Blended Learning. You would need to have been on a socially distanced trip to the moon not to have heard this term in the weeks and months since lockdown started. But. What is Blended Learning? And how is it going to impact on your time at University this autumn?

What is it?

Put simply Blended Learning combines online and face to face learning. Social distancing will still be in place in September. So, the likelihood of lecture halls filled with students is extremely unlikely. Blended Learning is viewed as the best option currently available, the all-important physical connection with your lecturer is retained. But with a reduced risk of coming into contact with COVID as the number of students is reduced.

How will it work?

Universities UK recently completed an informal survey of universities and 97% confirmed that they intend to provide in-person teaching during the first term of the 2020/21 academic year.

What is likely to happen in many universities is lectures, where there are a high number of students (e.g. class sizes above 25), will take place digitally. While seminars, workshops and tutorials will take place as usual in person.

For lab-based subjects, where let’s face it you do need to get hands-on, most universities will still offer practical sessions but in smaller groups with all the necessary precautions taken.

Why not just go fully online?

It’s only recently that Blended Learning was a confirmed method for many universities. In May, Cambridge University announced that all learning would be online until summer 2021. But, university is about meeting new people, learning new skills, new experiences and enjoying yourself. And the best way to achieve that is through being there in person. As one university said:

“We believe the best possible university experience for our students comes from excellent face-to-face engagement. Supported by online learning as well as personal contact”.

Things will get back to normality. And as a temporary solution, Blended Learning is a great way of returning to university.

Don’t worry about missing out on those social events. While Freshers Week may not be so intense and Freshers Fairs may take place online. Over 80% of universities are planning to offer outside events (better hope it’s dry!) and sporting activities in-person. At Host, we’re working hard on a programme of Resi-life events for you to enjoy that meet the latest guidance.

Why not delay the start of term?

Good question. And one that universities have considered and, in some cases, implemented. With many holding back the start of the term from late September to early or mid-October.

To support you with this, at Host we’ve introduced a set of booking commitments. We’re offering Flexible Booking. And for international students we have also introduced a Restricted Travel commitment.

Some universities are providing optional term start dates. With January starts on certain undergraduate programmes. Where a university is allowing these, many of our locations are offering Short-term or Semester lets. Check out our locations page for the latest availability and what commitments apply to your chosen Host location.

Will I be safe?

All universities are working hard to create a COVID-secure environment for you to learn in. By using Blended Learning universities can take the necessary steps to bring you the best possible student experience within a safe environment. At Host, we’ve put a series of additional measures in place to make sure your student home is as safe as possible.