What Do You Need to Know Before Moving into a Student Housing During COVID-19?

The pandemic has drastically changed the dynamics of the world. With safety and security becoming the cherished priority, people traveling abroad face numerous challenges entering a country with its own set of rules and regulations.

Especially when you are a student and looking for a safe abode in a cosmopolitan country like the UK. It becomes imperative to know everything beforehand to ensure a smooth transition into the new normal in the new country.

Check out these five essential things that everyone must know before settling into their student housing. 

Mandatory Testing and Self-Isolation

The UK is practising a Traffic Light System. Everyone travelling to or arriving in the state has to abide by the rules and restrictions based on the colour their country is rated under.

There are three colours that regulate specific testing and self-isolation criteria. Namely: Green, Amber, and Red. The people from the red-listed countries are only allowed in the UK if they are citizens or have residence rights in the state and follow compulsory safety procedures. While the countries rated with the colour Green or Amber are allowed to commence travel with proper testing and specific quarantine procedures based on the colour their countries are listed under. 

This is majorly done to protect the citizens and avoid the new coronavirus variants spreading across the UK. 

Strict Hygiene Measures

With regular and deep cleaning, frequent disinfecting, and other stringent social distancing protocols, both the hall of residence and private rentals in the UK have introduced strict hygiene measures in their communal areas as per the instructions issued by the government and WHO.

Whether you are planning your stay in student apartments in London or student housing in Birmingham, you don't have to fret over your safety as various hygiene practices are monitored through signages, floor markings, installation of hand sanitiser stations, and more.

Assistance from the University

As an international student, you have to comply with the safety procedures before attending classes and resuming everyday life in the state. Mandatory self-isolation can affect your initial transition to your university life.

You might have to miss a few of your classes, resist going out of your accommodation or be exempt from meeting people until your quarantine period gets over. It can be a bit overwhelming for many as the initial days are the foundation of your course. In such situations, you must contact your university and ask them what support is available for international students. 

Many education providers offer multiple provisions, such as online classes, orientation, induction, interactive sessions with peers and faculty, accommodation, food, and more. 

Several UK universities are offering to reimburse international students' 10-day quarantine and testing costs, especially from red-listed countries. So it's crucial to keep them in the loop. Students can also check their university's coronavirus web pages for any relevant information available on the support they are entitled to.

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Financial Support

During these unprecedented times, many universities have realised the financial brunt many international students are bearing at the moment. In order to help them, they have launched various funding support in terms of tuition fee discounts, scholarships, and hardship funds. 

The amounts of funding vary from institution to institution, but in all cases, it is sufficient. Apart from that, other additional investments in the areas like support for mental health, career advice, online services, equipment, resources, etc., will be provided to students.

If you are struggling with the ongoing difficulties caused by the pandemic, you must seek whatever support available in your respective university and know how you can retrieve it!

Read Also:

• UK Universities Application Deadline
• How Much Does it Cost to Study at a UK University?
• Best Courses to Study in the UK for International Students
• Cost of Living in the UK
• Top Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom

Accommodation Aid for International Students

The UK Government has issued guidelines on how students cannot be evicted from their accommodations, especially international students. It means nobody can legally force them out of their accommodations if their contracts are up, they cannot pay rents, or their accommodations don't cover holiday periods. Landlords are required to give at least six months' notice if they wish for them to leave their properties.

However, students are liable to pay their rent, but they must talk about it to their landlords when they cannot. If you have other concerns like illness, repairs, the behaviour of others, etc., promptly inform them so that the necessary assistance can be provided. Nowadays, there have been many relaxed rental agreements, but it solely depends on the rental agency or landlords you seek your housing services from.

Furthermore, there can be times you might have trouble dealing with your property owners. In such situations, you can contact your university students' union. So whether you stay in a private student housing in Glasgow or University dorm, they are the right people to go to as these unions have specialist housing advisers and can refer you to someone who can help.

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How can Amber help you?

Amber, the abroad accommodation partner of GyanDhan, serves millions of students worldwide by providing the best experience and affordable options for booking a house. We are upgraded with the latest COVID-19 protocols and would be eager to assist you in locating your perfect abode. Connect to our Instagram and Facebook for more updates.