COVID-19 testing

How to get tested

There are multiple ways for you to take a COVID-19 asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test:

Home testing

These are simple, fast and self-administered. A pack of tests contains 7 tests. You can order one pack per household each day.

All you need to do is order a pack of tests, wait between 1-2 days for delivery and follow the simple instructions included in the box.

Here's a quick video guide from the Department of Health and Social Care on how to take a test at home. Actual test kits may vary slightly from the version in the video, so please always check the instruction leaflet in your kit.​

Collect a test kit at UAL

There are 8 sites across the university where you can pick up and take home a test kit from 8 sites across the university. These tests are available for collection From Monday 17 May until Friday 25 June.

When and where?

You will be able to collect a test kit from the following locations, and you will need to show your ID card and provide a telephone number to the staff member at the collection point. (It would be helpful to have your phone number written down on a piece of paper ready to hand over).

London College of Communication  

SITE ID: BEKI

• Information Centre, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm

Central Saint Martins, Kings Cross 

SITE ID: BEKT

• Main Reception area, Monday-Friday, 9am-2.30pm

London College of Fashion, John Princes Street 

SITE ID: BEKL

• Resources Office, Room 211, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm

London College of Fashion, Lime Grove 

SITE ID: BEKQ

• Site Admin Office, Room A001, Monday-Thursday, 9:30am-2:30pm

London College of Fashion, Curtain Road  

SITE ID: BEKU

• Site Admin Office, Room G03, Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2:30pm

Camberwell College of Arts, Peckham Road 

SITE ID: BFTP

• Student Contact Desk, Student Centre, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 10am-3pm

Wimbledon College of Arts 

SITE ID: BEKO

• Main Reception Entrance, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 10am-3pm

Chelsea College of Art and Design 

SITE ID: BEKM

• Room BLG33A (next to the vending machines at the canteen, block A), Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 10am-3pm

Collect a test from your local pharmacy

The Pharmacy Collect service provides an additional route to twice-weekly, rapid testing for everyone without symptoms. All you need to do is visit the NHS Test and Trace locator map and enter your postcode. You will be shown the pharmacies in your local area that are offering LFD test pack collection.

Community Testing

Your test results

If you receive a negative test result, you do not need to self-isolate but should continue to follow any UK government restrictions in place.

If you receive a positive LFD result, you will need to self-isolate and must take a different follow-up PCR test on the same day (or as soon as possible). This must be booked directly through the NHS. Choosing to visit a test site is faster than requesting a Home test. You and your household must all isolate for 10 days, or until you receive a negative PCR test result from the NHS. If you experience subsequent onset of symptoms, you should self-isolate for 10 days from the start of your symptoms.

Report a positive test result

If you receive a positive test result or you are self-isolating, you will need to complete the Report COVID form to let the university know which UAL sites you have visited.

UK government travel restrictions

Strict travel restrictions have been implemented by the government for arrivals into the UK. This includes requirements for both testing and quarantine when arriving from many destinations. It is essential that you carefully review the government guidance before making any travel arrangements.

The tests required for people entering the UK must be pre-booked before you travel.

Please note the University cannot cover the costs you incur as a result of any travel restrictions or requirements.