Corona-related information and FAQs

I have no symptoms, but would like to do a self-test. Where do I get one?

You can collect a free self-test kit from UCU reception or UCSA. Self-tests can also be purchased widely in supermarkets and drug stores.

I have symptoms of coronavirus. What should I do?

Self-quarantine immediately in your unit. If you have symptoms such as a cold, cough, fever or sudden loss of smell or taste, you need to self-test to see if you are infected with coronavirus. An official CPR test is no longer required. Read more on the RIVM website.

How do I make a test appointment?

Getting tested by the municipal health service (GGD) is only possible for specific groups still. This includes people who live or work in a care home, or people who need proof of recovery to travel abroad. 

• Check the GGD website and the GGD test booking site www.coronatest.nl for updates and locations.
• You can also phone Utrecht GGD: 030 630 54 00

What should I do if I test negative for Corona virus, but still have symptoms? 

There is no quarantine requirement. Do observe hygiene and social distancing guidelines; a common cold is contagious, too! If at all possible, stay at home until you are symptom-free.

What should I do if I test positive?

If you test positive for corona, please stay in your room. Alert your recent contacts, including your teachers if you will be missing classes. Please contact us via ucu.corona@uu.nl, with your tutor in cc; we can then advise you as needed. If you need medical assistance while quarantining, do not go to the doctor or the hospital, but phone the doctor instead.

What should I do if my roommate or unit mate tests positive?

If your roommate or unit mate tests positive, you should self-test also and you may need to self-quarantine as well. Do the Quarantine Check here.

Does Utrecht University require proof of vaccination?

No, it does not.

Can I get vaccinated in the Netherlands if I am not a Dutch national?

Yes, you can. Once you have registered with Utrecht municipality, you are eligible for a vaccination. 

How do I make a vaccination appointment?

You can make an appointment here.

Vaccinated outside the Netherlands?

You can find information here on how to transfer your proof of vaccination to the Dutch Corona check app.

Do I need to self-quarantine when arriving on / returning to campus?

Quarantine requirements when travelling to the Netherlands from abroad have been lifted. For updates on travel requirements to and from the Netherlands please visit this page: https://reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en

How do I self-quarantine if I test positive for COVID?

• Don’t leave your unit.
• Make arrangements with your unit mates for the use of common spaces like kitchen and bathrooms and ensure they are cleaned frequently.
• Make sure you have as little contact as possible with unit mates and keep 1.5 metres when using common spaces.
• Nobody may visit you, except for medical purposes (for example, your doctor or a GGD official).
• If you need medical assistance, do not go to the doctor or the hospital, but phone the doctor instead.
• Unit mates have been helping one another with practical matters such as cooking and grocery shopping, making medical appointments, etc. Contact ucu.corona@uu.nl if you still need help.
• Inform your teachers, and don't go back to class until you are symptom-free and self-test negative.
• If you do not develop any symptoms, self-test after five days and when negative you can end the self-quarantine. 

See the government website for more information. 

Do I need to quarantine if my roommate or unit mate tests positive?

If your roommate or unit mate tests positive, you will need to self-test and you may need to quarantine as well. Do the Quarantine Check here.

If classes move entirely online, am I able to stay on campus? 

Yes. If the Dutch government stipulates that all higher education needs to be moved online, you will still be able to continue to live on campus. Utrecht University follows the Dutch government guidelines at all times.

What happens in case someone is infected?

Students and staff who develop symptoms are asked to self-test and quarantine as needed. If a UCU student or member of staff tests positive, they are asked to inform ucu.corona@uu.nl. This information is treated confidentially. The UCU Coordination Team will liaise with relevant authorities about adequate measures as needed. A weekly update on number of coronavirus infections is sent to students and staff, when there are cases to report. Personal details are never shared.

What do I do when I've been in close contact with an infected person?

If you have been in close contact (<1.5 m for more than 15 minutes) with someone who has tested positive, you will need to self-test as well. This also applies if your roommate or unit mate tests positive. Do the Quarantine Check here.

Does UCU have a contingency plan in place in case of multiple confirmed infections? 

Yes, UCU has a contingency plan. The measures that will be taken will depend on the contact investigation and risk assessment. The general policy is that we follow government measures and liaise with relevant authorities prior to making decisions about whether the situation calls for a move to online teaching.

It is our collective responsibility to keep UCU safe while continuing in-class teaching to the extent that we can. 

Which physical measures have been taken in the educational buildings? 

• All entrance and exit doors have one-way card access and door penetrators. 
• Hand sanitizers at all entrances and exits. 
• Cleaning wipes and detergent in all classrooms and offices. 
• All UCU classrooms meet the highest ventilation requirements. 

Who is responsible for cleaning classrooms? 

The responsibility for cleaning the desk and chair lies with the person who starts using them. This is the only way to be sure that your desk and chair have been disinfected properly. In addition, the cleaning company has increased the cleaning regime of contact items such as doorknobs and banisters. Cleaning supplies are available in all classrooms. 

Are face masks mandatory at UCU? 

Face masks are no longer mandatory. 

Is social distancing necessary?

Distancing is no longer required, but do observe distance (and general hygiene standards) when you have symptoms despite self-testing negative,

What if someone has symptoms in class? 

Anyone who has symptoms is asked to self-test and quarantine as needed. 

Are the classrooms properly ventilated? 

All UCU classrooms meet the highest ventilation requirements. The ventilation systems in buildings Locke and Newton are permanently in operation at maximum level. The ventilation system in building Voltaire is controlled by CO2 sensors and increases ventilation power when the number of people in the room increases. Neither ventilation system recirculates air but renews it from outside. Opening a window is possible, but will actually reduce the effectiveness of the ventilation a little.

In what format will classes be taught?

In line with government and UU regulations (which remain subject to change), UCU offers fulltime face-to-face education. This means:

• regular timeslot schedule
• usual maximum of 28 students per classroom
• taking classes online is no longer possible. Teachers may facilitate a shared screen or livestream as needed in individual circumstances. 

If classes move online, am I able to stay on campus? 

Yes. If all classes have to be moved online, you will still be able to continue to live on campus. 

How do I contact my tutor?

Please contact your personal tutor for general concerns or questions about studying and living at UCU. This can be arranged through MS Teams, email, telephone or in person.

How do I contact the Student Life Office?

If you would like to connect for a conversation, please email ucu.slo@uu.nl. Please include your full name and telephone number in your email.

How do I get study support?

In addition to consultations about writing and research (including methods and statistics), the Writing & Skills Centre is available also for discussing any topics related to studying in the current new reality, time management, or planning. Please email ucu.wcenter@uu.nl to set up an appointment.

How do I get career counseling?

The Futures Centre offers (online) consultations for preparing you for your next steps after UCU. Think for example of a CV review or advice for writing a good cover letter. Email ucu.futures@uu.nl for an appointment.

Who can I turn to if I still have questions or concerns? 

Any questions or concerns related to Covid-19 may be sent to ucu.corona@uu.nl.