COVID-19: Students

If you test positive for Covid, report it to covid@ulb.be

The Consultative Committee validated the partial return of face-to-face courses in higher education from 15 March. The ULB will come back to its student community very soon to explain what will be concretely put in place within our University in order to adapt to the protocol adopted by the authorities, in compliance with health regulations.

   

• All courses, including BA1, are taught by distance learning;
• Laboratories and practical work that cannot be held at a distance can be done in person, provided that a mask is worn at all times. Other activities (seminars, reverse classes, etc.) must be held at a distance;
• Evaluations and Masters defences may take place in the presence of the jury and an audience limited to a total of 50 people, in strict compliance with health measures;
• Courses are maintained in accordance with the requirements of the course location;
• Thesis defences may take place in the presence of the jury and an audience limited to a total of 50 people, in strict compliance with health measures.
• he study rooms and certain areas of the libraries remain open with a limited number of places available, subject to strict respect of social distances and the wearing of masks.

 

Find all the information on the page dedicated to study and work rooms.
 

All group work must be carried out digitally on Teams. For those who cannot comfortably work remotely from home, dedicated study halls workspaces are now available on each campus. 

Our libraries will reopen on 4 January 2021. This reopening will follow the same rules laid out in September (seating booking via the Affluence App, seatings limited as a social distancing measure, ... more information can be found on the dedicated webpage).  Opening hours can be found on the dedicated webpage.

Until 3 January, the current regulations (laid out on 4 November) remain in force

Most areas of the libraries are no longer accessible; however, a system is being put in place to ensure access to the collections and the availability of a sufficient number of workplaces.

A "Click-and-Collect" system has been set up to grant access to our resources. This system will be completed by extended on-demand scannings and an appointment system will be put in place to get access to resources otherwise inaccessible via the "Click-and-Collect" and scanning systems.

Regarding access to workplaces, two library areas are accessible:

• The "Hall des Marbres": Solbosch campus, building A, access via avenue Franklin Roosevelt; Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• The E Area of the GE building: Erasmus campus, access via the covered passageway connecting to the Health Sciences Library; Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

All useful information can be found on the libraries' website.

Study halls are open but with limited seating. These spaces are entirely dedicated to individual study. Sanitary measures (a 1,5m distance, use of a mask) must be strictly respected. No group meetings are allowed on-site.
 

Classrooms are cleaned daily, except for floors, which are cleaned weekly.

• Writing and work surfaces are systematically sanitized by their users before they leave. However, it is also recommended that students also sanitize them before sitting down.
• Students are put in charge of sanitizing.
• Each student will receive a sanitizer spray bottle (Welcome Pack).
• Shared equipment (in laboratories, computer rooms, practical workrooms, libraries) are sanitized after use (pre-use or at the end of the class).
• After practical work and laboratory work sessions, the cleaning is carried out by students under the teacher’s supervision.
• In libraries, equipment (e.g. printers) is cleaned by the students.
• Hand sanitiser dispensers are available at each building entrance.
• Students can get free wipes (60° washable and reusable fabrics, initially supplied in the welcome packs) at the Erasmus campus library and at the University Press on the Solbosch campus.

Since 30 September, the Coronalert application has been available. You are free to install it or not on your smartphone. This application aims to help slow down the spread of the virus by alerting you if you have been in contact with a person carrying the virus.

As of now, and in accordance with the latest ministry protocol released on August 25, face masks are mandatory for students and teachers, in auditoriums, classrooms, laboratories, workshops, etc.
Regardless of whether they are wearing a face mask, teachers must remain at least 1 metre (3 feet) away from students, including during lab work, practical work, workshops, etc.
Face shields may be worn in addition to face masks. This means that face shields are optional, and cannot replace face masks.

Exceptions to wearing a mask:

• A face shield may be worn in lieu of a fabric-based face-covering mask but only for medical reasons;
• Persons who, due to a situation of disability as attested by a medical certificate, are unable to wear a mask, fabric alternative or face shield, are exempted from wearing a mask or a face shield alternative;
• Due to the difficulty of being audible in a large auditorium, for class groups of more than 50 students, the teacher/speaker is exempted from wearing a mask provided that a physical distance of at least 3 metres is maintained between him/her and the participants.

Outdoors

It is recommended that everyone follow the signs installed on the campuses’ main walkways in order to limit crossing paths, and maintain a 1.5-metre (5-foot) distance from others.

Indoors (corridors, halls, etc.)

• A distance of at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) between people is recommended (on campus, in queues, at the entrance of buildings and auditoriums, etc.).
• Observe the indications provided to regulate foot traffic on campus, keep right in corridors, and use the posted entrances and exits to buildings, classrooms, auditoriums, etc.

Auditoriums

• Stay at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) away from other people (in queues, at the entrance of auditoriums, etc.).
• Use the posted entrances and exits.

The Mental Health Service at ULB (SSM-ULB) currently remains open and organises stand-by duty for crisis situations and the follow-up of its patients, on its 3 sites (Psycampus, La Plaine, the Guidance centre).  The SSM-ULB gives priority to tele/video consultations but will meet with patients if the situation requires it and if a meeting seems to be able to provide adequate and sufficient help.
Students can contact the SSM-ULB from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm by phone or email ONLY:

General information on quarantine

The information below is given for information purposes only, please always consult the info-coronavirus.be website for the most recent measures.
To protect everyone's health, we would like to insist on the need to read carefully the health protocol that sets out your participation in the exams and all movement on campus during the January exams session.

Students who are ill or in quarantine are not allowed to take their exams in person and are asked to submit a medical or quarantine certificate to their faculty as soon as possible. A second chance to participate in the examination will be offered to those who have submitted such certificates, following the terms and conditions to be communicated later by their faculty. We urge you to respect these measures.

If you encounter any problems, please do not hesitate to contact your teachers, faculties and ULB's social service.  

We kindly remind you of the great importance of scrupulously observing the following measures to prevent the transmission and propagation of the Covid-19 virus not only in the academic community but in your family and social circles, too:

• If you are or feel ill stay home
• Wash your hands regularly
• Keep a 1.5m distance between each other
• Wear a mask on campus (both inside and outside)
• Respect the flow of traffic on campus, keep to the right and follow the entrance and exit signs
• Over the course of a week, always stay in the same area in the auditoriums and classrooms.
• Disinfect your work surfaces before and after each use, and clean up your equipment regularly
• Use disposable tissues and discard them afterwards
• If you test positive for Covid-19, report it to covid@ulb.be

Additional measures may be taken by your faculty to ensure a proper and smooth organisation of teaching activities.

Despite these precautionary measures, you may be asked to quarantine yourself and not to come on campus, but in which cases?

Quarantining yourself for 14 days and following your classes online will be mandatory in the following situations:

• If you come to Brussels from a red-labelled country or zone. You will find more information on this matter on the Federal Public Service for Foreign Affairs website.
• If you test positive for Covid-19 – in which case, notify Dr Alain Levêque’s team at covid@ulb.be.
• If one of your social bubble members tests positive for Covid-19. In this case, get in touch with your general practitioner. If s/he decides you need to get tested and the results are positive, get immediately in touch with Dr Alain Levêque’s team at covid@ulb.be. If the results are negative, you must put yourself in quarantine and follow your classes online, nonetheless.
• If you show worrying symptoms, stay home, and get in touch with your general practitioner. If s/he decides you need to get tested and the results are positive, get immediately in touch with Dr Alain Levêque’s team at covid@ulb.be.
• Should one of your classmates test positive for Covid-19 and that you have shared facilities with them (auditoriums, classrooms, laboratories, etc.), we will get in touch with you (on your @ulb.be email address). This email will outline what you will have to do.

If one of your professors tests positive for Covid-19, their class will be held online. We invite you to regularly check the UV to stay abreast of all potential changes regarding your classes.
ULB branded masks are being handed out as part of a Welcome Pack, during your first days at ULB and sanitizing solutions are at your disposal in every building and facility.

The Medical Service of the Solbosch campus is open by appointment only and under certain conditions.

Before going to the Medical Service, please note that:

• you must make an appointment by telephone only (02 650 29 29, Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4 PM). No access will be allowed without an appointment;
• you must go into the consultation alone;
• you must wear a mask to enter the building;
• if you present COVID-19 symptoms, you will not be admitted in the waiting room. You will be able to contact a general practitioner during his consultation hours (call 02 650 29 29).

Sanitary measures will be put in place in the building (regular cleaning of the premises, systematic disinfection of equipment and furniture, etc.).

Outside calling hours, three useful numbers are available:

• On-call GPs in Brussels: 02 201 22 22
• On-call GPs: 1733 (more info: www.1733.be)
• FPS Health: 0800 14 689

All ULB Sports activities are suspended from 26 October to 19 November 2020, included. 

A Welcome Pack will be given to all students at the start of the academic year.
A tote bag made of fair trade cotton, it contains:

• 2 ULB face masks
• 5 reusable wipes, machine washable at 60 °C
• 1 refillable sanitizer spray bottle
• An information flyer

The Welcome Pack is put together by a company that employs people with disabilities.

As of Monday 12 October, the Welcome Packs will be available in our libraries, during their respective opening hours. Do not forget to bring your student card, otherwise, we cannot guarantee you will get your Welcome Pack.

• Solbosch Campus: S&SAME welcome desk of the Humanities library - Opening times.
• Erasmus Campus: Welcome desk of the Health Sciences library.
• La Plaine Campus: Welcome desk of the Pharmacy library.

 

• The Student Social Service offer solutions if you are facing financial, family, legal and/or administrative problems. Get in touch with the SSS by email: sse@ulb.be.  
• For those who do not have access to reliable IT equipment, read the dedicated section on this webpage. 
• More information on the ULB website or via sse@ulb.be.

For those of you who do not have adequate IT equipment and are unable to obtain it, ULB struck a deal with Priminfo to offer second-hand laptops for €170 (excl. AVT) (technical description). These computers are primarily reserved for students who receive financial assistance through the Student Social Services Department. Do not hesitate to contact sse@ulb.be or call 02/650 20 14 to submit an application to check whether you are eligible for these computers free of charge.

During the health crisis, the Belgian government allocated a budget to enable the CPAS to provide the most vulnerable with basic assistance. Have a look at the brochure "Covid-19 Are you entitled to social assistance?"
And do not hesitate to contact the CPAS of your municipality.

If you are an Erasmus student, get in touch with your home university to assess what help they can provide.

The UNiversity does everything possible to find student jobs for you. If you are looking for a job, consult the Career Center platform.
 

If you are looking for support for legal advice, you can contact the Asbl “Quid”. It is a specific university platform that can answer students’ legal questions. You can contact the people who are responsible by email to the following address quid.ulb@gmail.com.

If you have difficulties in honouring your rent, we ask you to contact the ULB Student Social Service as soon as possible. Together with you, they will analyse your particular situation and decide on the assistance that can be granted to you.

Restaurants (food services) remain closed until further notice.

The restaurant premises are available as refectory rooms, subject to strict observance of social distances (1.50m) and the wearing of a mask (whenever your meal permits).
These refectory rooms will be open between 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. They are accessible for students and ULB staff members. Each person will have to disinfect his or her table before and after use and may stay there for a maximum of 20 minutes.
They are the Campouce (Solbosch), the Forum (La Plaine) and the Presses restaurant (Erasme), as well as the cafeteria in Flagey.

These spaces are not dedicated to study activities and are in no way a meeting place for exchanges (meetings or group work).
Study and workspaces are also available on all campuses.

Non-compliance with the above rules will result in immediate exclusion from the refectory room.

The Resto VUB Ixelles remains - as a company and university restaurant - currently open for lunch and dinner: 11.30 am - 1.45 pm and 5.30 pm - 8 pm for warm meals (except on Friday evenings and weekends).
The cafeteria is also open for sandwiches and snacks from 7.30 am to 3.45 pm during the week.
From 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and 5.30 pm to 8 pm it is possible to eat on-site (1 person per table), outside these hours food is available to take away.

• Online menu
• More info

The SAA (Service d'accompagnement aux apprentissages - Learning support service) has created a series of tools online to support students in their studies. These include methodological tools, advice on preparing for exams or defending dissertations, as well as a list of referents for each faculty.
The SAA is also holding a “blocus assisté” from December 19th to December 26th.

Student and folklore activities and events are suspended.
The recreational areas are closed until further notice.

Check out the 2020 academic year regulations
 

2020-2021 Mobilities

ULB will welcome incoming students in person at the beginning of the next academic year. ULB will strictly follow and abide by the national recommendations and all measures taken thus far are subject to change according to the National Security Council's decisions. In the meantime, we invite students to get their Erasmus exchange process started whilst remaining cautious (do not sign any binding contract without the explicit green light or any kind of insurance). For more information, please contact the faculty coordinators.

• Consult the information of the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs to find out how Belgium situates your area of origin.
• Since the first of August, every person who enters Belgium from abroad or who wishes to stay more than 48 hours in Belgium will have to fill in an identification form (Passenger Locator Form).

Preparing your stay 

We invite you to prepare your stay while remaining prudent, and not to incur any expenses or sign any contracts before the possibility of a stay is confirmed :

• You have been able to finalize the administrative procedures (VISA requests, etc.) ;
• Your country of origin allows travels to Belgium ;
• Belgium allows the arrival of travellers from your country of origin ;
• You have checked the special procedures that could be imposed on you upon arrival on Belgian territory (quarantine, documents, etc.).

Teaching arrangements

The University has opted for a "blended learning" approach Each professor will adapt his or her theoretical course programme to avoid overflowing the auditoriums and classrooms. Teaching activities in the workshops, practical workrooms and laboratories will be maintained as usual. Please note that this face-to-face scenario implies that it will not be possible for incoming students to take courses in a fully virtual setting. We, therefore, invite incoming students to plan to be present on the ULB campuses for the beginning of the courses, i.e. no later than 14 September 2020.
For more information, please contact your faculty coordinator.
 

Extension of one's stay in Belgium

Third-country nationals who are prevented from leaving Belgium for reasons of force majeure (quarantine, flight cancellation, border closure, etc.) may request authorisation to extend their stay. More information and the de-facto procedure are provided on the Immigration Office website. 
 

Depending on your home zone, you may need to quarantine yourself. Should it be your case, please follow the recommendations issued by Sciensano:

• Students must stay at a unique address. The address of this accommodation must be communicated to the students in advance so that they can duly fill in the passenger location form.
• Any contact with other people should be avoided, including people who stay in the same house/location (keep a distance of 1.5 m remains the general rule).
• Towels, bed linen and kitchen utensils must not be shared with other roommates. If possible, the person in quarantine should use a separate toilet and bathroom.
• Students must be reachable at all times by the health authorities, and if necessary, cooperate by listing their close contacts (social bubble).
• Visits by "external" people are not allowed.
• Physical participation in social and academic activities is not permitted during this 14-day period. Classes can only be taken online, not on campus.
• The quarantine cannot be carried out with people at risk (for example, people over 65 years of age, people with an underlying medical condition such as heart, lung or kidney problems, or people with weakened immunity).
• Students may leave their residence - if wearing a face mask - for basic needs such as purchasing food or medical supplies, arranging urgent financial matters, etc.
• The use of public transport should be avoided as much as possible. 

For students who could not carry out their quarantine in a university residence, ULB has struck flat-rate deals with the following Appart Hotels:

• Appart Hotel les Citadines Toison d'or: (260 EUR for 14 nights + tourist tax 4.24 EUR/night - 59,36 EUR) = 319,36 EUR in total.
• Appart Hotel Adagio Delta (opening 15/09): (375 EUR for 14 nights + tourist tax 4.24 EUR/night - 59.36 EUR) = 434.36 EUR in total
• Hotel Ibis Erasmus: Same rates as the Adagio above.
• Contact the ULB Housing Office for any question at + 32 (0)2 650 49 23 or by email: office.du.logement@ulb.be. You can also make an appointment on the ULB Accommodation page.

 

Mobility stays in 2020-21 are always foreseen, and subject to the decisions of the host universities, the opening of borders and the national authorities of the host countries.

We invite students who have questions or wish to postpone their stay to contact their faculty.
In view of the current uncertainty, students are advised to exercise caution and not to incur any expenses until the stay can be confirmed.

Before leaving, please check that all of the following conditions are met:

• You have validated the necessary credits and you have the agreement of your Academic Coordinator;
• You have been able to finalise the administrative procedures (VISA applications, etc.);
• Your host university has confirmed that it will host the exchange students (face-to-face or virtual) - check the emails received from your host university;
• Belgium allows travel to your host country;
• Your host country allows the arrival of travellers from Belgium;
• You have checked any special procedures that may be imposed on you on arrival on the territory of my host university (quarantine, documents...);
• If you are a Belgian national, register on https://travellersonline.diplomatie.be. Students who are not Belgian nationals, are invited to contact the embassy or consulate of their country of origin as a matter of priority.

For more information on OUT scholarships, please contact your Scholarship Manager:

• Outside Europe:
• Erasmus+, Switzerland, Belgium