From this week, colleges across the UK will reopen their doors and welcome students back for a new academic year.

In many ways, it will be the start of term like any other: thousands of new students will begin their college journey, others will continue to work towards completing their qualifications, and classrooms, canteens and corridors will be full of conversations about the summer.

Coronavirus: Reopening colleges safely

However, there will be major changes. The coronavirus pandemic is still looming and colleges are reopening with a host of health and safety measures in place. Guidance from the Department for Education for English colleges was updated over the weekend – days before colleges were due to reopen – and the Scottish government published new guidance today. 

College reopening guidance: 'Use your judgement,' says the AoC

Coronavirus: DfE reveals 'worst-case scenario' plan for Covid spikes

Opinion: How to keep staff and students safe? I have no idea

So how, exactly, are colleges reopening this week? 

With lots of signage, college-branded face coverings and hand sanitiser by the bucket-load, it seems... But also with the traditionally warm college welcome – albeit from a distance.

Fife College

London South East Colleges: Bromley Campus