A to Z Guide to living in Southampton
Accommodation
Unless you have already planned and booked your accommodation at the time of starting your studies, we recommend that you have accommodation for the first week of your stay in the UK.
Please note that the Southampton International Boat Show usually takes place mid-September. Southampton is very busy at this time and hotel accommodation is impossible to find unless you have made prior arrangements.
Contact the Southampton Tourist Information Centre: www.visit-southampton.co.uk|
Further information on student accommodation can be found at www.solent.ac.uk/accommodation|, including alternative accommodation in the private sector.
Banking
Banks are usually open 9.30am - 4.30pm daily, and closed at weekends and on public holidays, though some banks are open on a Saturday morning. Read more about banking, including opening a bank account|
Childcare
If you are considering studying in the UK and you have children, it is possible for them to stay during the duration of your stay in the UK, provided they are under the age of 18 when they first enter the UK.
Further information about childcare can be found at www.southamptonchildcare.org.uk|
Council tax
The Council Tax is a property-based tax set by local authorities (councils) in England, Scotland and Wales to help pay for services that they provide, such as libraries, the Police and the Fire Brigade. If you live in university halls or a house occupied solely by full-time students, you will be exempt from paying the Council Tax. A Council Tax Exemption Certificate can be obtained from your Faculty Office once you have enrolled at the University.
Further information can be found on the students and council tax factsheet.
Disability support
The University's Disability Support Service aims to remove barriers and enable students to enjoy the full use of all facilities at the university. Read more on Disability Support|
Driving in the UK
You must hold a valid driving licence to drive in Great Britain (GB). For further information on the validity of driving licences issued outside Great Britain, please refer to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency website, www.dvla.gov.uk| or the UKCOSA guidance note "Driving in England, Scotland and Wales: A Guide for international students" www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/info_sheets/driving.php|
Electricity
British electricity works on 240 volts/50 cycles and most sockets take 13 amp square pin used plugs. If you are bringing your own electrical equipment with you, make sure they can be safely used on this voltage, otherwise you will require an adaptor.
Emergencies
In case of emergency where an immediate response is required, you should dial "999", the UK's emergeny number for the Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance.
Employment
Careers and Jobshop Service
This service is dedicated to helping you at every stage of your career planning, for advice on job seeking, vacancies, work experience, working abroad and voluntary positions. Read more about Careers and Jobshop
Working at Southampton Solent University - Jobshop
If you are a student of Southampton Solent University you have the opportunity to earn a minimum of £6.44 per hour working part-time on campus. The variety of jobs on offer is almost endless, from working in the library to helping out in at university open days.
National Insurance Number and Income tax
If you work in the UK, you will need a National Insurance Number. However you do not need to have it in order to start working.
For full details on how to apply for a National Insurance number, how much tax you can expect to pay and how to claim tax back, visit www.studenttaxadvice.org.uk|
Working after your studies
International students from the EEA cannot work full-time on a student visa. There are a number of schemes which allow international students to stay on and work after their studies. Read more about Working in the UK.
Families
If you are applying to bring your spouse or children with you as dependants, the Immigration authorities will normally give them permission to remain in the UK in line with your leave entitlement.
You should think carefully before deciding to bring your family with you to the UK. There are factors you will want to discuss such as immigration, employment, childcare, schooling, finance and accommodation.
Read more about Bringing your family to the UK|
Finance
Living in the UK can be more costly thank living in your country. Therefore it is essential that you work out a budget when planning to come and study in the UK.
UKCISA and UNIAID have teamed up to create an online tool to help international students plan and budget their finance to study in the UK. Why not have a go at using the International student calculator|
It is very difficulty to estimate an individual's living costs as we all have different lifestyle requirements and spending habits. Read more about Living costs|
Food
Eating on campus
The university's main restaurant "The Works" provides a variety of food at reasonable prices. There are also other places scattered across the campus providing food and drinks.
Eating off campus
Southampton offers a large variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes and take-aways to suit all tastes.
Find out more about Eating out|
Healthcare
All Southampton Solent University students whose course lasts for six months or longer are entitled to full health care under the National Health Service (NHS). Read more about Healthcare|
Insurance
Medical/Health Insurance
Students coming to the UK for a course of six months or more are entitled to receive full health care provided by the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as other UK residents from the day of their arrival in the UK. You should be aware that charges are made under the NHS for medicines, eye care and dental treatment.
Personal possessions Insurance
You are strongly advised to insure your personal belongings against theft, loss and damage before coming to the UK.
Many companies specialise in low cost insurance for students. Endsleigh Insurance Company, recommended by the National Union of Students (NUS), has a policy designed for international students studying in the UK. For information on policies and insurance costs, visit the website www.endsleigh.co.uk| - we strongly advise you to shop around for the most competitive quote.
Jobs
Job-hunting in a recession is challenging, to remain competitive you will need to be flexible, determined and resilient. Read more about Finding work|
Maps
To help you get to and around the campus, we've provided a range of links to zoomable maps and pdf Adobe Acrobat maps. You can also find us on Google Maps. Read more about Find us
Mobile phones
There are four main mobile/cellular networks in the UK: Orange, O2, Vodafone and T-Mobile. Phones are available on a contract or 'pay-as-you-go' basis and there are hundreds of different tariffs. It is advisable to shop around to get the best deal and find the appropriate phone and tariff for your needs.
Police registration
Students (except those from Commonwealth or EEA countries, USA and Japan) who intend to stay in the UK longer than six months are required to register with the Police upon arrival.
Read more about Registering with the Police|
Religions
Regardless of your faith, the Chaplaincy Office provides support to students in an inclusive and non-judgemental environment. Read more about Religions|
Shipping/Storage
Shipping
Choose a freight company that has a good reputation, ask friends, the International Adviser or consult the British Association of Removers for recommendations. Firstly, obtain quotations for the cost of sending goods before deciding on a particular freight company. Check if the price includes insurance to cover any loss or breakages. The freight company will usually need three days' notice to deliver your empty export boxes and three days' notice to collect the full cases when packed ready to ship. You will need to label the freight with your full name, address and telephone number in your home country on each box, and you also need to number the boxes.
Storage
Whether you live in Halls of Residence or in private accommodation, remember that your contract is usually for a 40 weeks period. It is therefore important to find out where you will store your possession during the summer holiday if you are coming back to study the following academic year. The Accommodation Office does not provide any storage facility. If you are renting in the private sector, you will need to discuss your options with your landlords should you decide to stay in the same place.
Otherwise, you may need to consider a storage company.
Shop opening hours
Most shops are open between 9am - 5.30pm Monday - Saturday, until 9pm on Thursdays for 'late-night' shopping, and some are open on Sundays between 10am - 4pm.
Television licence
If you are living in a Student Residence of alone and you own a TV or other device to receive and record TV programmes, you are required by law to hold a valid TV licence. For more information on TV licences visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk|
Transport
Southampton Solent University is located in the heart of the city which makes it an ideal place to live in. For that reason, you may not need to use the public transports very often while studying with us. However, if you do, there are two main bus companies in Southampton, Bluestar| and First|.
If you decide to visit places outside of Southampton, you can either use the South West trains| or the National Express coach|.
Travel
You can obtain rail and coach cards from the local ticket offices.
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Young Person's Railcards* costs £24 per year
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National Express Student Coach Cards* costs £10 for one year of £25 for three years. These cards enable you to save between 20% and 30% on many normal adult fares, but check conditions before purchasing.
You can also purchase locally the International Student Identity Card* (ISIC) for £9 which enables you to obtain reduced fares plus a variety of student discouns when you travel abroad.
* You will need passport-sized photographs when purchasing any of these.
Weather
The British weather is changeable, temperature can vary considerably within one day and the winter months can be very cold. In September, Southampton has a temperature variation of between 9C and 22C. It is advisable to bring warm, waterproof clothing with you as many students find the climate very cold, although warm clothing can be purchased from a wide selection of stores.
Working in the UK
It is recommended that students work no more than 15 hours per week part-time so that their studies are not adversely affected. Find out more about Working in the UK|
The University's Jobshop and Careers Service provides information on job vacancies, career planning and every aspect of working. For more information visit www.solent.ac.uk/careers|
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