Travel Window

30 November 2020

Many of you may be making plans to return home during the student travel window (December 3 to December 9).

We know this is an exciting time, and you’ll be keen to see your families again. But it’s still as vital as ever to remain vigilant, be patient, and continue to follow safety guidelines to keep everyone safe.

Get tested

Remember to get a test by December 9. Mass testing – which will give you a result between 20 minutes to four hours – is being made available to students. You will find details on how to access testing on your university website.

You should try to get two tests, three days apart. These tests will pick up most infections but not all, so it’s important that you continue to follow Government guidance to protect yourself and others.

If your test is positive, you must self-isolate at your student accommodation for ten days. Please ensure you let your accommodation team know immediately. You can stop self-isolating on day 11 if you’ve not had a high temperature for 48 hours and are well.

If your second test is negative, you should return home as soon as possible after you’ve received your result, ideally within a 24 hour period. If you only have time to do one test, and the result is negative, you can still travel but need to do this as soon as possible after receiving the negative result.

If your test is negative and are symptom free, but you have come into close contact with someone who’s tested positive, you can return home but must self-isolate for 14 days when you arrive.

Going home

Higher education providers are staggering the end of face-to-face provision between 3 December and 9 December. Make sure you have checked these details on your university website.

Please let your accommodation team know which day you will be leaving and when plan to return.

Family members and friends

If a family member or friend is collecting you from your accommodation, we ask that they stay outside the building at all times. Please remember we cannot allow guests into our accommodation in the current circumstances.

Hands, face, space

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or sanitiser, for at least 20 seconds. When departing our accommodation, please wear a face covering outside your household bubble (e.g. in corridors, stairways and reception areas), follow any one-way systems in place, and always keep a safe distance (two metres) from who are not in your household.

Plan your travel

If you’re planning to use public transport, try to pick an off peak travel time when services will be less busy. You must wear a face covering while travelling on public transport.

Travel light if you can. Less luggage will mean more space for others while travelling.

You’ll find more information on planning your journey safely online.

Travelling within the UK

Lockdown will end on 2 December when a tier system will come into effect. Returning home may mean you’re traveling to a place that has a different tier level than you’re currently in. It’s important that you follow the Government guidance on tiers wherever you are.

Find out about the tiers and restrictions in your area.

Travelling overseas

If you plan to travel overseas, please look at the Government’s guidance on the national restrictions.
You should consider the restrictions on entry to the country you plan to return to.

More information

For more information, visit the Government website.

We’ll let you know about the procedure for returning back to your Optivo Student accommodation when we have more information.

We’re open

If you’re unable to travel home this Christmas, our accommodation remains open and we’re here to support you.

We’ve lots of great events planned through December, and we’ll also be providing festive care packages for anyone staying with us on Christmas Day. Email or phone your accommodation team to let them know if you will be staying with us.

Merry Christmas!

We’d like to say a big thank you for all your support and good will during this difficult time. You all certainly deserve a fantastic festive break with your loved ones.

From everyone at Optivo Students, we hope you have a very Merry Christmas and we’re looking forward to seeing you back in the New Year.

Optivo Students