THE University of Bolton is putting plans in place to ensure it can reopen safely to students this September.

The safety measures will transform life for students and staff, with airport-style temperature scanners at every building entrance and one-way walking routes among some of the steps the university is taking.

Many universities across the country have made the decision to take teaching online in the next academic year. However, Bolton plan to keep the campus open to ensure that students get the university experience they expect.

They intend to create specific sessions for students to access buildings in a socially distanced manner, while some learning will be done online.

Work is already underway to adapt the university to this ‘new normal’, with physical alterations being made including installing plastic dividing screens and additional takeaway food and drink stations.

Face coverings will be compulsory for the foreseeable future, while students will be encouraged to cycle to the campus to avoid public transport.

Professor George E Holmes, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “From September we will provide a covid secure working environment for students and staff.

“Students will have access to a fully operational University campus and be able to study and engage in person with other students and staff.

“This will mean widespread changes to create a ‘new normal’ on campus and enable all students to physically attend the university campus safely at specified sessions.

“During those sessions they will be able to work in laboratories, studios and workshops, attend tutorials, meet other students or converse with their tutor, on top of continuing their learning online.

“I am determined that the University of Bolton is ahead of the game in transforming its campus.

“The university student experience is not just about learning. Students want to see their friends in person, they want to engage with their tutors."

Dr Kondal Reddy Kandadi, Deputy Vice Chancellor, said: “The University of Bolton puts the student experience at the heart of everything we do. It is why we have been voted number one in Greater Manchester and in the top five overall in the UK for student satisfaction."