Covid: What can I expect when I go to university this year?

More than two million students are starting a new university year, with many travelling across the country to live with new people.

But coronavirus cases in places like Belfast, Manchester and Glasgow mean thousands of students already have to self-isolate – leaving them unable to attend lectures or socialise.

Even if you can’t attend lectures in person, it is unlikely that you will get a refund for tuition fees if you can still access your course online.

But demands for refunds or compensation are growing.

It is also unlikely that calls for refunds for accommodation will see many students get their money back.

However, some students who have been told to self-isolate at short notice in their halls are eligible for extra support.

You can socialise at home within your household – even if there are more than six of you – unless anyone has coronavirus symptoms, or has been told to self-isolate.

But you won’t be able to invite anyone round if there are six or more.

They should keep your distance from others in the household, using a separate bathroom if possible, and using shared facilities like the kitchen when no-one else is there. It’s also important to wipe down any surfaces after they have touched them.

Yes. While nightclubs still can’t open, many universities will be opening their bars, cafes and student union.

These must follow the general rules around extra cleaning and social distancing, and may have a one-way system and want orders through an app.

You can’t meet up in groups of more than six unless you are in the same household.

Freshers’ week events can still happen if they comply with the rules for that area, although many universities are holding their welcome fairs online.

However, people are allowed to meet in bigger groups for work or education reasons, such as lecture or study groups, or part-time jobs and placements, but must follow social distancing guidelines.

The majority of universities have said they will provide a ”blended approach” this term, combining in-person and online teaching.

Smaller groups, such as tutorials, seminars or practical classes like those in medicine and dentistry, will be held in person, but with social distancing precautions.

However, most lectures are likely to remain online for the foreseeable future.

Universities in areas which face additional restrictions have said their terms will still go ahead as planned.

At the lowest level (tier 1), a mix of face-to-face tuition and online lessons can continue, with masks being worn in crowded corridors and communal areas.

If more restrictions are imposed, there would be a gradual move to online tuition, with face-to-face learning restricted for priority courses like medicine.

Your university may take steps to help with social distancing, such as staggered start and finish times for lectures, one-way systems and using outside space where possible.

Unless you are exempt, masks or face coverings should be worn:

Starting or returning to university can be a stressful time in normal circumstances, and the pandemic is likely to add to that.

The National Union of Students is urging people not to suffer in silence and to contact their students’ union, personal tutor or their university’s student services if they are having problems.

NUS higher education vice-president Hillary Gyebi-Ababio said: “If you’re worried and have a question – ask. If you’re struggling and need emotional support – ask. If you need financial or academic help – ask.

”Students’ unions and universities have been working around the clock over the summer and they’re ready.”

Additional reporting by Ben Milne