We understand that many of you will have questions about what to expect at the start of the semester. Read the latest details on vaccination information, asymptomatic testing, face coverings and support services available. 

Vaccinations  

The NHS are offering pop-up vaccination centres on campus and at some of our Student Halls of Residence. Vaccines will be available at the following locations: 

Opening times for all vaccination centres: 

  • 10:00 - 13:30 
  • 14:15 - 18:00 [last appointment is at 17:50] 

Appointments take 10 minutes, followed by a 15-minute observation.  Please do not visit a vaccination centre if you are showing symptoms or self-isolating. 

Register with a GP/Doctor 

Please remember to register with a GP before a second vaccination. The NHS cannot link your vaccination history if you are not registered.  

International students 

If you have received a first vaccine that isn’t available in the UK, but want to get a second vaccination here, the most appropriate alternative will be offered to you by NHS staff. Please bring any information about your first vaccination to your appointment. 

If you received two vaccinations before arriving in the UK, you may be eligible for a third vaccination depending on the vaccine type [see Vaccine Interchangeability Guidance (Appendix 1)]. 

If you are on an overseas placement when your second vaccination is due, you should contact the health service in the country where you will be residing at the time. 

Vaccination status 

We strongly encourage you to be fully vaccinated, but this is not required to access any facilities or buildings on our campuses at this time.  

Asymptomatic Testing 

Even if you have been fully vaccinated and feel well, you can still get coronavirus and pass it on. Scottish Government advice is to test using lateral flow devices twice a week; tests can be collected from pharmacies or ordered online. Please remember that in the event of a positive test result, you will be required to isolate. For more information, please see the Scottish Government guidance on testing. 

Most international students will be required to test as part of travel arrangements. Students who are not required to test before travelling, including UK-based students are encouraged to take a test before travel to term-time addresses.  
 
Asymptomatic test kits will also be available to collect on campus from Monday 13 September, from the following locations: 

  • Fraser Building, Gilmorehill  
  • Garscube Gatehouse 
  • School Office in Dumfries 
Face Coverings  

In line with Scottish Government guidance, non-exempt individuals must wear face coverings while on campus. This includes: 

  • when moving around in buildings 
  • outside, in congested areas 
  • in libraries and study spaces at all times 
  • in classrooms (including teaching labs) 

Face coverings are not required:  

  • when eating or drinking 
  • when exercising 

 

If you are exempt from wearing a face covering, please visit the Scottish Government website and download an exemption card and have available as a physical card or download on your phone

Support and Wellbeing Services   

If you would like to speak to someone, there are a number of support services available.  

First published: 16 September 2021

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