ABERYSTWYTH University has written to students telling them to stay at home following updated guidance from the Welsh Government.Students were due to return to Aberystwyth from Monday, with in-person lessons resuming from 25 January, but following new guidance from the Welsh Government, Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Treasure, has written to all students telling them 'do not return unless absolutely necessary to do so'.The email to students, Vice Chancellor, Professor Elizabeth Treasure says: “Term will begin on 25 January as planned.Given the latest Welsh Government statement we are reviewing our plans for in-person teaching and will inform you as soon as we can. Whilst we are reviewing those plans we don’t want students travelling to the University unnecessarily.”

However there may be categories of students who will still return next week.

They can include:

- Those who consider their home to be in the University or elsewhere the Aberystwyth area

- Those for whom on-line study is very difficult to achieve unless they make use of University accommodation and study facilities

- A small number of students who may need to attend in-person sessions as their studies lead to professionally accredited qualifications (these students would be notified separately)

- Postgraduate students where laboratory or similar work is essential

- Those for whom it is impossible to change travel plans.

Prof Treasure continues: “Please bear with us as we prepare further advice for our students, we are responding to developments.

“While national restrictions are in place, the university remains open for essential campus activity including research, access into laboratories, libraries and study areas.

“If you have booked an LFT test next week, please help our testing team by cancelling your booking if you no longer need to return.

“If travel plans cannot be changed at this late stage, we will still provide testing on your arrival if you have booked.

“We will update you again as early as we can next week.”The move comes after Welsh Education Minister, Kirsty Williams, MS, released new guidance to universities, staff and students on Friday afternoon.In a statement Mrs Williams said: "Our message to students, staff and universities in general is the same as the rest of the population: Stay home, work or study from home if you can. Only attend your place of work or study if you can’t work from home.She added: "In light of the new variant, I have asked universities to review their plans and to review their risk assessments."