St Andrews University asks students to 'stagger' their return after Christmas

St Andrews University students have been asked to only come back to the town when in-person teaching on their course in scheduled to start again in the new year, in an attempt to reduce transmission of coronavirus.

All universities in Scotland have been asked by Holyrood to phase the return of their undergraduate students over a period of six weeks, between 4 January to the week starting 7 February.

But overseas students have been informed they can come back as planned after many already booked their return travel before government guidance was released this week.

All students have been asked to voluntarily reduce social mixing for two weeks before returning to university and also for a further two weeks after their return.

Teaching is expected to start again in St Andrews from 25 January in line with what level of Covid-19 restrictions Fife happens to be in at that time.

Some in-person teaching will start then, while other students might be asked to have their classes remotely until 7 February.

Refunds from the university has been offered to students for rent during the period they aren't in residence if the Scottish Government request to delay their return to campus is observed.

There will also be an asymptomatic coronavirus testing programme being run alongside the staggered start in the new semester.

Free lateral-flow tests will be offered to students on their return.

Last month, the university opened a coronavirus testing centre, recommending students to be tested before potentially heading home for the Christmas break.

The centre is scheduled to stay open until Friday 18 December.