UoB are only inviting students studying practical courses and creative subjects to return to campus for in-person teaching

In line with government advice, the University of Birmingham are encouraging students studying practical courses and creative subjects to return to campus from 8 March for face to face teaching.

However, students not taking these courses will not receive any face to face teaching anytime soon, and will continue with online learning. The government is expected to review face to face teaching for all university students at Easter.

The university is also encouraging returning students to take part in their asymptomatic testing on campus upon their arrival. The university have also extended rent rebates for students who are currently not allowed to return to campus up and until 11 April.

Most students have not received any face to face teaching for months now despite continuing to pay over £9,000, some have not even had any in-person teaching since October. However, the university is now resuming teaching only for students studying practical and creative subjects.

The university are encouraging students to take part in asymptomatic testing upon their arrival back to campus. The university commented:

“For those students returning it is really important that you continue to access our asymptomatic testing facility in the Great Hall. The Government has made it clear they will review data on the level of testing to inform their decision-making about a post-Easter return to campus.”

Despite, the university encouraging students to take part in the mass testing, subsequent evidence has suggested the mass-testing was ineffective in the December roll out.

Results from the study from the University of Birmingham showed that lateral flow tests conducted on Birmingham students had missed positive Covid test results, which were discovered when students were retested with another testing method. The study shows that only 3 per cent of Covid cases were correctly identified.

The university is also extending its rent rebate for university accommodation for students who are currently not allowed to return to campus for their studies.

Despite, the university introducing further rent rebates, second and third year students who are not living in university accommodation are continuing to pay full rent for accommodation they are legally not allowed to live in.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

•We spoke to students about getting a lateral-flow test at UoB

•UoB is planning for students to return as normal despite the new Birmingham COVID-19 restrictions

•Every Brum student will be getting a UoB-branded face mask in September