Remember the rule of 6 – do not hold house parties

We want you to enjoy university life and we recognise that socialising and meeting new people is a big part of the experience. However, we need to remind our students that there are rules in place that you must follow to limit the spread of Covid-19, to protect yourself, your flat mates and the wider DMU community.

You must not hold house parties or visit other households – even if you’re living in the same accommodation block.

You will however be able to socialise with the same household you form in your student accommodation, even if the household exceeds six people.

We’ve outlined the restrictions on socialising below, please familiarise yourself with them and follow the rules closely. We have also created a ‘shared commitment’, which outlines the behaviour and approach we need you to adopt to be safe while at DMU. Because as much as we can put systems and advice in place, it is up to you as individuals to play your part in keeping each other safe by sticking to the rules and avoid the spreading of infection. 

The full commitment is here and we ask you to give it a read and follow the advice – it is for our collective good. 

Rule of six

In line with UK Government and Public Health England, new restrictions that came into force on Monday 14 September mean that social gatherings of more than six people will be against the law both indoors and outdoors.

Students are all welcome on campus, but all social activities must comply with the latest guidance.

Leicester placed in Tier two of new government COVID alert levels  

Following the launch of the government’s new three tiered system for local Covid alert levels and restrictions in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it has been confirmed that Leicester has been placed in the Tier 2 (high-risk) category.

This means that you cannot: 

• Meet family or friends from other households indoors unless you are already part of a social bubble, or are shielding and therefore now able to form a social bubble

• Stay overnight in another person’s home, unless you’ve formed a bubble with them
• Meet up with anyone from outside your household inside a café, bar or restaurant.

Therefore, this applies to university accommodation in the same way as any other household and households cannot be mixed under the current UK Government guidelines.

However, by being moved into this new Tier 2, two households will be able to meet outdoors. This means, once again two groups of up to six people in total can meet in gardens or parks - but they must not meet inside pubs, homes, restaurants, or any other indoor setting.

Oadby and Wigson has also been placed in Tier 2. The rules from Tier 1 - including the rule of six and hospitality closing at 10pm - also still apply for Leicester.

People living inside and outside of the affected local areas (even if you’re based in Tier 2 or Tier 3 areas) can continue to travel in and out for work/study. The government have confirmed that universities (alongside non-essential retail and schools) will remain open in all levels.

Socialising virtually

Take advantage of all the events that are on offer from the university, De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) and your school during welcome week, even if they are online, as it is the ideal opportunity to meet new people and get to grips with your new course. Check out Your DMU Welcome and DSU’s events page for more information.

DMU Security

Our on-campus security team are on site 24 hours a day so you can relax knowing that help is always available.

There are plenty of staff to deal with any situation that arises in terms of security and support including emergency welfare support.

Students can ring security day or night by calling 0116 2577642.

Visit our Your DMU Safety microsite for information about how we’re helping to keep you safe and enjoy campus life and read our guidance on accommodation.