The Government has released guidance on students returning to universities in January, which aims to stagger returns over a five-week period to minimise transmission risks from mass movement.

“Practical courses” are to be prioritised as students whose courses require practical teaching, access to specialist equipment, and clinical placements are to be allowed to return to university from 4th January to the week commencing 18th January.

In addition, universities are advised to prioritise students who may need to return earlier due to a variety of factors, including health-related reasons and potential lack of appropriate accommodation.

Vice-chancellor Stephen Toope announced in an email on 3rd December that in-person teaching for undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses will begin on 25th January. Lab work and practicals will begin on 18th January.

Students who are “unable to study away from Cambridge” and those who need to return for placements can do so from 4th January. International students would not need to change their travel plans under the current advice.

Universities are also required to provide asymptomatic testing for all students upon their return in January.

Cambridge’s asymptomatic COVID-19 screening programme will resume on 18th January, with pooled screening tests to be taking place from 18th to 20th January. The programme will also be offering individual tests in the week beginning on 11th January for students who are returning to Cambridge in that week, before the commencement of the pooled testing programme, and are living in private accommodation.

Students taking courses without practical elements will be allowed to return to university from 25th January onwards, over a two-week period. The government advised Higher Education providers to prioritise postgraduate students, second and third year students, international students, and new starters.

Until 25th January, lectures will be available online, with small group teaching provided remotely.

Some colleges have notified students that they should keep their current plans regarding holiday accommodation, but that no clear arrangement can be provided about return dates at this point.

Professor David Yates, Warden of Robinson College, told Robinson students in an email on 3rd December that the College “received this announcement at the same time as everyone else”, and that the Government announcement was “at least at this stage, only advice to universities and not mandatory legislation”.

Emails seen by Varsity from Corpus Christi College and Queens’ College on 3rd December also emphasised that they received notice of the Government’s announcement at the same time as the public. Corpus Christi College reassured their students in the email that there is no need to change travel plans, but the College would not be able to give a clear view on return dates.

The University of Cambridge is currently providing asymptomatic testing between 7th and 11th December for students who are returning home, as well as written confirmation for a negative test result for international students who are travelling home. Students were encouraged to travel home during the government “travel window” from 3rd to 9th December.

The University and the Cambridge SU have been contacted for comment.