WITH lockdown restrictions continuing to ease, in line with the government's roadmap, we asked the University of Reading (UoR) how it is welcoming back its students.
All university students in England have been able to return to in-person teaching from May 17, according to the government website.
The UoR explained many students taking practical subjects, such as Pharmacy and Speech & Language Therapy, have already been having face-to-face teaching, some since January and more since March, in line with government guidance.
The latest easing of restrictions by the government means the university is able to teach all subjects in classrooms again.
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However, a spokesperson said most teaching has now ended and exams have begun, which are all taking place online – with the exception of a very small number where in-person assessment is required.
Campus cafes and bars have also reopened for indoor service.
Currently, around three quarters of students in halls of residence are currently on campus.
The UoR is unsure how many students are back in their private accommodation but they estimate that about 75 per cent of students are now in Reading.
In order to keep students and staff safe, there are measures in place for people to follow on campus.
Face coverings must be worn inside buildings and communal spaces like in cafes, bars and the library.
One-way systems are also in place in buildings with social distancing measures and hand sanitisers in place.
Eateries are also still open with table service and a lot of tables are still outdoors.
The university also has its own testing facility on its London Road campus.
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It hopes to soon move to home testing with tests being distributed from specified places on campus.
A spokesperson said: "We are grateful to our students and entire community for adhering to guidance throughout this difficult last year.
"Evidence has shown that infection rates have remained low among Reading students and staff.
"We look forward to welcoming more students back to classes and other aspects of university life in the next academic year in September."
During the pandemic, campuses and halls of residence have remained open but the university said students who travelled home for Christmas were asked by the government not to return to halls at the start of the January lockdown.
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