Published: 10 August 2020
This week we welcomed students and staff back to campus after four months of studying and working from home.
We’re so proud of the way you’ve adapted to online classes and distanced learning, as well as some of the incredible things you’ve been doing to help your communities in this difficult time.
But now we want to celebrate the careful return to the building and the beginning of life getting back to something like normal.
A lot has changed since the last time you walked through our doors. For one thing, you don’t enter through the ones at the back of the building anymore.
Instead, anyone coming to the campus will go in through the Marsh Wall entrance opposite the DLR line.
As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by one of our reception staff, like Rosinaldo:
"It's fantastic seeing the enthusiasm of the students as they come into the building after being in lockdown for so long. It's like we're coming out of a long hibernation!" - Rosinaldo Ferreira, Receptionist
They’ll ask you which appointment you’re booked in for. The Gateway, Student Engagement, Health and Wellbeing, Careers and Employability, the Library or to use one of the study spaces.
Then you’ll be directed around the new one-way system which will take you through the building to where you need to be.
When you’re ready to leave, simply follow the yellow signs which will lead you to the exit via the doors at the back of the building.
All of the services you could need are now based on the ground and first floors, with academic and support staff offices on the third and fourth floors.
“Speaking to our students over the lockdown period, it was very clear that they wanted to get back onto campus as soon as they could. The London team, with support from colleagues in Sunderland, have worked really hard to make that happen and we’re pleased to have welcomed back our staff and student community this week.” Lynsey Bendon, Assistant Director (Operations and Student Experience)
Where you could be face-to-face with someone, we’ve put in clear screens to help keep you safe.
That means you won’t need to wear a mask while you’re in the building, but if you feel more comfortable with one on, you’re welcome to do so.
“I was really excited to go back to the Library. There’re are so many benefits to being on campus. You can’t trade it for anything else.” - Aster Eyasu, BA(Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship
We’ve got loads of hand gel in convenient places around the campus too, so make sure you’re using it regularly.
Remember, the building is open to students on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but you have to book your meetings which you can do through Compass.
Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis so we’d recommend booking your visit as soon as you know you need to use one of the services.
“I strongly recommend booking to come in. There is nothing better than coming back to campus.” - Ernest Obeng, BA(Hons) Business Management and Entrepreneurship
The University of Sunderland in London is a really strong community, one that’s worked brilliantly while we’ve been away from the building.
We’re starting to get back to normal life little by little, but our priority will always be your health so thank you for following the safety precautions we’ve put in place.
For more details about what we’re doing to look after you while you’re on campus, read our Back to campus article.
We can’t wait to see you around campus!