University students will be faced with strict new rules when they return this autumn due to the latest guidance by the UK government.

The typical parties and overnight stays are set to be banned at many university halls in the next academic year, as part of efforts to minimise the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Strict social distancing

The pub crawls and parties synonymous with freshers weeks are to be held almost entirely virtually on most university campuses at the start of the new term.

At University College London, parties will be held virtually, with no social gatherings permitted to take place in student halls.

However, students will instead be able to interact as a community “in a digital format.”

Elsewhere, students at the University of Cambridge will be required to apply to have visitors inside, while Aberystwyth University has imposed a ban on students having overnight guests altogether.

Many other universities are expected to introduce similar rules when students return.

Across the board, the majority of students will be required to wear face masks in certain areas on campus, in order to help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.

This will include inside all food or catering outlets, as in line with government policy, as well as indoor communal areas on some campuses, such as corridors and toilets.

At The University of Manchester, students will be given two washable face masks in their welcome pack, along with guidance on how teaching spaces will operate to ensure student safety.

The university also plans to ensure there will be social spaces open in Halls of Residence and around campus for students, in line with social distancing guidance.

Students should check with their university ahead of the new term so they understand what measures will be in force.

Social bubbles

Students may be required to stay in protective social ‘bubbles’ on their return to campuses in the autumn.

Students on the same course could be kept in small groups, living and studying together, as part of efforts to minimise mixing and contact with others.

This approach is the same as that being used in primary schools across England.

Students will be able to see others outdoors, but there will likely be limits on who can go inside accommodation.

As such, it is expected university accommodation will see a reduction in capacity next term to ensure social distancing can be observed.

A focus on virtual learning will also help to limit the amount of students on campus.