Welcome to the Community

Dear Residents of _____________________, I wanted to drop you a line, to welcome you to the community, ahead of the start of the new academic year.

Although you are no longer living in a university building, you are by no means without the support of your institution. It is my role to act as the link between the University and students living in private rented housing. You are now part of a vibrant and diverse local community which extends further than your immediate neighbours. Take the time to get to know your area and the people who live there and don’t forget to take pride in the place you live. I want you to be happy and safe in your new home and assure you of my continued support whilst living off campus.

We know through conversations with our students and colleagues that many of you have been impacted by Covid-19. Some of you do not have employment and may have financial issues around rent, food, and utilities. Some of you may be struggling like so many of us are with getting to grips with new norm. And others may have fallen ill or have a loved one who is ill. This is all on top of beginning a new academic year and moving into your new term time address. I am writing to welcome you to the community and remind you that you have the full support of your University: https://issuu.com/msh9/docs/student.services.address.book In a non-Covid world, I would have visited you to welcome you to the area or seen you out and about to chat or answer questions. Whilst this isn’t possible at the current time, I can do the next best thing, and arrange a time to talk with you and your housemates via Zoom. If you feel this would be useful - please contact me directly.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for contributing to our community’s health and safety, Poppy Note: I handwrite at the end of the letter the following: “If you are not a student studying at University of Manchester or Manchester Metropolitan University students, I hope you will also take this message to heart."

This is a particularly challenging time and it is vital that we each make a commitment to ensure the health and safety of our wider community. **Please further note that as steps are being taken to respond to the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), we are asking that all students consider taking direct and deliberate actions to prevent the continued spread of the virus. The government has very clear guidelines on social distancing. You are expected to follow this advice at all times to ensure the safety yourself and the wider community.