Ensuring safe welcomes for new students
ORGANISATIONS have been working together to welcome students for the new academic year in Loughborough.
Charnwood Borough Council, police and Loughborough University have been putting plans in place to help the students with a range of issues, including Covid testing and vaccinations, personal safety and how to be a good neighbour.
The academic year starts at the beginning of October.
Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies, the council’s lead member for community support, said: “Loughborough has a large student population and they are an integral part of our community and bring so much to our town and borough.
“The university, council and police have been working together to ensure new and returning students settle into life in Loughborough.
“The pandemic means we have all had to adapt and the university has been working really hard to ensure students and the community are as protected as much as possible.
“It’s great to see students returning to Loughborough and we wish them well for the year ahead.”
Manuel Alonso, associate chief operating officer at Loughborough University, said: “It is exciting for the university to be welcoming students back to our campuses in Loughborough and London.
“We are taking a pragmatic approach to arrangements for the new term which balances our desire to see students get the very best from all aspects of their university experience, while taking into consideration the reality that the pandemic is not completely behind us.
“We will be working hard with our partners to ensure students, whether they live on or off campus, get access to all the information they need.”
Pc Hetal Tharanee, beat officer for the university, said: “We want students to enjoy their time in Loughborough but in doing so remember to look after themselves and respect the neighbourhoods they live in. That’s why I can often be found around campus giving out appropriate advice.”
Councillor Jenny Bokor, the council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “I would like to thank all the different agencies involved for working so closely together, along with the local community and businesses, to ensure we can make it a safe and welcoming experience for students in Loughborough. We clearly need to remain cautious and sensible with regards to Covid-19 for everyone’s protection.”
All students are receiving Covid tests upon their arrival and will undergo weekly testing to monitor case levels. Covid vaccinations are being strongly encouraged and popup clinics are being held on campus.
The university, police and council are also reminding students of the need to look after their personal safety and possessions and will be giving out tips and advice. Students are also being reminded of the need to be good neighbours and consider others when moving about town, particularly at night.
The council’s recycling and enviro-crime teams will be writing to students living in town to remind them of the need to make sure their bins are out on the right day and put back after collection.