain social distance from others, wear a face covering indoors and regularly wash or sanitise their hands.

   

• Is on-campus asymptomatic testing mandatory?

  The testing is not mandatory; however, we are encouraging as many people as possible to get tested as an additional mitigation measure to help reduce transmission.

  While we are encouraging everyone to participate in this testing initiative, we recognise there are many reasons staff and students may not be able to take a test. Staff or students cannot be made to take a test if they choose not to and should not be asked if they have taken the test or not.

  This is an additional intervention to those already in place, such as the use of face coverings, social distancing, ventilation and good hand hygiene.

Northern Ireland COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

• Where can I find information on the Northern Ireland COVID-19 Vaccination Programme?

  Information on the Northern Ireland COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is available on the Public Health Agency website.

• Can international students get a vaccine in the UK?

  Anyone registered with a doctor's surgery (often referred to as a General Practitioner or GP) in the UK will be called for vaccination at some point over the next number of months; it is therefore really important that, if you have not done so already, that you register with a GP.

  For information on how to register with a GP please have visit the MyQueen’s site.

  Information on the Northern Ireland COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is available on the Public Health Agency website.

Self-isolation and quarantine

• Where can I find advice for students on self-isolation and quarantine, including support available?

  Visit the MyQueen's website for information on things to plan for if you are required to self-isolate for 10 days either on arrival in Belfast, or at any point throughout the Semester. 

  During your period of self-isolation, you cannot come on to any part of campus. At the end of your isolation period, provided you have not developed symptoms, you should book an asymptomatic test before returning to campus. Book a test here.

   

  VIDEO: Prof. Stuart Elborn provides clear guidance for staff and students to explain what you should do if you develop symptoms, receive a positive test or are contact traced.

   

• Should I challenge someone who is not wearing a face covering?

  No. Some members of our community will not be able to wear a face covering due to a hidden disability, medical condition or other exemption as specified by the PHA. All staff and students are expected to be sensitive and respectful of this and if someone is not wearing a face covering in an area where it is mandatory, it should be assumed that there is a legitimate reason why they cannot.

Graduation

• What are the arrangements for Graduation during the 2020/21 academic year?

  While at the time of writing the roll out of the vaccination looks promising, strict social distancing rules and limitations on large gatherings remain in place. Indications are that they are likely to remain in place for some time.  It has therefore been decided that we will not be scheduling in person graduation ceremonies in July 2021.  

  The Summer Graduation Schedule, including details of how to tune in for ceremonies, is avilable here.

  If you are a student expecting to graduate, please read our FAQs are available here.

• I need a PCR test and certificate to travel home, will the University pay for this?

  Yes, the University is able to facilitate a PCR test to be carried out at Kingsbridge and will cover the cost of the test and certificate to travel.  

  For information on how to book your PCR test, scroll down to the 'I need a PCR test and certificate to travel. How do I book my free test?' FAQ below.     

   

  You must continue to regularly review and follow official guidance, including:

  • Public Health Agency guidance for students, including in relation to travel
  • Government guidance in relation to travel 
  • Government restrictions in place to reduce the introduction and transmission of new variants of COVID-19 from ‘red list’ countries
  • Travel within the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

   

• I plan to travel home this semester, and I need a PCR test and certificate to travel and also an LFD / IgM test.   Will the University pay for my PCR and IgM tests and certificate? 

  Yes, the University will pay for a joint PCR and IgM test to be carried out at Kingsbridge.  

  For information on how to book your PCR test, scroll down to the 'I need a PCR test and certificate to travel. How do I book my free test?' FAQ below.     

   

  You must continue to regularly review and follow official guidance, including:

  • Public Health Agency guidance for students, including in relation to travel
  • Government guidance in relation to travel 
  • Government restrictions in place to reduce the introduction and transmission of new variants of COVID-19 from ‘red list’ countries
  • Travel within the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) 

   

• I travelled home for Christmas and the University paid for my PCR test. Will the University pay for another test if I travel home this semester? 

  Yes, the University will cover the cost of another test to enable you to travel home this semester, even if you have previously had a test carried out at Kingsbridge and paid for by the University. 

  If you want to have an LFD test before you book your tickets to travel home, you can avail of the free LFD / asymptomatic testing in the Whitla Hall on the Main Campus and this test can be booked here.  You can select a date and time that suits you. 

  For information on how to book your PCR test, scroll down to the 'I need a PCR test and certificate to travel. How do I book my free test?' FAQ below.     

   

  You must continue to regularly review and follow official guidance, including:

  • Public Health Agency guidance for students, including in relation to travel
  • Government guidance in relation to travel 
  • Government restrictions in place to reduce the introduction and transmission of new variants of COVID-19 from ‘red list’ countries
  • Travel within the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

   

• I plan to travel home this semester. Should I have an LFD test in advance of travelling?   How do I arrange an LFD test? 

  We would strongly encourage any students going home for Easter to avail of the free LFD / asymptomatic testing in the Whitla Hall on the Main Campus and this test can be booked at the link below. You can select a date and time that suits you.  

  Book free asympomatic testing (LFD testing) here.

   

  You must continue to regularly review and follow official guidance, including:

  • Public Health Agency guidance for students, including in relation to travel
  • Government guidance in relation to travel 
  • Government restrictions in place to reduce the introduction and transmission of new variants of COVID-19 from ‘red list’ countries
  • Travel within the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)
• I need a PCR test and certificate to travel. How do I book my free test?

  The University is able to facilitate a PCR test to be carried out at Kingsbridge  and will cover the cost of the test and certificate to travel.  

  To arrange a test you should contact Kingsbridge :    

  Kingsbridge Private Hospital booking lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 7:30pm, and Saturday, 9:00am - 3:00pm.  

  • Book your appointment by telephoning the dedicated booking number: 028 9077 6777;  
  • Inform the booking agent that you are a Queen's student and provide your student number; 
  • Bring your student card to your appointment.   
  • The testing is free and you will not be charged.  

   

  You must continue to regularly review and follow official guidance, including:

  • Public Health Agency guidance for students, including in relation to travel
  • Government guidance in relation to travel 
  • Government restrictions in place to reduce the introduction and transmission of new variants of COVID-19 from ‘red list’ countries
  • Travel within the Common Travel Area (United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands)

   

Erasmus and Study or Work Placement Abroad

For further information on international study or work placements (for example, Erasmus) in 2020–21, please visit: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/GlobalOpportunities/Covid19Update/

• Can students travel for study or work placement?

  The University continues to monitor the situation in relation to COVID-19, including regarding student international travel. Current government guidance regarding travel can be found on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website.  The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to most countries.

  Following a review in December 2020, we have now updated our guidance in relation to the University’s definition of essential travel for study or work placement.

  The University defines essential travel as that which is defined in the course of study as a compulsory study or work placement. Students who meet this criterion and wish to seek approval to travel, will be required to complete and sign a Risk Assessment form which will go forward to the International Student Travel Group for approval.

  You must not travel before receiving formal approval from the University to do so.

  Student safety and wellbeing is our first priority, and it is important to emphasise that students who meet the criteria for essential travel, and choose not to travel, will still have the option to continue on the contingency arrangements (for example, Virtual Year Abroad).

  If you are due to travel abroad on a compulsory international study or work placement in Semester 2 of 2020-21, your School will contact you with further guidance. If you have any questions, please contact your School Placement Co-ordinator or Erasmus Programme Director.

   

• I would like to undertake an optional international study or work placement in Semester 2. Can I travel?

  No. International travel for study or work placements will only be considered where the placement is essential to your course of study. We define this as an international placement that is compulsory and integral to the course of study only.

• Will I be covered by the University’s insurance if travelling for essential study or work placement?

  The University’s insurance provider, UMAL, has advised that Travel and Emergency Medical cover will be available for University-authorised essential travel. However, as COVID-19 is an ongoing event, while medical cover will be provided, there will be no cover for any COVID-related cancellation or disruption.  Further details are available on the Queen’s Insurance website.

  To help support and keep our students safe while on essential study or work placements, the University has set aside a Contingency Fund from which students on essential study or work placement can receive emergency support in the event that they need repatriation at short notice. 

  For further information, please contact supportfund@qub.ac.uk, putting 'URGENT COVID-19 Emergency Travel' in the Subject line.

• Do I need a visa to study or work in Europe post-Brexit?
  The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020 and new rules came into effect from 1 January 2021.
  
  Living and studying in an EU country depends on the rules in that country. You may need to register or apply for residency. You should also check the rules on healthcare. Information on the requirements for your host country are available on the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) website on Living in Europe  and their detailed information for each country.

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:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Useful Contacts

  WHO SHOULD I CONTACT?	CONTACT POINT	CONTACT DETAILS
  STUDENT CONTACTS
  If you are a student and you have questions or concerns relating to COVID-19 which are not addressed in the COVID-19 FAQs	Student COVID-19 Queries (Call Centre)	email: covid19callcentre@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a student and have any non-COVID general queries on student support services contact the Student Guidance Centre	Student Guidance Centre	email: sgc@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a student, you can access a wide range of support available to you from the Student Wellbeing Service website, or if you have any further queries	Student Wellbeing Service	Online Form: https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wellbeing/raw/
  STAFF CONTACTS
  If you are a member of staff and you have questions or concerns relating to COVID-19 which cannot be addressed through the COVID-19 FAQs or through discussion with your line manager	Staff COVID-19 Queries	email: StaffCovidQueries@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a member of staff and have any non-COVID general queries on HR related topics, such as terms and conditions, pay, policies etc. your first port of call should be the HR Hub	HR Hub	email: hrhub@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a member of staff, you can access support and information on a wide range of issues on the Staff Wellbeing website, or if you have any further queries	Staff Wellbeing	email: wellbeing@qub.ac.uk
  STUDENT AND STAFF CONTACTS
  If you are a member of staff or student and have contracted coronavirus symptoms, received a positive test or been told to self-isolate by the contact tracing system or a medical professional, please self-report via this portal. This information will help the University to support you and put in place precautionary measures to protect others.	Self-Reporting Portal (COVID Notification)	Link: Self-Reporting Portal  If you are not able to access the portal you can call the COVID Response Team on 028 9097 3550.
  If you are a member of staff or student and have any queries relating to on Campus Close Contact Identification/Tracing	University COVID Response Team (UCRT)	email: covidresponseteam@qub.ac.uk
  If you are a member of staff or student requiring personal health advice specifically in relation to COVID-19	NHS 111 or your GP	Telephone: NHS 111 service or your own GP