Let’s face it: over the last year-and-a-bit, everyday life has changed a lot. The global COVID-19 pandemic has created some of the biggest hurdles many of us have ever faced in our lifetimes, and it’s been a huge challenge for everybody.

But, hey! There’s a lot of good news to celebrate, too. A lot of restrictions have eased, the UK’s vaccination rollout is going strong, and a lot of elements of daily life are starting to get back to normal.

Your health, safety and wellbeing is our priority. We’ve been working hard to prepare for your arrival to make sure that your uni experience will be as full as possible this year. But just like everything else in 2021, it’s important to bear in mind that some things are going to be a bit different this year. Don’t stress, because you’re still going to have an incredible time. But there are some health and safety measures and things you’ll need to remember during your first semester here at Stirling.

To help you get ready, here are a few of the ways Stirling is going to look a little bit different in 2021:

Testing for COVID-19 is important

Here at Stirling, our priority is your health and safety. That’s why we’re encouraging all our students to make sure they’ve tested negative for COVID-19 before forming a new student household. This can either be a no symptoms PCR test or a Lateral Flow Device (LFD) self-test kit.

If you live in Scotland, you can book a free PCR test by using the “How to book a test” guide on the NHS inform website. If you live elsewhere in the UK, you can book a free PCR test via the gov.uk website.

Self-test LFD kits are available for free from pharmacies – find your nearest participating pharmacy. You can also order LFD kits for free online.

Once you’ve arrived at Stirling, students are encouraged to take a LFD test twice a week to limit the spread. You can pick up free LFD kits from our on-campus pharmacy and in Juniper Court, Alexander Court and Union Street student residences.

Our vaccination centre is open

Haven’t got your COVID-19 vaccine yet? We’ve got a new on-campus vaccination centre that’s open to all students.

Anybody living in Scotland who needs a first or second dose of the vaccine can book an appointment. This includes international students and those not yet registered with a GP. Find out how to book an appointment here.

Scanning in to buildings

For Test and Protect purposes, you’ll be asked to scan a QR code to check in to buildings on campus using your phone. You only need to scan into each building one time a day, and you don’t need to scan out. You can also check in using the University of Stirling app.

Don’t have your phone on you? Eh, it happens. But you’ve still got to register even if you haven’t got your mobile. Take a note of the short URL on the QR code posters and enter this into a browser as soon as you can to complete the form. 

Find out more about scanning in to buildings and how we use this information.

We’ll be masking up in a lot of places

To help keep everybody safe, we’re encouraging one-metre (about three feet) physical distancing in most of our teaching rooms, labs and offices.

Unless you’re exempt, masks are mandatory when moving around indoors on our campus. They won’t be required if you’re seated at a desk, as long as physical distancing is being maintained. There are also exceptions if you’re eating at one of our amazing food outlets or using our new sports centre facilities. Find out more about face coverings and physical distancing.

The Stirling Campus Pledge

We all need to keep ourselves, and all those around us, safe. That’s why we’ve asked students and staff to commit to the Stirling Campus Pledge.

The Pledge has been developed in line with NHS Scotland and Scottish Government COVID-19 guidance and advice. You can read more about the Stirling Campus Pledge here.

So, stay safe but get involved! This year is going to be different, sure. But it’s going to be great, and we’ve got lots of amazing Welcome Week events and activities planned. 

Questions about your upcoming semester at Stirling? Just give us a shout. We’re always here to help to make sure you have an amazing start to your uni experience.