Students will be allowed to return to Aberystwyth from Monday, the university has said.

In a letter to students this afternoon, vice-chancellor Prof Elizabeth Treasure said that in-person teaching will begin on 25 January and that students should not return to their term-time address until 11 January at the earliest ‘unless absolutely necessary’.

In her email to students, Prof Treasure said: “On Friday, 18 December we wrote to you with details of our plans for the return of students for the new semester and our arrangements for providing the Covid-19 Lateral Flow test.

“Following announcements by other governments in the UK, the Welsh Government has now confirmed that its guidance for students returning in the new year remains unchanged.

“Therefore, our plans for the return of students for the new term, as set out in December, are in line with the Alert Level 4 measures and Welsh Government advice for higher education.

“In line with that government guidance, in-person teaching will begin on 25 January.

“For those of you currently in England, the Welsh Government has also now confirmed that the rules do allow you to travel to Wales to continue your studies here in Aberystwyth.

“Please note that Welsh Government advice asks you not to return to your term-time address until Monday, 11 January, unless absolutely necessary.

“We advise you to make sure you have your Aber card with you and a copy of this message when travelling in case you are stopped by the police.

“During travel and once you are here, please remember to take all necessary steps to reduce potential transmission with others.

“You should also book a Covid-19 Lateral Flow Test for when you return, and where possible, agree a joint return time with those with whom you live in your student household.

“For those of you already in Aberystwyth, please remember to book your two tests as soon as possible.

“This will help protect you, your household and wider community.

“We realise that this is a challenging time, and we know that many of you will have further questions.

“We will continue to monitor and review any changes in guidance from government which might affect our planning over the coming weeks and months.”