STUDENTS at the University of Worcester are set to get used to a mix of in person and online study as they return to learning.

New and returning students have been enjoying a warm welcome, and have been reassured the university campuses are Covid-19 safe.

The University’s annual Welcome Weekend was described as a huge success with students able to meet each other, find out about sports clubs and societies, as well as get support and advice from university staff and Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health team, who have been working closely with the University throughout.

Activities all took place in the open air at the University’s City Campus with physical distancing and a range of other measures in place.

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The University’s Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor David Green CBE, said: “We are delighted to welcome new and returning students back to the University.

"Welcome Weekend was a real success and I would like to thank the Students’ Union, facilities and student services staff and all our partners who worked so hard to create such a warm, safe, welcoming atmosphere at the weekend.

“It is vitally important that students are now able to begin their learning journeys with minimal disruption and that we can carry out our vitally important job of educating the next generation of professionals, whether in health, teaching, business, law and many other subjects.

"We will continue to work very closely with our students and all of our partners in the city and are grateful for all the support we have received across the community.”

Meg Price, president of Worcester Students’ Union, added: “It was so lovely to be able to welcome new and returning students into our community here at Worcester.

"Students really enjoyed meeting each other and finding out about all our wonderful sports clubs and societies. It was a huge success and something that we would love to do again next year.”

Teaching is already underway for students studying across a range of health and education courses, including paramedic students, while many other students are taking part in induction activities this week.

Rebekah Gilbert, a first year teaching student, said: “I’m excited, I can’t wait to start now, it’s going to be good. Today’s been a nice vibe, chilled. We’ve just been chatting to some older students and they all seem really nice, really friendly and approachable.”

Lucy Bradley, who was manning the Worcester Sinners Cheerleading Club stall at Welcome Weekend, said: “It’s really amazing to be back.

"The atmosphere outside is really good. Everyone’s felt really safe, it’s been a really good day.

"It’s obviously quite different but I think everyone’s so happy with the change of scenery and a bit of normality, being back at university. It’s been six months.”