Thousands of new and returning students are set to arrive in Manchester over the coming days in preparation for 'freshers' (welcome) week to begin or resume their university courses. This has long been set to fall on Monday (September 19), which has now become a bank holiday as the Queen's funeral is set to take place in London, following her passing last week.
Many businesses, including supermarkets, cinemas, and other organisations have announced they will close completely on Monday to allow staff to pay their respects to the monarch if they wish. However, the University of Manchester's Student Union (SU) has told students it will remain open throughout the day for those who need it.
The Student's Union provides several vital services, especially for new students, and is especially busy during freshers week as thousands begin a new year of university. Not all areas of the university will be open though with it being a bank holiday, UOM announced.
Many of the university's main building's will be closed but others including the main library, Alan Gilbert learning commons, and mental health and other wellbeing services will remain open .The Queen's funeral will also be played on the big screen outside the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and in the SU and halls bars, but alcohol will not be sold until after the funeral.
The Student Union's website says: "Due to the University announcement that Monday 19th September will be a closure day for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, we have made some changes to our Freshers schedule. The SU and its services will remain open on the 19th of September. If you need any support please get in contact with our Advice team."
The University of Manchester said in a statement: "To mark the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, Monday, 19 September has been declared a bank holiday in the UK. This means that many areas of our University will be closed. However we know that with the bank holiday falling at the start of Welcome Week, there are services and buildings to which you’ll need access.
"Unfortunately, we will have to rearrange or cancel Welcome events due to take place on that day. The State Funeral will be shown on the screen at the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and in the Students’ Union and halls bars. Alcohol will not be served until after the funeral."
All national flags at the university have been flown at half-mast during the days of national mourning. In a statement after the announcement of the monarch's death, professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Manchester, said: "It is with great sadness that The University of Manchester has today learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
"Her Majesty holds a special place in our University’s history and affections, having presented the University’s Royal Charter in 2004. As a mark of respect, the national flags on University buildings will be flown at half-mast for ten days of national mourning.
"This is a very sad time and, on behalf of The University of Manchester, I would like to extend heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and we join them in mourning, but also thanksgiving, for the Queen’s exemplary and extraordinary life of public service."
Manchester Metropolitan University has not issued an update on it's services for freshers week.
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