Published: 2 November 2020
It’s been eight months since COVID-19 challenged us to find different ways to live our lives.
But finally, the restrictions have started to ease for universities, and last week we were delighted to see students coming back to campus for the first of a new series of blended learning.
What that means in practice is some of you will have been asked to come to the lecture theatres for your classes, while others continue online.
In order to provide a safe campus and secure learning experience, each student will be on campus on average one day every two weeks for the time being.
This important measure helps us to continue with social distancing at the same time as welcoming you back to in-person learning.
It’s been wonderful seeing the rooms and corridors filling up again.
We’re so impressed with how you’ve all taken the safety of yourselves and others so seriously.
“It’s fantastic to have more students back on our campus and I’d like to pay tribute to my colleagues who have worked incredibly hard to make sure the building is COVID-19 safe. I’ve already spoken to some of our returners and I’m very much looking forward to talking to lots more.” Alan Hardie, Director of the University of Sunderland in London.
Students have been able to not only sit in lecture rooms but take advantage of our services as well.
Helena Baafi-Mensah, Student Relations Assistant, said: "It's been really great seeing all the familiar student faces this week, and brilliant getting to know some brand-new ones too. Although we've been able to help a lot of people over the phone and email, there's something much nicer about speaking with them face-to-face."
Keeping you safe while you study
The biggest change you’ll see when you come to campus now is the socially distanced classrooms.
To keep the 2-metre rule in effect, we’ve blocked off some seats meaning there are fewer students per class.
The people you’ll see wandering around in blue t-shirts is another major change. These are our Stay Safe Ambassadors.
They’re there to answer your questions and help guide you around the campus’ new one-way system.
All of these changes are in addition to the other measures we’ve put in place to keep you safe, including:
- Two free face masks per student – available from Reception or The Gateway
- Single entrance and exits – come in through the Thames Quay entry and leave via Marsh Wall
- An enhanced cleaning programme and hand sanitiser stations throughout the campus
- Plastic screens at all communal points, including at our service desks
- A booking system for Health and Wellbeing, Careers and Employability and The Gateway.
There are loads more thing’s we’re doing to make sure you can study at the University of Sunderland in London without worry.
If you have any question, check out the COVID-19 Guidance page or contact us on:
- Current student enquiries: gateway-london@sunderland.ac.uk
- For applicants, offer holders and prospective students: recruitment-london@sunderland.ac.uk
- Human Resources enquiries: human.resources-london@sunderland.ac.uk
You can also get in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn using #WeAreSunLon.