Overnight guest restrictions for halls to be reversed
Residents in University accommodation were initially told they must seek permission for overnight guests with 72-hours-notice as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, but this is now set to be removed, Exeposé can reveal.
They were also told that no requests would be approved during Freshers’ Week, and there could be no more than four visitors in an accommodation at any time. Residents would also have to provide evidence that a guest was over 18.
In the information given to incoming freshers, the University said “we have decided that all rights contained in your accommodation contract in relation to Visitors to your room will be suspended until further notice.”
However, the University has now u-turned on this, with the 72-hours-notice requirement set to be removed. While it still remains on the official Residents’ Information page, Exeposé understands this will be changed as soon as possible.
A University spokesperson said: “We discourage visitors to halls of residence because students will be grouped into households to keep them safe and well. However, we know there will be occasions where it will be important to have those close to them to stay.
“There is no need for students to give 72-hours-notice if they have visitors. We are trusting students to help us – and help keep their friends and neighbours safe – by making responsible decisions about who they have to stay, by living in their defined households and following our guidance, which is based on Government and public health advice.”
They explained that they are continually reviewing all advice in the lead up to the beginning of term, given that the situation is frequently changing.
