Uni students may return to the hallways on level 2, but must remain 1 m apart.

Universities are confident that students can stay away from each other when they reopen under Level 2 alert.

Although most universities will continue to teach online until semester 2, students will be able to enter campus and return to residences when closing rules are further relaxed.

Shared spaces can be reopened, but students will be asked to maintain a physical distance of no more than 1 meter.

The University of Otago said it will re-admit students who left home for the closing return to their universities, when level 2 begins.

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“We know that most of these students want to return as soon as they can, and we look forward to welcoming them,” said a spokeswoman.

“The central requirement for social distancing within the Residential Accommodation for Alert Level 2 is one meter. This can be fully accomplished with staggered meal times and proper configuration of other shared spaces at our universities.

“In fact, many of these measures were triggered in our Colleges when they were fully occupied and the country first entered Alert Level 2 in March.”

A spokeswoman for the University of Auckland said they had handled the distancing and security of a significant number of students during levels 3 and 4.

“Of course we will welcome them,” he said.

“We will continue managing this by following the recommended social distancing for student accommodation. We have plans for the safety and well-being of students at all levels.

“However, we will need to increase the way we keep track of people coming and going, and we are preparing for that.”

The University of Lincoln said social distancing and assigned meal times are already in place for the 100 students who remained in the hallways and floors on levels 3 and 4.

Lynn McClelland, executive director of student services and communications at Canterbury University, said they hope to welcome the students again.

“We know that some students want to return as soon as possible, while others prefer to wait until semester 2,” he said.

“The Government and TEC have stated that all students should be able to return to Level 2 and we are working with UC affiliated hallways on security plans that meet government guidelines to facilitate this.”

Tere McGonagle Daly, vice president of Massey University, students and alumni, said they are “excited to welcome students who want to return to campus and college housing.”

“We know that for some students there will be advantages to returning to the hallways; including having more space, high-speed internet access and the library, all of which support his study efforts, “he said.

“Furthermore, many will be eager to join their whānau hall and community again.”

A spokeswoman for Victoria University of Wellington said that in addition to online learning, there will be a variety of “in-person participation activities, special interest conferences and safe social activities for students to reconnect with each other.”

“We know that many of our students have missed Wellington, his family and friends in the classroom and on campus, and are eager to return to life in the hallway,” he said.

“We have implemented a range of Covid-19 related warranty procedures, including working with student health to monitor unwell students, isolation, physical distance, and improved cleanliness and hygiene.”

A spokeswoman for Auckland University of Technology (AUT) said it will follow the necessary government requirements.

“AUT looks forward to welcoming our students back to accommodation in Level 2.”