Student news

The University and Oxford SU are continuing to work together to get a better understanding of your studying and other experiences during the pandemic this term.

In recent months we have seen individuals across society respond very differently to government directives regarding social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures: for example, the requirement to wear masks, pedestrian ‘one-way’ systems, limitations on social gathering, etc.

National restrictions are effective from today, Thursday 5 November.

Detailed guidance on how the restrictions impact students is available on the national restrictions page of the University's COVID-19 response site.

As of Saturday 31 October, the Oxford City area is currently in the ‘High’ or Tier 2 COVID-19 alert level. In line with Government guidance, the University will continue to remain open and operating with no changes to teaching while these local restrictions are in place.

The Task Force will have representation from across the University, colleges and Oxford SU, addressing the increased demand on welfare services and how we can reduce the impact of the pandemic on students' mental health.

Most of us recognise households, or 'bubbles', as a practical necessity during COVID-19, enabling us to have close social, academic and other contact while mitigating the risk of infection and protecting the community as a whole. In addition to the obvious benefits, household membership may bring other benefits—for example, making it less overwhelming to find your way into such a large new community, and encouraging the development of deeper relationships versus a larger number of more superficial ones. However, life in a household may also present significant challenges. 

The COVID-19 alert level for Oxford City will move to ‘high’ on Saturday 31 October. In line with Government guidance, the University will continue to remain open and operating, with no current changes planned to teaching.

In line with Government guidance for areas in high-alert, students may not move backward and forward between their permanent home and term time address during term time.

The demand for study space is currently very high, but the Space finder tool makes it easy to find and book study space across the Bodleian Libraries. 

We organise a diverse range of welfare and social events covering a range of communities and identities, and want to make all LGBTQ+ students feel welcome and relaxed. There is also no membership fee! We usually organise multiple general and identity-specific events every week during term time, with a range of event formats. Whether you want to come for film events, international potlucks, make-a-bear workshops, or some drinks – whatever it is, we hope you’ll find something for you here.