Around 80,000 new and returning students are expected to arrive in Manchester over the next couple of weeks.

In recent months detailed preparations have been taking place through the city’s Student Strategy Partnership which brings together the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, student unions, Manchester Student Homes, Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council.

A raft of measures have been put in place to manage the safest possible return of students. These encompass both on campus arrangements for lectures, events and those living in halls of residence and in neighbourhoods around the city.

The University leaders have committed to the following – Vice Chancellors’ and Students’ Union leaders’ Joint Commitment:

“This is a special time in the university calendar, where we welcome new students to campus for the first time as well as welcoming many more back. This September though is like no other, not just for our students, but also for the communities in which they live and study.

“Across our universities, staff and students have worked tirelessly in the fight against COVID-19 – many on the front line in healthcare, volunteering, or at the sharp end of research to treat those suffering with the virus or to protect those at risk.

“This commitment to fighting COVID-19 continues as we bring students back on to campus and surrounding areas in our cities. As new and returning students join our community, we remind them of their responsibilities in minimising the transmission of the virus in our city region and in acting as ambassadors for our universities in the areas where they live and socialise.

“We continue to work with public health bodies, the NHS and regional and national government to put COVID safety measures, guidance and regulations in place across our universities.

“Joining campuses and surrounding areas will start to bring normality to lives that have been significantly disrupted over the last six months, but it must be done safely and sustainably. Together we commit to ‘doing our bit’ for Greater Manchester and we ask our students to do the same.”

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council,said: “We are used to welcoming an influx of students but obviously this year is like no other.

“A great deal of planning has gone into ensuring that the return of students to Manchester is as Covid-secure as possible and that they can have a great experience in our city without putting themselves or others at risk.

“In particular I want to commend the universities, who have done some brilliant work around communications with students and their own on campus arrangements. They have engaged really constructively with wider planning around off campus elements. They have also shown leadership by making clear to students that while everything is in place for them to learn and enjoy themselves safely, any irresponsible behaviour which flouts Covid-19 restrictions, such as holding house parties while restrictions are in force, will not be tolerated and could have disciplinary consequences.

“Students are always welcome here and form an important part of the life of our dynamic city. Many stay after they graduate and become proud Mancunians. We want them to feel safe and we also want them to feel part of the community, which means being good neighbours where they are living off campus. As well as working with the universities to communicate Covid-19 safety information, we are continuing our regular work to encourage students to be part of their neighbourhoods.”

 

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