Two tipi sites are opening on the University of Lincoln campus to welcome staff and students back for the new term, offering hot and cold food, as well as a selection of drinks.
The ‘Canvas on Campus’ sites are inspired by a Nordic theme and are now both open to bookings.
A spokesperson for the university said: “The Lincoln experience is a huge part of being part part of the academic community here at Lincoln, and with this year being a little different at the start, we felt the tipis were a great way to support our students to meet each other and immerse themselves in university life.”
The university recommends booking tables online “to avoid disappointment in what will likely be a popular spot”.
To continue with the Nordic theme, the tipis are named Fika and Skal.
“Fika is inspired from the Swedish concept of making time for friends and colleagues to share a cup of coffee and something to eat, and Skal is the word for bowl in many parts of Scandinavia,” the university said, adding that Skal is “now more associated as a toast”.
The university confirmed that the tipis have been designed in compliance with COVID-19 guidelines, with a capacity of 50-60 socially-distanced patrons, depending on the layout of the tipi.
Each table can accommodate up to six people and, in line with the guidelines, there will be table service.
“We will also be operating a pre-order service for tables when they pre-book with us,” the university said.
In addition, hand sanitiser will be available and encouraged, and there will be one-way systems in place.
Masks will also be required at all times when not eating or drinking, including entry, exit and whilst using toilets.
The NHS Track and Trace app will need to be downloaded for visitors to register their details.
In response to the tipi sites, the University of Lincoln Students’ Union, which owns two on-campus venues itself, said: “It is great that there are more social spaces for students to use on campus, especially ones that are different to the current options,” referring to Tower Bar and The Swan.