Student travel window for January: How going back to university will work in 2021

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government has published the guidance for the student travel window starting in January, which higher education providers are expected to follow. A similar student travel window was introduced earlier this month, which allowed students to return home for Christmas between 3 and 9 December. You should check with your HE provider first, but the government has suggested that those on the following types of courses are in group one and should return early: nursing, midwifery and allied health professions scientific or technology subjects that require time in laboratories or use of expensive equipment medical degrees involving lab work, practical instruction and placement inside hospitals initial teacher training architecture and planning art and design geography and environmental studies music, dance, drama and performing arts courses that are delivered solely to commuter students courses which require an externally moderated or invigilated assessment, or exams from a professional body which take place during these five weeks and cannot be rescheduled other courses with clearly defined practical elements other courses where the student is on placement or in paid employment in January The following will likely be in group two: post-graduate taught students students in later stages of study international students new starters However, there is a degree of flexibility. The government has suggested that where courses in group one can be taught online at the beginning of term, providers should do so, with those students returning with the group two cohort.