International students face 2 weeks isolation upon university arrival. Following the harsh outbreak around the world, students arriving at Birmingham City's campus have been ordered to self isolate. To avoid any spike of COVID-19, the policy of quarantine has been implemented on students entering the United Kingdom for further studies. The Uk Government introduced these measures to help manage the risks of COVID-19 towards the public health, in order to maintain the rate of infection and prevent any increase.
Students arriving from all over the world are yet to experience the new and exciting beginning of university. Unfortunately, this won't be possible till 14 days have passed by and with strict lockdown measures, it is highly difficult for local freshers events to take place. With the 10pm curfew in order, many nights out have been cut short, some students fear that this may have been "the wrong year to study". Others claim that it is a "whole new experience" and a time to stay safe for loved ones.
One of the many student accommodations owned by BCU, University Locks, has had many international arrivals within the last few weeks of September. It has been a hard but successful time for these students having to brace the 4 walls of their student flats for 14 days. Many are coming out of quarantine with a positive ambition to begin the academic year, with the remaining feeling frustrated and relieved. I have had the chance to speak with a student, who has just recently come out from her 2 week quarantine.
Martina, from Portugal, has referred to the last 14 days: " It was highly boring as I was very restricted, I could not go out or even leave my flat and there wasn't much for me to do inside. However it allowed me to get to know my flat mates a lot better and they made me feel more at ease. I do feel like I have missed out as I could not go to the student welcome week and all my class mates met there. However I feel like I haven't missed out on a lot, it is reasonable because of the virus, even though I don't like it, it is something that has to be done".
Without a doubt, it will be quite daunting and unsettling for students that are unfamiliar with the country to have to enter self-isolation. Even so, it is crucial for Institutions to ensure that students are feeling safe and supported even through quarantine, and they must understand the conditions throughout the period.
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