Support for self-isolating students

Our chaplains cover all faiths, beliefs and non-faiths and are available for you to chat to if you are feeling lonely, wish to discuss issues of faith and belief or have any concerns. 

We recommend that you get in touch with a "self-isolation buddy" - a friend or neighbour who is not in self-isolation, who may be able to help you out while your movement is restricted.  

Other University services are also available to you, including online access to the Centre for Wellbeing and 24/7 Campus Safety teams, as well as online Library and MySurrey Hive. 

 Guildford Samaritans are also available for phone or online chats.  

It’s important that you try to not leave home if you are self-isolating. If you need food supplies then you can use delivery services or ask a friend to collect supplies for you. 

To receive deliveries, you can go to the door or your delivery service collection point* on campus to collect your food. Make sure you wash your hands before you leave home, wear a face covering, maintain 2 metres distance and wash your hands upon return home. 

*Here's a list of collection points that are most convenient for different locations: 

• Twyford Court: the car parking bays off perimeter road 
• Cathedral Court: drive up the hill, and park under the tree behind house 2 
• Battersea Court: Wates House 
• Surrey Court: all the way to the top of Union Hill, behind Bourne House 
• Stag Hill Court: Union Hill, opposite the Students' Union 
• University Court: behind Houses 56, 62 or 65 
• Millennium House: out the front of Millennium House 
• Manor Park: outside MySurrey Hive Manor Park/Manor Park Social
• Hazel Farm: outside the common room.

There are many different options for food deliveries: 

Uber Eats and Deliveroo don’t just deliver meals from local restaurants and takeaways. They also deliver everyday essentials and basic groceries, so if you want a pint of milk, loaf of bread, some fruit, meat or a ready meal to pop in the microwave, it is worth a look. 

These main supermarkets provide a delivery service: 

• Morrisons 
• Sainsbury's 
• Tesco
• Asda 
• Waitrose
• Ocado.

Please ask a housemate or your self-isolation buddy to collect your post for you from the designated pick up points. 

You will need to email Central Distribution in advance, explaining that you give permission for a nominated person to collect your post or package. 

Upon collection, your nominated person will need to show their student ID. They can deliver your package to you, maintaining a 2m distance. We suggest they knock/ring your external bell or call you, and then place the package at your door and step 2m backwards, so there is no physical contact between you. Please remember to wear a face covering. 

For basic ‘over the counter’ medication in small supplies, ask a friend to collect them for you, or you may find that you can order some with your food deliveries or via online ordering sites such as Amazon. 

For prescriptions, some surgeries and pharmacies offer a prescription delivery service. Please ask your GP if you need a prescription delivered. 

It is vital that you register with the NHS as soon as possible. Here’s our advice for how to register with a local doctor. 

UK Sim Cards 

If you are a new International Student, you will need to provide a UK phone number for in person registration. You will also need a UK phone number to register for a number of services (including some food delivery services if you are self-isolating). You can pick-up a SIM card in the arrivals area of the airport or you can contact your self-isolation buddy who will be able to collect a free SIM card on your behalf. 

UK Bank Account 

We recommend you opening a bank account as soon as possible. Most major banks will let you open a bank account online. You will be required to provide the following documentary evidence: 

• Passport 
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) – Student visa students only* 
• Proof of Address 
• Proof of Student Status.

To obtain proof of address and student status, just visit the letters section on Surrey Support. 

BRP 

The UKVI have confirmed that Student visa holders will not be penalised if they are unable to collect their BRP within 10 days of arriving in the UK. 

You should attempt to collect your BRP as soon as your self-isolation has ended, but you must not attempt to collect it if you are subject to self-isolation restrictions. 

If you are under 18 and require an adult to collect your BRP on your behalf from the Guildford Post Office, please contact MySurrey Hive using Surrey Support. 

Accommodation space is cleaned regularly by University cleaning staff, although students are expected to keep their areas clean and tidy after use. 

Kitchens and bathrooms can be shared, but please clean before and after usage. If you can keep to one bathroom just for you, that would be beneficial, but this may not always be possible. We recommend you wear a face covering when outside of your room. 

We recommend that you don’t visit the launderette whilst self-isolating. 

Our dedicated International Student Advice team are here to help you with any visa queries or about settling into life in a new country. 

Contact our International Student Advice team. 

You can also book a 10-minute video appointment with an international adviser Monday to Friday via the online form. 

MySurrey Hive provides access to immediate support and advice on student-life-related queries. 

Search MySurrey Help for further advice and support.

Our Centre for Wellbeing is a counselling and advice centre and provides students with emotional and mental health support.  

Register for our Centre for Wellbeing or get in touch with a member of the team. 

If you have immediate concerns for your own health please use NHS 111. 

We are here to support you with any queries related to your programme or assessments. Search MySurrey Help for further advice and support.