THOUSANDS of students will be offered coronavirus tests on campus before they head home from Bournemouth University and Arts University Bournemouth for Christmas.

A testing facility is being set up at the Talbot campus offering rapid Covid-19 tests for the university's 16,000-plus students.

It is not compulsory but students are being encouraged to take tests so they know how to keep themselves and their families and friends safe over the festive period.

Those who take part will be tested twice within two or three days and detailed plans are now being put in place for time and dates to be allocated.

Students who wish to travel home must do so in the so-called travel widow between December 3 and 9.

Term at BU does not officially end until December 18 so many students will be given information about remote learning.

Advice has been offered to students by the university's Chief Operating Officer Jim Andrews.

He told them: "We are setting up a testing facility on Talbot Campus, which will offer rapid Covid-19 tests to our students. This will be located in the sports hall between December 1 and 8. If you decide to take a test, you will need to be tested twice within at least two to three days and we will let you know very shortly when you should come for your tests.

"The tests are free for you to access. While not compulsory, the Government is strongly encouraging students to undertake testing before travelling home from university in order to keep you, your families, friends and home communities as safe as possible."

Mr Andrews said setting up the facility is a complex process and students will be advised on specific details as soon as possible.

He added: "I hope you are reassured that we are working to support the Government’s testing programme and enable you to travel home safely in time for the Christmas period, if you choose to do so.

"Some programmes, especially those in Health and Social Sciences, and for students on placement are likely to have different arrangements, so it’s essential that you look out for updates via my messages and from your programme teams. The end of term remains December 18."

He added that those who choose to stay at the university over Christmas and New Year will have access to support services.