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Studying in lockdown: support and facilities for students who need to be on campus

The UK’s current national lockdown means many of us are staying at home to limit the spread of Covid-19, but we recognise that this isn’t always practical or safe for some members of our community.

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There are some groups who may find it more challenging to study effectively under lockdown and who may need extra support and access to facilities, although we understand that everyone will be facing their own unique challenges during this difficult period.

Students who may need on-campus support could include:

  • Students whose main residence is their halls accommodation, or who have remained in halls over the winter break
  • Students without access to adequate study facilities at home, including internet access, equipment or a quiet place to study
  • Students whose home environment is unstable or unsafe
  • Students on medicine and dentistry courses whose teaching is taking place on campus this semester

If you are affected by any of these circumstances, we are here to support you. A number of our study spaces and places to buy food and drink have been made Covid-secure so you can use them if you need to be on campus, and we have a range of online resources that can be accessed from anywhere, at any time.

Food and drink

The Students’ Union’s Village Shop on Mile End campus is open for essential supplies, including food and drink, toiletries and stationery, for students living in halls or who need to visit campus to use study facilities. The Shop is open Mon-Fri 09.00-16.00, weekends 10.00-16.00.

Several of our catering outlets on campus are open serving food and drinks. You can order for takeaway, or use the spaces to study while you eat and drink.

  • Café Grad (Mile End) – open 08.30-14.30
  • The Curve (Mile End) – open 08.00-19.00
  • Nucleus (Whitechapel) – open 08.30-15.00

Study spaces

Queen Mary’s libraries and the Graduate Centre Study Space remain open during lockdown, and places can be booked for individual study. Visit the Library website for more information about opening times and to book a study space.

The BLSA Building in Whitechapel will be open 11.00-16.00 Monday to Friday for students on medicine and dentistry courses to use for study.

Online resources and events from QMSU

The Students’ Union’s Study Well campaign has lots of resources, events and tips to support your health and wellbeing while studying at Queen Mary. The SU’s Be Kind to Your Mind resources are available to help you develop mindfulness and manage anxiety and stress.

QMSU are running a variety of online sports and fitness classes, wellbeing workshops and social events throughout the semester. Check their Events page for details and to sign up.

Many Students' Union Clubs and Societies continue to operate online. They're a great way of meeting new people, trying something new or continuing an existing hobby or interest. Memberships are still available via the Students' Union website.

Get help

The University’s Advice and Counselling Service is open and offers a range of free, confidential and professional services for all Queen Mary students. Details of the services they provide and how to access them are available on the Advice and Counselling website.

If you live in Queen Mary accommodation, the Residential Support team are available to support your wellbeing in halls. Their Reception is open 24/7 and can be contacted via residences-reception@qmul.ac.uk or 020 7882 6470.

Lockdown has seen a worrying spike in reports of domestic abuse. If you are affected by familial or domestic violence, abuse, or coercive control, you are not alone and help is there for you. Visit our confidential reporting and advice hub Report+Support for information about support available.

The Student Enquiry Centre, based in the Queen’s Building on Mile End campus, is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10.00-16.00 for in person support. You can also talk to a member of staff online on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Visit the Student Enquiry Centre website to see the services they offer and to make an appointment.

 

 

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