Start of term testing

50,000 tests for Exeter University students

All students at The University of Exeter will be recommended to take a coronavirus test as soon as possible when they return to campus in the New Year.

The University will be offering free tests to all students, including postgraduate researchers using their existing test centres on the Streatham and Penryn campuses.

All students are being recommended to book tests for when they arrive in their term-time accommodation and before starting any in-person teaching, or using study or social spaces, and should isolate until they receive a result. Students should plan to take two covid-19 tests before beginning in-person teaching.

Speaking at a Team Devon Local Outbreak Engagement Board meeting in December, Sean Fielding, Director of Innovation, Impact and Business, had added: “We will do 50,000 tests over the first month of the new year. We don’t want people coming into the city and creating an infection risk. The return of students will be staggered and there will be a testing schedule as and when they arrive. Every student will be asked to do two tests.”
Examinations for some students begin on January 4, with all exams online, and teaching begins for all students on January 11, but many students will have to start their term online.

Those degree programmes with placement or practical elements which cannot be delivered online will resume in-person teaching first, with most resuming from the week beginning January 11.

New postgraduate taught students will also begin their in-person teaching from the week beginning January 11, while other final year undergraduate students and returning postgraduate taught students will resume in-person teaching in the week beginning January 25.

All other Undergraduate students will resume in-person teaching in the week beginning February 1, while postgraduate research students can resume their research from January 4.