THE University of Bolton has moved to reassure students and the wider community as the new academic year gets under way.

It follows concern after a number of lockdowns at universities across the UK.

The University of Bolton’s halls of residence, Orlando Village, are divided into flats of six rooms, creating a ‘family bubble’.

If someone shows symptoms of covid-19 or has a positive test, everyone in the bubble is required to self-isolate. Groceries and essentials will be delivered to the flat during that time, as ordered online by the students.

A deep clean of the flat will take place, as well as laundry being sent to an external company.

Current Bolton restrictions mean students are not allowed to visit other flats or have visitors.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor George Holmes said: “We want to reassure our students, staff and the wider community in Bolton who may have concerns after seeing what is happening in some student populations across the country following outbreaks of covid-19.

“It is important to recognise that every university is different. The University of Bolton is very much a community higher education institution.

“The vast majority of our students live in and around Bolton or the Greater Manchester area and we have a relatively small number of international students.”

Prof Holmes added that the University of Bolton would “do whatever it takes” to support its students, including investing £1 million to make the campus covid-secure

Other measures include students and staff wearing face coverings when on campus and face-to-face teaching with smaller class sizes, social distancing and a timetable which means fewer students and staff on campus at any one time.

Prof Holmes said: “It would be unrealistic to expect there to be no outbreaks of the virus among our students or staff.

"However, we have robust protocols in place to manage any such situation.

“We understand this is a worrying time for students and our priority is to support them in every way possible, both academically and especially when it comes to their mental and physical wellbeing.”