Can I have guests at my accommodation?
We're aware (as of 19 July 2021) the Government ended most of the rules in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.
But, for the safety of our staff and all our students, we’re not currently allowing visitors into any of our accommodation. This applies to both day and overnight guests. This is to prevent the spread of Covid-19 throughout the accommodation.
Mass gatherings, including house parties in our accommodation will also not be allowed.
Please don’t invite any guests into our accommodation.
If this rule changes for our accommodation, we will let you know.
There is one exception: If you’re packing up to go home, you may bring two guests in to help you. Please make sure they do not stay longer than is necessary.
Do I need to self-isolate if someone in my household is self-isolating?
You may need to self-isolate if:
If any of these apply to you, check the stay at home guidance provided by the UK government and notify your accommodation team with an email.
We’ll need to inform anyone who you share cooking or washing facilities with, and put in place plans to support you, and anyone impacted, to self-isolate safely.
How well is Optivo prepared to respond to Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Like most organisations, we have business continuity and major incident plans.
In response to Covid-19, we established two internal groups (Strategic and Operational) specifically tasked to manage the impact to our business and residents.
They work collaboratively on our business response to the measures introduced by government as they’re announced. This translates to local management plans which focusses on maintaining services and keeping our residents safe.
I’m travelling from outside the UK, do I need to quarantine?
Anyone entering the UK now requires a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival and must self-isolate until they have received a negative result. Lateral flow tests will not be accepted.
Please make sure you keep up-to-date with the guidance regarding travel on the Government website.
I’ve heard international and national students will be separated within the accommodation?
This is not true. One of the best things about our accommodation is you get to meet students from all over the world and learn about new cultures. We won’t be taking this away from you.
Is there anyone who can support me through self-isolation?
Your onsite accommodation team is available 24/7 for emergencies and can help you if you need to arrange things like food or medicine.
We also encourage students to ‘buddy up’ and help others who are isolating. If you’d like to volunteer as a buddy, please speak to your accommodation team.
Should face masks be worn?
To keep yourself and others safe, we'd advise you to wear face coverings when you leave your household bubble at your accommodation, specifically in the corridors and reception areas.
You are also encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
Face coverings are also required in NHS settings, including hospitals and primary or community care settings, such as GP surgeries. In addition, you'll need to wear a face covering when using public transport or in shops.
What do I need to do if I need to quarantine in Optivo Students accommodation on arrival in the UK?
If you need to quarantine at our accommodation when you arrive, we recommend you arrive at your accommodation 14 days BEFORE your contract start date. You will NOT be charged extra for this. Please arrange this with the team at your accommodation. You’ll find their contact details above. We’ve put together a guide on how to self-isolate while at your accommodation. It includes details about how to get your food shop online, how to get essentials – like bed linen and crockery – delivered straight to your room, and how to use the bathrooms and kitchens during your quarantine period.
If you’ve chosen to quarantine with us free of charge, come straight to our accommodation from the airport and only use public transport if there is no other option. You must wear a face covering on public transport.
What safety measures have you put in place?
We’ve carried out Covid-safe Risk Assessments at all of our student accommodations.
We’ll deep clean your room and leave it vacant for at least 48 hours before you arrive. We’ll also be thoroughly cleaning communal areas on a regular basis.
Please follow signs at your accommodation. They’ll help you stay socially distanced and safe. There will also be hand sanitisers available throughout the building.
In some cases where it is not possible to maintain the required social distance, our staff will wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes face coverings.
We will be unable to provide you with PPE, although you can choose to wear your own if you prefer. In England, it is the law to wear face coverings in certain public places.
Where can I find more official information?
There are a number of government sites available for further information relating to coronavirus matters, including:
Where can I find up to date health advice?
Official sources such as the Government, PHE and the NHS are updating health advice daily. The most reliable information and guidance on symptoms and measures you can take to protect yourself and others is available on their websites.
It's adviseable to always check the NHS website for the latest health advice for the most up to date information.
Who is my ‘household’?
A household is anywhere with a shared bathroom or kitchen or community living. This may be your flat. It could also be all the rooms on a corridor with shared facilities.
Rules on self isolating have changed in the UK. If anyone within a household has tested positive for coronavirus, they may be required to self isolate for 10 days from when they first had symptoms. Please check what you'll need to by checking the
UK Government 'stay at home' guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.