In line with the latest government announcements, outdoor sports facilities are permitted to reopen and be used by groups no larger than six people from Monday 29 March. Formally organised outdoor sport can return too - this can include a larger number of participants, provided that appropriate steps are taken to make it Covid-secure.
From Monday 12 April non-essential shops, gyms and outdoor hospitality will be allowed to reopen. Up to six people from separate households will be able to meet in beer gardens and other outdoor venues.
So, what does this mean for the Union spaces and our activities?
Our Road Map
29 March
- TeamUCL clubs with approved covid-19 risk assessments in place will be able to resume outdoor sporting activity
12 April
- In-person society activity outdoors can resume within the rule of six for societies with approved covid-19 risk assessments.
- Bloomsbury Fitness reopens with new opening hours of 9:00 – 18:00.
- The Hanger, our on-campus shop, reopens with hours 10:00 – 14:00.
14 April
- The Institute Bar (outdoor terrace) reopens.
26 April
- Term Three starts
17 May
- In person society activity can resume indoors, with our Campus activity spaces reopening.
- Indoor sport and exercise classes resume. More information will be shared with club committee members and via @teamucl social media channels.
1 June
- Varsity Kicks-Off. Our annual multi-sport competition against Kings College London Students’ Union.
In-person Club and Society activity
Societies
We are happy to confirm that from Monday 12 April in person society activity can resume with the rule of six for groups with approved covid-19 risk assessments in place. Indoor society activity can recommence from 17th May. Although this is not as early as we would have liked, the governments approach and lack of clarity has tied our hands. We will be opening activity spaces and supporting as much in person activity as possible from this date onwards. Looking to the summer, we are ready and committed to supporting a wide range of in-person activity for students still residing in London and are confident that in the near future things will look allot more normal for societies on campus and beyond.
Sport
We are excited about a return to sport in line with government guidance. This means that from 29 March TeamUCL clubs with approved covid-19 risk assessments in place will be able to resume outdoor sporting activity. TeamUCL Leagues and Social Sport Leagues are also set to return in Term 3. From 19 May indoor sport and exercise classes will also resume. More information will be shared with club committee members and via @teamucl social media channels.
We're also planning for an in-person Varsity to take place from 1-4 June.
Changes to our spaces
We’re very happy to be able to welcome you again from Monday 12 and Wednesday 14 April in line with the government's latest Covid-19 guidelines. So if you’re in London, we’ll be ready to greet you straight after the Easter break. We’ve carefully considered which spaces to open first, with your safety, and the safety of the students who work in our spaces, our number one priority. We’ll constantly review our opening plans and aim to open more spaces throughout the year. You’ll be the first to know.
Re-opening from Monday 12 April:
- Bloomsbury Fitness (revised opening hours)
- The Hanger, on-campus shop. But you can also visit our new online shop anytime.
Re-opening from Wednesday 14 April:
- Institute Bar (outdoor terrace)
Remaining open:
- Gordon's Cafe (for takeaway only)
Currently and remaining closed:
- The Huntley, Phineas, George Farha Cafe, Mully's, Stone Willy's Pizza and Print Room Cafe
For more detailed information on the re-opening of our spaces, please read on here.