A UNIVERSITY has announced its plans to keep its students safe from Covid-19 ahead of the academic year.

The University of Brighton has a range of Covid support measures in place across its campuses to welcome back students safely this month.

The university has reportedly contacted nearly 20,000 new and returning students to "strongly encourage" them to get vaccinated, it is also working with local NHS and public health teams to arrange a vaccination bus on campus for students during the first weeks of the new academic year.

With libraries and study facilities, fitness facilities, cafes and students’ union all open again, the university has also launched its Be Covid Aware campaign to encourage "safe and considerate behaviour" alongside vaccinations and regular lateral flow testing.

Sarah Lambert, director of student operations and support, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming students back onto campus this autumn, which is where we know they want to be.

"With vaccines now available to everyone aged 18 and over - and those within three months of turning 18 - we know many of our new and returning students have already taken up this chance to protect themselves and others.

"We are strongly encouraging those who haven't yet received both Covid-19 vaccination doses to do so as soon as possible to help keep themselves, their fellow students and our wider community safe."

The university has been working with its international students to increase awareness and engagement with the UK vaccination programme, including making them aware of the research that has been undertaken by UK health teams to match relevant UK vaccines to those used overseas, should they need to complete their vaccination course with a second dose.

For students arriving from red list countries who need to isolate in a government quarantine hotel, the University has an online welcome and induction programme providing welfare and wellbeing support remotely until they can join their fellow students.

International students are also being assisted with their travel to the university once they have ended their period of isolation, whenever that is required.

For international student arrivals from amber list countries, it is providing assistance in transferring to student halls or private accommodation, with an offer of food boxes to assist in isolation.

It is also providing halls accommodation for free during the isolation period and during international orientation and welcome periods. Financial support to help with the cost of testing will also be provided.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.