Social distancing and your accommodation

Keeping safe in University accommodation

You and your flatmates are part of a household. Whilst you do not need to socially distance or wear face masks at home, there are some other ways that you can keep each other safe:

• Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds, with soap.
• Wash your towels and bedding on a hot wash (at least 60 degrees).
• Limit your social interactions with people from outside your shared house.
• Avoid anyone showing Covid-19 symptoms.
• Keep your room ventilated by keeping a window open.
• Don’t share crockery, glasses and cutlery.
• Remember to use a separate tea towel for drying everything.
• Clean surfaces before and after use with your normal cleaning products.

What to do if a flatmate develops symptoms

Anyone who develops symptoms should get a test.

If you, or anyone you live with, develops symptoms or has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), you must self-isolate immediately. You must not leave your home and you must not have visitors in your home, including friends and family.

If you develop symptoms or test positive you must inform the University and notify your department so you can engage with your teaching online.

Having guests and overnight visitors

You aren’t currently allowed to have visitors or overnight guests from outside your household - or host gatherings or parties - in your University-owned accommodation, unless they are providing emergency assistance, care or assistance (including personal care), or medical assistance. This is to protect other residents and our campus community. Accommodation Essex will advise residents if our regulations change.

If you live in privately-rented/owned accommodation you should ensure you are familiar with the Government’s guidance on the ‘rule of six'.

Living in a household of more than six

You and your flatmates are part of a household. If you live in a household with more than six people, you can continue to gather in and attend all settings together, including bars and restaurants. No one should visit a venue or gather in a group of greater than six unless you are all from the same household or support bubble.

Living alone

If you live alone and not in University accommodation you can form an exclusive ‘support bubble’ with one other household and the rules set out above will apply.

What to do if others aren’t following the guidelines

We are all part of one community and have a collective responsibility to comply with regulations and promote positive behaviours to protect ourselves and those around us.

Persistent and/or serious alleged breaches of COVID19 requirements will not be tolerated and should be reported to the Student Progress Team (Conduct).

If you become aware that someone in your residence is not following the University’s health and safety regulations and guidance please let them know in a friendly and polite way. If do not feel comfortable raising this with them yourself you should contact your Residents’ Assistant (RA) for advice or contact Security.

What happens if you break the rules

Persistent and/or serious alleged breaches of COVID19 requirements will be reviewed in accordance with our Code of Student Conduct. Where an allegation is proven members of the group can be fined if it is found that they failed to follow the rules and a fine is deemed to be an appropriate penalty.