London universities are rolling out a series of measures to keep students socially distanced during their freshers’ week — including asking them to do online speed dating and beer tasting.
Student unions have been working for months over the summer break to ensure campuses are Covid secure for the start of term with students unable to meet up in groups of more than six.
Goldsmiths University in New Cross has pushed back its term, with lectures not starting until October 5, and moved all its freshers’ activities online next week.
It is hosting online speed dating, a virtual Sunday roast cook-a-long and an internet beer festival, where students will pick up their drinks from the union and take them home for a follow-along tasting.
Imperial College London has signed up to a digital welcome package, where students can log into an online replica of the campus.
During its freshers’ events this week, the University of East London is hosting online Netflix-watching parties and “speed meeting” so students can digitally introduce themselves to the people on their courses.
The measures come amid concerns students could push up infection rates if they breach Covid-19 rules by meeting in large groups.