International students FAQs

• Contact the Residence Team and email covid.support@solent.ac.uk.
• Request a test and notify the Residence Team of the result.
• Self-isolate until the results come back.
• All students in the same ‘household’ or flat group will also be advised to self-isolate until the results of the test are known.

I have tested positive for Covid what should I do?

• Email covid.support@solent.ac.uk to let them know and continue to follow government guidelines.

• You may be placed in quarantine if difficult to self-isolate in your own room.

• Flat occupants to be advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Guidance on self-isolation and support will be provided.

I have tested negative for Covid do I need to do anything?

• Yes, please email covid.support@solent.ac.uk to confirm this. You and members of your ‘household’ or flat group can also come out of isolation, unless one of them has symptoms.

• Email the Student Hub using covid.support@solent.ac.uk to alert them, with name/student number/accommodation details. If in privately owned student residences, you must follow any procedures issued by that residence.
• Get a test and follow government guidelines,
• Notify covid.support@solent.ac.uk of the result.
• Self-isolate until results have come back. If in a shared flat, all students should self-isolate until the results of the test are known.

I have tested positive for Covid, what should I do?

• Email covid.support@solent.ac.uk to confirm this and continue to follow government guidelines. Flat occupants will be advised to self-isolate for 14 days. Guidance on self-isolation and support will be provided.

I’ve tested negative, do I need to do anything?

• Yes. Email covid.support@solent.ac.uk to notify them.
• You and any housemates can come out of isolation, unless anyone has symptoms.

Make sure you are clear about the symptoms of coronavirus and when you should get a test. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should get a test:

• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste.

Advice is provided on the Southampton City Council website for Southampton residents. Alternatively, you can book a test online at GOV.UK, or by calling NHS 119.

You can be tested in one of the following ways:

• Visit the NHS website to book a free test.
• Request a home testing kit.
• Attend a drive through testing site (appointment required).
• Attend a Southampton local walk-through testing site (appointment required).
  Currently there is a walk-through testing site in Marlborough Road (South) in Shirley (SO15 3ND).

You will be taught exclusively on a digital basis, but rest assured this is not a self-taught course - you are simply being taught in a different way.

You will be provided with a lecture which will be shorter in length and interspersed with engaging activities.

The lecture and activities will be flexible, so it is easier for you to access at a time that suits you and you can stop and start these to maximise your understanding of the topic.

However, you will need to complete watching the lecture and the activities before the next learning session.

Throughout the week there will be timetabled opportunities to meet your lecturers and other students on your course. You will work in groups on real world industry relevant problems which will help you to apply your learning and get feedback from your lecturers and other students. All of this will help you to engage with large and small groups, so you can strengthen your ‘voice’ and your confidence.

Timetabled activities will be supplemented by guided learning opportunities to prepare for assessments and to ensure you gain the confidence and employability skills for your future career.

We use a virtual learning environment which will host your accessible course and module information.

You will receive the same hours of guided learning and teaching as if you were on campus, but this will be shaped differently to reflect the way people learn online.

You can also use our online learning platforms to arrange conversations and meetings with your classmates and smaller working groups outside of the formal timetabled sessions.

If the time difference prevents you from taking part in a real-time session, you will be able to discuss with your lecturer how you can access the learning and teaching.

You will be supported to achieve your goals for assessment and learning through one-to-one contact with your lecturers, as well as access to fantastic set of tools and resources.

You will only be one click away from a member of Solent’s supportive and incredibly helpful staff. You can access support from the Student Hub, the Library and the Learning Technology Help desk. You can contact the teams via videoconferencing, telephone or email.

We also have comprehensive online support resources including our learning technologies induction and a Succeed@Solent study skills package to help you study and learn online.

We know that students come to Solent to study, to enjoy university life and make friends. Knowing this, we have worked hard to provide you with the opportunities to interact with other students throughout your digital experience.

At the start of your course you can meet other students through the induction (also known as orientation) activities provided by the Students' Union and your course. These will help you make friends from your own course and across the University.

You will interact with other students through the learning and teaching sessions, through group work, and any group assignments you are set.

You will have fun with access to social events whether you are physically or virtually on campus. You will be provided with a calendar of activities created in collaboration with the Students’ Union ensuring you have opportunities throughout the year to make friends easily.

Wherever possible we will provide online and self-directed activities to support the practical elements of your course. This may be through simulation, demonstration or group work tasks, depending on the nature of the course.

No. If you are being taught wholly online it is because you do not require specialist software. You will be provided with access to video conferencing and free technologies that may be used on your course.

We are unable to predict what the status of Covid-19 or any vaccines will be in the future, or what Government guidelines and travel restrictions will be. However, we are really looking forward to welcoming our students physically and safely onto campus at the earliest possible opportunity.

You will not require a Tier 4 visa to start your course of study online.

Yes. If you have been granted a Tier 4 visa you can come to the UK.

Yes. Although no face-to-face lectures, tutorials or seminars are taking place, you remain in term time, except for official vacation periods at Christmas, Easter and, for undergraduate students, during the summer. Therefore, your restricted working hours, as stated on your BRP, still apply.

View term dates and holidays

The Immigration Health Surcharge is paid for the validity of your visa. Therefore, if you apply for a visa starting in September you will pay the charge from September, even if you do not travel to the UK until a later date.

We monitor the attendance/engagement of all students and will continue to do so where study is online. If you are granted a Tier 4 visa and do not engage with your online studies the University will withdraw sponsorship and your visa will be cancelled.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the UK Home Office now issues 90-day entry vignettes, instead of the usual 30 days. This should provide you with enough flexibility to travel to the UK. However, if your entry vignette expires, you will need to apply for a replacement. This is currently free of charge until the end of 2020.

We will issue you with a CAS with a start date of September 2020. Due to the likelihood of extended visa processing time due to Covid-19, we recommend you submit your visa application as soon as possible to ensure you are able to arrive on campus when required.

Yes. If you hold a valid Tier 4 visa and successfully complete your course of study in the summer of 2021 or later, you will be eligible for the graduate visa even if part of your course is taught online.

Please note: to be eligible, you must enter the UK before 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of your studies in the UK.

No. You must enter the UK by 6 April 2021 and complete the final semester of your studies in the UK. You must also be in the UK on valid Tier 4 leave to apply for the graduate visa.

Yes. If you are eligible to bring dependants to the UK, your dependants will be able to apply for a dependant visa as normal.

Exact details of the new UK immigration system/rules are still to be released. However, it is our understanding that if you arrive in the UK on or after 1 January 2021 you will require a student visa to study in the UK.

Students who arrive in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 will be able to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, free of charge and be permitted to study without the need to apply for a visa.

We have developed several additional, flexible accommodation options, designed to complement the different modes of study. These options allow students to apply for accommodation that best suits their needs, on a short-let basis (1 week to 1 month), for a semester, as well as the more traditional full academic year.

If we were unable to provide you with University accommodation, we have excellent relationships with accredited private accommodation providers within the city and can help you with advice and support.

This means that your learning and teaching activities are designed to use both digital and onsite delivery, allowing a seamless transition between the two.

You are most likely studying on a hybrid course because your on-site access to specialist facilities is important for your learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and skills acquisition or for assessment.

The nature of your course will determine the balance of online and onsite delivery. But broadly speaking you will most likely be provided with an online lecture which will be shorter in length and interspersed with engaging activities.

The lecture and activities will be flexible, so it is easier for you to access these at a time that suits you and you can stop and start these to maximise your understanding of the topic.

However, you will need to complete watching the lecture and the activities before the next learning session.

Throughout the week there will be timetabled opportunities to meet your lecturers and other students on your course.

You will work in groups on real world industry relevant problems which will help you to apply your learning and get feedback from your lecturers and other students.All of this will help you to engage with large and small groups so you can strengthen your voice and your confidence.

We use a virtual learning environment which will host your accessible course and module information.

The library will be open for pre-booked resources and computers for study use.

There will be specialist facilities (eg, labs) made available on a pre-booked basis, as appropriate to your course of study.

Pre-booking is required to manage numbers and ensure social distancing.

There will also be events held by the Students' Union and the student societies and these may take place on campus or in the local Southampton area.

Unfortunately, this is not possible. You are most likely studying on a hybrid course because your on-site access to specialist facilities is important to your learning outcomes in terms of your knowledge and skills acquisition, or for assessment.

You should let the University know as soon as possible. There will still be a range of options open to you. These include arrangements for you to study the first part of your course at home – this will depend on whether it is possible for us to make the materials you need available to you and for you to achieve the learning outcomes for your course.

Another option is that we are able to offer you a course which is similar to the one you applied to but which does not require your attendance on campus.

If neither of these options is possible, it may be that we discuss the option of deferring your place so that you take up your place at Solent when you are able to travel.

The most important thing is that you keep in touch with us and let us know what your situation is and we will do everything we can to support you. Please contact student.hub@solent.ac.uk.

Yes, unless you are from a country which is on the exempt list. This list is likely to change regularly so please check the UK Government website prior to travelling.

If you are travelling from a country that requires self-isolation, please check out the official Government guidelines on how to self-isolate, here.

People who arrive in the UK will not have to self-isolate if they are well and have come from one of the countries listed in the coronavirus (Covid-19) travel corridor list.

This list is updated regularly - please ensure you revisit the list before your departure.

If you have any questions about your studies or life at Solent while you are self-isolating, please email student.hub@solent.ac.uk. If you have any questions about visas, please email internationalsupport@solent.ac.uk.

Teaching for undergraduate courses starts on 28 September; the latest date for enrolment is 9 October.

Teaching for postgraduate courses starts on 5 October; the latest date for enrolment is 16 October.

Students are encouraged to arrive as early as possible, especially in the event of having to self-isolate. However, we understand it may not be within your control, for example if you are waiting for your visa. Should you arrive after the commencement of teaching, it should be noted that you will be expected to attend any face-to-face teaching no later than 26 October, if on an undergraduate course, and no later than 2 November, if on a postgraduate course.

We would also like to remind you that you can enrol without your visa. However, it is essential you complete your registration and pay your tuition fees in order to access learning and teaching activities. Communication about pre-registration/enrolment is being sent out to all students who hold an Unconditional Firm offer. While in isolation, you will be expected to attend any online aspects of your course. 

While self-isolating you cannot go out to public areas and therefore cannot go shopping. If you have friends or relatives, please ask them to support you. However, we understand many of you will not have anyone to rely on. There are many places in Southampton that offer online delivery - we advise you to do your research before you arrival.

Here are some examples of supermarkets or local takeaways that do online food deliveries:

Local supermarkets that deliver in Southampton:

• Sainsbury's
• ASDA
• Tesco
• Iceland

Local takeaway deliveries:

• Uber Eats
• Just Eat
• Deliveroo

Other online shopping:

• IKEA

It's important you keep in touch and we recommend you have a PC, tablet or smartphone so you can access the student Portal, download the MySolent App and connect with the University's online learning platform, Solent Online Learning.

If you are in a University student residence, you will have access to the internet, but you need to ensure you have internet access if you are in private accommodation. 

There are lots of online activities you can take part in while you are self-isolating. Please go to Get Ready for Solent to find out more about these events; and from 1 September, you can also access our new Get Ready to Learn programme to prepare you for studying at Solent. 

The residence team will support those who are self-isolating by: 

• Ensuring a swift check-in procedure on arrival

• Providing a handbook in your room with lots of useful information 

• Arranging for deliveries and mail to be taken to your room 

• Residence staff available to call 24 hours a day if assistance is needed. 

Please join the Solent student residences Facebook group for the latest news and events across the Student Residences. 

Please see above for guidance on shopping and food delivery. If you have any questions or concerns while you are self-isolating, you can contact the Student Hub by email on student.hub@solent.ac.uk or by phone on 023 8201 5200. The time will pass very quickly, and you’ll be able to get on with your studies and your new life in Southampton in no time.  

When you arrive in the UK, go straight to the place you’re staying. Only use public transport if you have no other option. If you do use public transport, wear something that covers your nose and mouth and stay two metres apart from other people. Pack a face covering or scarf to cover your nose and mouth before you travel.

You will have received information on what to do if you have symptoms when you enter the country and it's important that you follow these guidelines. You should be tested as quickly as possible. You can register for a test on the NHS website. If you have no internet access, you should call the NHS on 119 to arrange for a test. You must let the University know that you have symptoms by emailing student.hub@solent.ac.uk.

If you feel unwell while in self-isolation, you can call the non-emergency NHS telephone number 111 for a telephone assessment in the first instance. 

You will be able to collect your biometric card after you have completed your quarantine.  

Currently the nationality officers have suspended their operations due to Covid-19. For the latest information about Hampshire Nationality service visit the Hampshire Police website.

If you already have a police registration certificate that needs updating, you should contact your local police station (by phone or email). You should make them aware that you are self-isolating and make arrangements for any updates after the 14 day period.  

The University is fully committed to following and adhering to UK Government guidance to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, including the residential experience.

The University is introducing a series of additional health, safety and well-being measures and initiatives at the residences. These include:

• Installation of hand sanitiser stations at all residence entrances /exits.
• Enhanced cleaning schedules for touchpoints and communal areas.
• Hygiene keys will be issued to all residents for safer door opening.
• Regular online - email and Facebook - safety messages and updates to all residents.
• 24/7 qualified first aiders across the residences.
• Options for online, telephone, or video meetings with staff at the Residences Hub.
• Introduction of protective equipment for staff and perspex screens at the Residence Hub and reception areas.
• Installation of directional and social distancing signage across the residences.
• Installation of one way and ‘keep left’ routes across the residences.
• Pre-booked timeslots available for moving in on the date you choose.
• Procedures in place for overseas residents to self-isolate if required on arrival.
• Programme of physically-distanced welcome activities to help you get to know your flatmates.
• A programme of ‘residence life’ socially-distanced interest groups, online quizzes and activities.
• Fast, reliable and secure wired and wireless internet in every room and all communal spaces.
• Socially-distanced group working areas at residences.
• Individual post and parcel collection lockers.

You can contact your lecturer who will work out with you a plan of action to cover the missed session(s).

Wherever possible lectures will be recorded and made available on the online learning systems in the appropriate module page so you will be able to review and catch up with sessions. These pages will contain a rich set of resources and activities to support your learning.

Information can be found here.

Yes. They will be recorded so you can access them flexibly. Recordings will be automatically uploaded and made available in your module page within 30 minutes of the end of the lecture.

We will use a virtual learning environment which will host your course and module information. You will have access to this when you enrol on your course. This can be accessed via the internet on laptops or mobile devices and does not require you to have any specialist software on your part.

We will primarily use Microsoft Teams as the videoconferencing platform and the University will make that available to you automatically.

At a course level, you may be asked to download free technologies designed to allow collaboration with other students. You will be made aware of these by your course leader and if you are having difficulties you will be supported to access these by our learning technologies team.

Access Solent is the disability and neurodiversity service for students. Please refer to the Access Solent Solent Online Learning page for lots of helpful information about support at university. If you have diagnostic evidence, Access Solent can use this to set up support, including sharing information with your course and exam teams about support needs, advising on assistive technology to support with independent study, and any specialist support available. We encourage students to have contact with their course team about any queries or concerns relating to remote learning.

If you have concerns about being able to access your course/learning or the campus due to your disability or health condition, it is important to contact Access Solent and your course team in advance so we can provide advice and guidance.

Access Solent are available for contact with students via email at access@solent.ac.uk, phone and Zoom/Skype if you have any queries and want to discuss and set up support. We look forward to hearing from you.

We accept other equivalent tests or evidence of English language proficiency. More information on this can be found on our course entry statement.

We also accept the following tests:

Duolingo

TOEFL iBT

All students coming to Solent in September from another country, including UK passport holders, must complete a passenger locator form before travelling to the UK, regardless of whether or not the country you are coming from requires you to self-isolate after arrival in the UK. This form must be completed online 48 hours before travel. The UK government will use the information you give to contact you if you, or someone you've travelled with, develops Covid-19 symptoms.

From 8 June 2020, there are new rules in place for entering the UK due to Covid-19. The rules are for both residents and visitors to the UK and include 14-days' self-isolation on arrival. During those two weeks you will not be able to attend classes. You should take this into account when planning your journey to the UK. Further details, together with guidance on how to travel safely from the airport, are available at: https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control

Government advice is that no charge is made to an overseas visitor for the diagnosis or treatment of coronavirus (Covid-19). All overseas visitors, including anyone living in the UK without permission, should be aware that:

• No charges apply to testing for Covid-19, even if the result is negative, or to any treatment provided for Covid-19 if the result is positive or up to the point that it is negatively diagnosed. The same is true of most other infectious diseases.
• NHS trusts have been advised that no immigration checks are required for overseas visitors that are known to be only undergoing testing or treatment for Covid-19.

Yes. Although no face-to-face lectures, tutorials or seminars are taking place, you remain in term time, except for official vacation periods at Christmas, Easter and, for undergraduate students, during the summer. Therefore, your restricted working hours, as stated on your BRP, still apply.

View term dates and holidays

Tier 4 visa holders needing to extend their visa to complete their course in the UK
If you hold a Tier 4 (General) visa and need to extend your visa to continue your course of study, please complete the CAS request form on the Portal. Please note, if you are a Tier 4 (General) visa student who has completed their course, please see the guidance above.

If you are in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January and 30 September 2020, but you cannot return home due to Covid-19 restrictions
Now that travel restrictions are lifting globally you will no longer be able to extend your visa in the short term and you are expected to take all reasonable steps to leave the UK where it is possible to do so or regularise your stay in the UK.

If you intend to leave the UK but are not able to do so and your leave expires by 30 September 2020, you may request additional time to stay, also known as ‘exceptional assurance’. You can submit your application online, providing information about activities you are planning to do during this time. If you have outstanding exams or courses, you should provide details of the study you are hoping to undertake. The UKVI will make decisions on a case by case basis on the permitted engagements within the leave granted. Once your exceptional assurance leave is granted you may be allowed to apply for a different visa category. But please note you wont be able to apply for a Short Term Student Visa from within the UK.

Students with immigration and visa-related queries can contact the international support team by email: internationalsupport@solent.ac.uk.

In addition, the UK Council for International Students (UKISA) has created a frequently asked questions page, which contains information and guidance for international students.

It is more important than ever to open a bank account before you arrive in the UK.

The UK Government's list of countries from which travellers need to self-isolate upon arrival could change shortly before your planned arrival date. We strongly recommend you arrange an international account or bank card to facilitate a 14-day self-isolation period upon arrival, even if you currently are not required to do so.

In the UK many places accept card payments only, due to the pandemic. Therefore, you should arrange an international bank account or bank card to be able to make card or online payments for basic necessities, such as food shopping, takeaway meals, and paying tuition fees, when you arrive in the UK.

Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in the UK - you should avoid bringing a large amount of cash with you as opening a UK bank account may take a little while, depending on which bank you choose.

For help with setting up an instalment plan for your tuition fees you should contact the income team on: income.team@solent.ac.uk

If you find yourself in financial hardship the student funding team may be able to help. Please contact them on student.funding@solent.ac.uk explaining your situation and confirming your student ID number, visa type and its expiry date.