University students are being told to stay away or get tested if they have to return.
The University of Manchester issued guidance to students after our region was moved into tier four, the strictest lockdown restrictions.
Controversy has surrounded the university's handling of the health crisis.
Students had complained of a lack of support, with Fallowfield becoming a hotspot for coronavirus cases after they returned in September.
Metal fencing was pulled down by students after the university had installed them as part of 'security measures' during the national four-week lockdown.
Now the university has offered advice to students ahead of the new term.
They are being told to stay away if possible, and to take coronavirus tests if they have to return to Manchester.
In a message on the university's website, Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students, said: "Government guidance is very clear that we should avoid student travel and mixing at the start of the year, wherever possible, as this poses a significant risk of increasing infections.
"We will therefore continue with only limited in-person on-campus teaching and assessments on some accredited programmes, for the remainder of Semester 1 in January.
"If you are already in Manchester, you should therefore remain here; and if you do not need to travel here in January, you should not do so.
"If you do need to be on campus, the government strongly advises that you should take a test before you travel here, and then two tests on your return to campus.
"We will continue to offer on-campus testing for all students and staff who need to return to campus in 2021."
Prof McMahon said reasons where people are permitted to return to the university included international students who can't delay existing travel arrangements 'without incurring undue costs', if students have no alternative accommodation or if students need 'additional support on-campus', including mental health support.
The university said it is urging students to take a test before they return to Manchester, with staff also being offered tests.
The Government is expected to review its tier decisions later this month.
