Autumn semester plans 2021
As lockdown restrictions continue to be progressively eased in Scotland, we are making positive plans for a return to the Stirling campus for our students and staff for the new academic year 2021/22.
COVID-19: updates and information
COVID protection level in Stirling: Level 2 [gov.scot]
Updated: Tuesday 1 June 2021
The Stirling council area is currently in Level 2 of the Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) protection levels. Some other areas of mainland Scotland and the islands moved to Level 1 or Level 0 on Saturday 5 June. See the Scottish Government website for further details and the timetable for further easing of restrictions. All staff and students should continue to follow the latest public health and University guidance.
This page will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in government guidance. Please check back often.
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Latest guidance on international travel and self-isolation (quarantine)
A traffic light system has been introduced for international travel. If you are travelling directly from overseas to Scotland you must check the Scottish Government website for the most up-to-date information on travelling to Scotland. When you arrive in Scotland from abroad what you must do depends on:
- where you’ve been in the 10 days before arriving in Scotland
- whether the country or area you’ve travelled from is on the red, amber or green list
If you are travelling into Scotland from a country on the Scottish Government red list, there is a requirement for managed isolation in a quarantine hotel at a cost of £1750.
Please note, however, that we are currently working closely with the Scottish Government to explore the possibility of the University of Stirling being authorised to host students from red listed countries in our own University accommodation as part of the managed quarantine scheme. This means that on arrival into Edinburgh or Glasgow airports, students would be transported directly to Stirling rather than having to go to a government-managed hotel and you would be fully supported by University staff in our accommodation during your 10-day (11 nights) quarantine period.
We hope this new scheme will be approved in the next couple of weeks and we will share more information as soon as possible, including costs. We expect that the costs will be substantially less than those charged at the government managed quarantine hotels. If you are an international student travelling from a red listed country and are interested in being supported in University-managed accommodation for your quarantine period, please complete this form as soon as possible.
You can only travel to the UK from a “red list” country if you’re a British national or you have residence rights. People with residence rights include those travelling to the UK on a valid Student Route visa. Further details are available on the Scottish Government website.
Traveling abroad for leisure and holidays remains discouraged.
What to expect – restrictions summary
The current restrictions are designed to reduce the movement and interaction of people as much as possible. These mean changes to study, work and campus facilities. We will update this guidance as/when the rules change.
The tabs below contain area-specific restriction information.
Studying and working from home
- Everyone who can work or study from home should do so.
- Clinically vulnerable people (including those who may not be on the shielding list) must complete a risk assessment with their faculty representative before making an essential trip to campus. You will be advised of any specific face-to-face learning requirements by your faculty.
- Students can complete this semester fully online.
- The Scottish Government has produced extra guidance to help students make sense of the current guidelines. You can read the latest FAQS on the Student Information Scotland website.
Learning and teaching
- The summer teaching period (3 May to 30 July) for some postgraduate students is now under way. From 17 May, a less restricted blended model of delivery will be introduced, enabling more in-person teaching to take place. Students will be contacted directly about these arrangements.
- Timetables are subject to change because of the shifting restrictions. It's essential that students check their timetables regularly for any updates.
- Postgraduate research students can continue their research activity, where essential. Students should follow the COVID-19 protocols and guidance, for both laboratory and fieldwork. Building and laboratory access needs to be approved by your Dean.
- The autumn semester runs from Monday 13 September 2021 – Monday 20 December 2021 and for postgraduates from Monday 27 September to Friday 17 December. See more information about how you'll be taught.
Travel to the University
- If you are travelling directly from overseas to Scotland or the UK please see our information on travel and quarantine requirements.
- Any student who will be required to complete a 10-day quarantine on their return to student accommodation must ensure that they arrive at least 10 days prior to their end of contract date. See more information on travel and quarantine requirements.
- If you have been away from campus for some time and intend to return, please notify us on accommodation@stir.ac.uk so we can understand your circumstances and provide support.
- Students who cannot travel back to their term-time accommodation will be entitled to an accommodation credit. Student tenants have been contacted directly with information about this.
Facilities
- Student accommodation is open.
- The Students’ Union services and Officers are available for all students remotely. You can contact the Union at theunion@stir.ac.uk or visit their website. The Union Shop in the Atrium is open Monday to Friday 12noon-3pm. The Union online shop is also open. Students can also order their free period products on the Student's Union website.
- The library is open 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun. A click-and-collect service for hard-copy materials remains in place and study spaces must be booked in advance.
- Catering outlets – Scran, Refresh and Nourish are open for take away collection indoors and also operate a sit-in service. See the opening times and more details.
- The Atrium seating areas are open.
- The Study Zone in the Atrium is open 8am-8pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-5pm, Sat and Sun. Study spaces must be booked in advance.
- Airthrey Park Medical Centre and Right Medicine Pharmacy are both open.
- Co-op in the Atrium is open 8am – 10pm daily.
- The University’s Sports Centre and pool are open for individual gym and swimming sessions, in-person fitness classes and student Just Play badminton and football sessions. See how to book a session. Badminton and tennis pay-and-play sessions will be available from Monday 24 May.
- The Macrobert Arts Centre cinema is open.
Staff
- Staff should work from home if possible. Buildings and offices are closed and can only be accessed by approval from your Dean/ Executive Director.
- Non-essential as well as essential research work may now be undertaken in laboratories and other research facilities, including research libraries and archives.
Catering and hospitality
The restrictions mean changes to hospitality provision on campus.
| Venue | Details |
|---|---|
| Studio bar |
Closed |
| Scran, the Atrium |
Open for indoor click-and-collect service and sit-in catering. Opening times Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 21:00 Delivery service will operate daily from 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Refresh at Willow Court |
Open for indoor click-and-collect service and sit-in catering. Opening times Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 - 20:00 |
| The Pod at Pathfoot |
Closed |
| Nourish, The Sports Centre |
Open for indoor click-and-collect service and sit-in catering. Opening times |
COVID-19 testing in Stirling
If you need a COVID-19 test, there are two centres you can visit. There's a mobile testing unit in the East Car Park on the University campus or a walk-through testing facility in Stirling City Centre.
If you're not sure what type of COVID-19 test you need, read our guide on choosing the right test
Mobile testing unit
The mobile testing unit (MTU) is located between the Innovation Park and Stirling Court Hotel. The unit offers walk-through and drive-through appointments from 10am - 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
You can book your slot through the NHS COVID test referral portal.
East Car Park
The mobile testing unit is between the Stirling Court Hotel and Innovation Park. The location is highlighted pink on this map.
City centre testing
A walk-through COVID-19 testing facility is open in Stirling City Centre, seven days a week, from 8am to 8pm.
The centre is in Forthside, adjacent to the Engine Shed and just over the bridge from the train and bus stations. It's open to University staff, students, and local residents who meet the criteria for a COVID-19 test.
More information about walk-through test centres and how to book a test is available via the NHS Inform website.
No symptoms testing
Some people with COVID-19 infection will have very few or no symptoms. Testing people with no symptoms can help protect family and friends. Lateral Flow testing is available on campus for staff and students via the University’s no symptom testing service, on Mondays and Fridays.
Free Lateral Flow Device testing for those without symptoms is available to everyone in Scotland, with details on how to acquire a test available via the Scottish Government website. You can also collect Lateral Flow Device testing kits in local pharmacies. Find your nearest pharmacy.
Remember: you must not book a test, or turn up for a pre-booked test if you have symptoms. You must go to the walk-in test centre at the East Car Park.
Latest updates
Message from the University Secretary – route-map out of lockdown
18 March 2021: The First Minister of Scotland has announced COVID-19 restrictions will begin to be gradually eased from 2 April 2021.
Message from the University Secretary: Scottish Government update
18 January 2021: information on the University's response to the heightened Tier 4 restrictions, with information on learning and teaching, travel and more.
Next steps
You can find out more information and advice on our Changes at Stirling page. This includes information on:
Other resources
Remember to check the NHS, Scottish and UK Government pages. They will contain the most up-to-date information and advice on the COVID-19 situation and what to do if you are affected by it.
NHS Inform
Get the latest information and advice from Scotlands health information and advice service.
GOV.SCOT
Get the latest information on the Coronavirus situation in Scotland from the Scottish Government.
GOV.UK
Get more Coronavirus information and the latest guidance and support from the UK Government.
Universities Scotland
Keep up to date with the latest news, briefings and campaigns on higher education and COVID-19.
Togetherall
As well as our own extensive Student Support Services, the University offers access to support through Togetherall. Togetherall is a digital mental health support service which is available online, 24/7, and is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained guides monitor the community to ensure the safety and anonymity of all members.
In addition to Togetherall’s online community, there are a wealth of useful resources you can work through, including tailored self-help courses on anxiety, sleep, depression and many more.
This service is available to all students and staff. Find out more about Togetherall.