Covid-19 Information

COVID-19 is a new illness that is caused by a virus called Coronavirus and can affect your lungs and airways.

The main symptoms are:

• A high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back.
• A new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours.
• Anosmia – this is the loss or change in your normal sense of smell and can have an effect on your taste.

For even more information about Coronavirus, its symptoms, how to avoid catching it and what to do if you have it, visit the NHS or the HSE websites.

We know there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 for both existing and new students and the possible impact on your studies.

That’s why we’ve introduced a set of commitments to give all students booking with us for the start of the 2021/22 academic year flexibility and peace of mind.

We understand that COVID-19 has been, and still is, a worrying and uncertain time for everyone. That’s why we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to protect our students and staff and minimise the risk of coronavirus at our accommodation.

Following an in-depth review by the British Safety Council (BSC) we have achieved the BSC COVID-19 Assurance Accreditation. This means our organisational policies, procedures and arrangements in response to the control of COVID-19 within our accommodations meet the current UK government guidelines. Learn more about what we’re doing at Host by clicking the button below.

As noted above, we will continue to update this page with the latest information for students who are currently living with us for the 2020/21 academic year. Please see below the latest communication from Host to current residents.

We understand you may have lots of questions, so we’re doing all we can to help answer these for you. For this reason, we’ve compiled a document with Frequently Asked Questions for students who are currently living with us.

Please also see the advice that has been published by Unipol who administer the National Code of Standards for Student Accommodation.

As we constantly evaluate and update policies and protocols, we want to extend a special thank you to our team members. They have been working tirelessly to support our students and ensure their health, safety and wellbeing.

From everyone at Host, we would also like to say a huge thank you to all the NHS staff and the key workers. Thank you for all your hard work during these unprecedented times – you’re all doing an amazing job!

To minimise the time spent checking in at reception, all students are required to complete an online check-in prior to arriving at their accommodation.

All students will be given an allocated date and time slot for moving in to allow for staggered arrivals. This will ensure social distancing measures are maintained and will help to reduce queues and overcrowding at reception and communal areas.

Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser stations have been placed at entrances and exits, and at the receptions of all accommodation buildings.

In communal spaces, we have added to our already rigorous cleaning protocols, paying close attention to high use touch points such as door handles, handrails and lift controls. This cleaning is also done with increased frequency.

We have installed lots of new directional and instructional signage in and around our buildings to help people keep a safe distance and to remind people to follow the current guidelines. One-way systems have also been implemented where possible to avoid overcrowding.

Protective screens have been installed at receptions to provide an extra level of precaution for both students and staff.

Furniture in communal spaces may be removed or re-arranged and maximum numbers of people in lifts, shared toilets and other communal spaces may be restricted to allow more space for social distancing.

All bedrooms are meticulously cleaned prior to occupation and room seals are placed over the doors to indicate that rooms haven’t been accessed since they were cleaned.

To encourage a high standard of hygiene, every student living with us will be provided with a pack of essential hygiene items upon arrival including hand sanitiser, a face mask and anti-bac wipes.

If you are showing any symptoms of COVID-19, you are entitled to a free test through the NHS. However, if you aren’t showing symptoms, but would still like to be tested, we can arrange a test pack for you.* Should any students need to self-isolate, we will ensure the appropriate support is provided to them during the isolation period.

All staff at Host have undertaken specific COVID-19 awareness training. This ensures that they have a comprehensive understanding of coronavirus, its symptoms and how to reduce the risk of cross contamination.

In accordance with our ISO 45001 Health and Safety accreditation, we are monitoring our policies, processes and procedures to ensure that we are working to the latest Government Guidance and following best practice.

In addition, following an in-depth review by the British Safety Council (BSC) we have achieved the BSC COVID-19 Assurance Accreditation. This means our organisational policies, procedures and arrangements in response to the control of COVID-19 within our accommodations meet the current UK government guidelines.