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What is a social bubble?

A social bubble is a group of people that you can come into contact with in a controlled way. For university students this means only coming into contact with those they live with, and fellow students on their course at a physical distance. These social bubbles allow the opportunity for socialising safely within certain indoor or outdoor spaces, depending on what the government rules are at the time. 

Is a social bubble different to a support bubble?

A social bubble allows you to have connections with people you do not live with outside of your home. A support bubble is based on your household, and means that you can only join up with a single person household; effectively making an extended household. If you are in a support bubble you do not have to social distance from the single person you join up with and can move freely between houses.

What are universities calling social bubbles?

The University of Leicester for example has replaced the term social bubble with 'Live and Learn' bubbles. As like many other universities, students would be in a bubble with those they live with in student accommodation, who would also potentially be their course mates. 'Protective bubbles' is another term which has frequently been used by universities when talking about social bubbles in the UK. Across the country, universities have used social bubbles to keep students in contained, smaller groups in an attempt to combat the spread of the virus across campus. 

What are the social bubble rules?

Social bubble rules depend on government guidelines at the time, but overall it means that the individuals you are bubbled with, do not have to social distance from each other. This means that you can travel with and socialise with your bubble both indoors and outdoors. As of (23/11/2020), the current lockdown stipulates that you can only mix with those you live with as well as with one other person if you have formed a support bubble indoors. Outside, you can only meet with one other person who is not from your social bubble and you should keep at a 2 metre distance at all times. 

Following the recent guidelines set out for Christmas, when students go home for this period they will be considered part of the household they return to. This means they will not have to social distance from their family but should of course adhere to the rules depending which tier their household is in. Over the Christmas period between 23rd and 27th December, students with their family can join up with two other households with no restrictions. It should be noted that once these three-household bubbles are formed, they cannot be changed. 

Are social bubbles safe?

Social bubbles are put in place to minimise the interactions between people, in turn minimising the risk of spreading or getting infected by Coronavirus. Universities have guidelines in place for anyone who is about to start university who has symptoms of the virus. The rules state that anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 has to self-isolate. 

These restrictions apply to students moving to or moving from accommodation. At current, there are limits to the number of individuals students have to support them moving in and out of student accommodation. This applies to the number of people allowed to enter the accommodation and who students can travel with, so you can be reassured that your bubble is safe from the start. With the majority of university learning moved online in many cases and virtual freshers weeks, social bubbles in line with campus restrictions have helped in reducing interactions between students and thus the spread of Coronavirus. Timetables have also been adjusted in many cases so that only students in the same households or studying the same topics will be on campus together, helping to restrict non social bubble interactions. 

Can I change my social bubble?

It is not advised you change your social bubble as this will defeat the point of helping to minimise your interactions. If you are in circumstances where you do not get on with those in your household or at your university or private accommodation then you may be able to change. If the university does allow you to change your social bubble then you may have to isolate separately beforehand just in case.

Can I extend my social bubble?

If you live alone you can form a support bubble with another household. For students already in a social bubble, you should remain within the group that has been set out by your university. It would be suggested that instead of extending your social bubble, you look at forming a digital network of friends online, and can do so based on a variety of interests or study subject. 

What happens if I need to break my social bubble?

The government advises that students should remain at university until the end of term and should not travel to and from home. If there are circumstances where it is essential you travel, then you may need to self-isolate before travelling to reduce the risk of infecting people in another household. 

How can I find out more about my social bubble?

You can find more information on social bubbles and the rules surrounding them by contacting your university directly. You can also visit the government website for a full breakdown of the current lockdown and social bubble rules. 

Is it possible to have shared common interest social bubbles?

Universities have been organising social bubbles based on subject, so they will house students together who are studying the same course or modules. This may not be the case if there are not enough students on a course who have chosen the same accommodation. If this is the case then students can still be in a social bubble with those they study with. For example, if there is a student living alone in private accommodation, they could form a social bubble with others on their course who are living within the same household.

As current guidance states, you can only meet with one other person outside who is not in your social bubble, and you cannot mix with other households indoors. The best way to form bubbles with common interests would be via online events.

Are uni's supporting the growth of digital social bubbles?

Universities understand that the experience students have right now is far fro their expectations. For example, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David have introduced initiatives 'Togetherall' and 'Connect' to reassure students that they always have someone to talk to in these uncertain times. Being active through sport is another encouraging way in which universities have promoted students connections. The University of Chester has been doing just that by running daily sessions outside (at a distance of course), as well as fitness classes through social media channels Instagram and YouTube so students everywhere can join in and meet new people. Buckinghamshire New University have been promoting social bubbles across the online world by making all their events virtual with quiz nights and DJ events. 

Universities everywhere have made the most of these unforeseen circumstances by giving their students opportunities to meet people outside of their social bubbles they have common interests with. 

Many universities have created support services and online events so that you can still feel connected to your university community. Virtual freshers events have meant students have still been able to find and join exciting clubs and societies to meet new people. Having lectures over zoom and joining facebook groups is the new normal, and still a great way to connect with people. If you're feeling stressed, lonely or simply want someone to chat to, universities may also have buddy systems in place so you can still feel more involved in university life and not feel confined to your social bubble.

By having social bubbles, not only does it keep you safe but it means you can still have many opportunities to feel a part of your university and receive the learning you hoped for.