If you've got questions about starting uni during the coronavirus pandemic, we've got your back
We're doing everything we can to limit the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on your study plans and we're ready to welcome you to #TeamMDX!
We know you've got questions though, so we've put together this information for all new students, whether you're starting in January 2021 or thinking about applying for September.
We'll keep this updated regularly and get in touch with you directly about any changes to your course or application.
Our guide to what to expect when you start uni, including our plans for teaching and student services, as well as where to get personal advice.
If you've got a place to study with us in January then we'll send you full information about enrolment, induction and teaching by email
If you’re a new student for January 2021, you will start your course online due to national lockdown restrictions. Your online induction will start on 11 January and online teaching from 18 January. You must enrol on your course by 27 January.
We plan to start in person teaching on campus sometime after mid-February when the lockdown ends.
We’ll be in touch with more information about plans for your teaching when we have it. In the meantime, you are expected to attend all online teaching sessions
National lockdown restrictions during January and February mean that our campus is only open for essential teaching and services. You should only come to campus when you’ve got an important reason.
The most important message from the Government is to stay at home apart from essential travel. For that reason, if you’re planning to live away from home then we recommend that you don’t travel to accommodation on campus or any private accommodation in the London area for now. We’ll send you more information about making travel plans as soon as we can.
If you’ve made travel plans that you can’t change, then we’ll support you when you get here.
If you’ve got a place in halls then don't worry - we'll keep your room and you’ll only pay from when you arrive. If you want to wait to book, then we'll have rooms available throughout the term. If you have to move in now, then our team is here to support you including if you need to self-isolate.
Make sure you keep our Accommodation team updated on any changes to your plans.
Our team are working to provide your CAS as soon as possible. In the meantime, you should enrol in your course and take part in your induction and teaching online.
You should start your application for a visa as soon as you get your CAS. Your CAS will be valid for six months and your latest arrival date in the UK is now 1 April. Enrol in your course and start your induction and teaching online while you wait for your visa.
If your visa is refused, let us know straight away so we can talk about your options.
Don't worry, you can still apply for student finance in the same way as before, but if you're not sure about the process UCAS has plenty of information available to help get you started.
The Student Loans contact centre has re-opened for students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland after a temporary closure as well, but if you've got any questions about your student finance application you should check their FAQs to see if you can find an answer there first.
If you're from the EU, you'll still be able to apply for student finance for January 2021.
Long term laptop loans are available if you don’t have the right equipment to start your studies. There are also some spaces available to book at the Sheppard Library if you really need to come to campus to study.
The government have announced that you’ll be assessed by your teachers instead of sitting exams this year. We’re still waiting for full details although we do know that grades will be decided differently than in 2020 as there were problems with that system.
We want to give you the best possible chance of joining us so we’ll always aim to be as flexible as possible. We look at your application on an individual basis and take into consideration any challenges you may have faced in your learning, because of coronavirus or other issues
We’re following updates closely and we’ll work with exam boards, schools and colleges when we’re looking at your application. We’ll let you have more info when we have it.
There will be lots of personal factors in your decision about whether to apply for uni this year. We're here to look out for you and give you the support and updates you need to make the right choice, so reach out if you have any questions.
Here are some things to think about:
When you apply to a postgraduate course during coronavirus, we want to reassure you that:
We understand that everything that's happened recently means that your undergraduate studies might have been impacted, for example you've achieved a different result than expected. Get in touch with us if you're worried and we'll be happy to discuss your application with you.
You can mix and match our live virtual events and on demand content to find the information and support you need for your application to uni.
So even if you can't make it to our north London campus right now, you can still get a feel for what it's like to be a part of #TeamMDX.
Our admissions enquiries team is happy to listen, give you any information you need and answer all your questions.
They're here to support you and even though you can't come to see them on campus, the team is still available for you to contact in a number of different ways.
