Covid-19 Accommodation Support and FAQs

Student accommodation remains open at all stages of the traffic light system - with the aim of allowing residents to continue with their typical day-to-day activities as much as possible. There are some adjustments that are made for each setting including:

• Red: Under the red traffic light setting, physical distancing and masks are required in all communal and thoroughfare spaces, and resident numbers are limited in communal spaces (i.e. dining rooms) and at events (i.e cultural, sporting and social activities).
• Orange: Under the orange traffic light setting the above restrictions continue however there is an expansion of event numbers and physical distancing requirements.
• At all levels:
  • Scan into your accommodation and around University buildings using the Government QR codes displayed
  • Wear a mask whenever you can’t physically distance
  • Maintain good hygiene practices

• Yes, family and friends can visit accommodation as long as they are fully vaccinated and sign in at the office during office hours, or using the Google visitor form when visiting after-hours or on the weekends.
• At all stages of the traffic light system, the Accommodation Service is required to keep a record of visitors to Halls of Residence.

• Yes, student accommodation will remain open. We are well prepared and practised to adapt to a changing Covid-19 environment, and have well established plans and protocols in place for when cases arise on campus and among our residents. More information on this is below.
• Along with our Student Health Service, the Accommodation team is very experienced in monitoring and supporting unwell residents.

• We are prepared for when residents need to self-isolate either because they have symptoms or have been identified as a contact and are waiting for a test result, or are isolating because they have tested positive.
• If you are required to self-isolate you must let your Hall Manager and Residential Leader know. Our Accommodation team is here to support you. In addition, you must follow the advice given to you by Healthline, the Ministry of Health and/or the University.
• Support from the Accommodation team will include, but is not limited to:
  • The provision of a self-isolation pack with instructions on the self-isolation protocols in your residence.
  • Students in catered accommodation will have their meals delivered to their rooms.
  • Students in self-catered accommodation will be provided with support to ensure online food deliveries are brought to their unit. Meals can also be supplied if required in consultation with the Hall Manager.
  • Wellbeing checks will be undertaken by Accommodation staff.
• If you test positive: you must let your Hall Manager and Residential Leader know immediately so our team can support you. In addition, you must follow the advice given to you by Healthline and/or the Ministry of Health.
• Support from the Accommodation team will include, but is not limited to:
  • A number of self-contained units have been kept aside for self-isolation purposes. If a unit is available, you will be offered the opportunity to transfer to one of the units.
  • If you choose to return home, the Accommodation team will help you to liaise with your whānau/family to ensure your departure is coordinated and meets the Ministry of Health requirements when moving throughout the accommodation facility.
  • A self-isolation pack with instructions on the self-isolation protocols in your residence will be provided.
  • Students in catered accommodation will have their meals delivered to their rooms.
  • Students in self-catered accommodation will be provided with support to ensure online food deliveries are brought to their unit. Meals can also be supplied if required in consultation with the Hall Manager.
  • Wellbeing checks will be undertaken by an Accommodation staff member (health checks will be undertaken by GP or local DHB representatives as required under the Government's Covid-19 response plan).
  • Your Hall Manager will instruct you on bathroom protocols.
  • Rubbish bags with instructions will be provided for the disposal of rubbish.
  • Laundry support will be limited. You can discuss this with your Hall Manager if you have any questions.
  • Opportunities to move outside to get fresh air and some limited exercise will be coordinated through your Hall Manager.

The advice we have received from the Ministry of Health is that students can return home to self-isolate as long as they do not take public transport (e.g. bus or flight), and have a suitable space to self-isolate in their family home.

• You must inform the University if you test positive.
• The University will not be informed of a student's Covid-19 test result. If you test positive for Covid-19, please remain in your room and alert your Hall Manager and Residential Leader immediately so that support can be provided and any necessary contract tracing undertaken, and inform you of what to do next.

Students will be able to remain in accommodation while self-isolating, and at all levels of the traffic light system. As such, accommodation fees will remain the same with no reduction during these scenarios, or if a resident should choose to leave the accommodation for a period of time.

If you are having financial difficulties, in the first instance please make contact with the Accommodation Office [email protected] and one of the staff will make contact with you to discuss your situation. We may also refer you to other University support services that may be able to assist you.

In the first instance, please contact your Halls of Residence office and ask to speak with your Residential Life Manager. Your Hall Manager is best placed to answer any questions you may have about accommodation. In addition, University-related Covid-19 information can be found here.

• In the first instance, please contact the University at 0800 WAIKATO (0800 924 528) or email at [email protected].
• We look forward to welcoming you to the University of Waikato very soon.