Hello Uni

Congratulations on your place at Solent University! We can't wait to welcome you to campus this September and we hope you're looking forward to joining our student community.

In Hello Uni, you'll find everything you need to know before you get here to help you prepare for your first few months at Solent.

Find out what happens during Welcome Week, and get information on accommodation and fees and funding options. There's a guide to life in Southampton, so you can find out what it's really like to study here. And for parents, there's information and advice at the end of this page to help you help your son/daughter prepare for university.

Our admissions and enrolment team will email your joining instructions by the end of August. These tell you your arrival date and the room you need to go when you first get here. To find the building your arrival room is in, see our campus map.

A port city on the South Coast of England, Southampton is well known for its links to the Titanic, and as home to some of the largest cruise ships in the world. The city has a population of around 250,000 people, and boasts a variety of high street and independent shops, bars and restaurants.

If you’re new to Southampton, or you’d just like to find out a bit more about student life in the city, you'll find information here that will help you find your feet and make the most of what our hometown has to offer.

Tips and advice on living in Southampton

What Southampton offers residents and visitors

Preparing for your course

If there's any specific work or preparation you need to complete before starting your course, you'll be informed in advance.

Your first lecture

Don't forget to check your timetable well in advance to find out when your first lecture will be, and what room it's in. Check the campus map if you're not sure where the building is.

Remember to:

Bring any preparation you've been asked to do.
Bring a laptop, or pen and notebook for note-taking.
Bring your campus card to swipe in and register your attendance! You're expected to attend all your timetabled teaching sessions - swiping in will help keep track of your attendance at lectures and seminars. Find out why your attendance counts.

Introducing the Portal

For timetabling, webmail and course info, visit our Student Portal. Here you'll find useful contact details, information about the library, and the latest news and events from around the University.

Changing your University password

Your student user account is a key part of your studies - it allows you to access all the learning systems to help you get the most out of your studies. So, it's important you keep your password safe. You will automatically be sent a password to log into your student account - you'll need to change this to something memorable and secure.

Find out how to change your University password

Get the most out of your studies

We want your time at Solent to be an enjoyable experience and for you to gain the maximum benefit from your course, as well as establishing lasting friendships. To get the most out of your time at university try to::

Attend as much as possible
We know that students at Solent with the highest attendance are more likely to achieve the best degrees, including First Class Honours!

Speak with the Students’ Union
Led by students, for students, the union provides independent representation, academic support and the opportunity to take part in national student campaigns, societies and volunteering opportunities.

Take ownership of your studies
Your tutors will provide you with all the support and guidance you need to successfully complete your programme of study, but it will be by your own efforts that you gain maximum benefit from your studies.

Let us know if you're struggling
Please seek support for any difficulties as they arise, rather than leave them to build up.

These are only a few of the possible suggestions! Look to engage with as many things as possible, don’t be afraid to try new things, and ultimately ask questions if you're not sure.

Watch this video on how studying at university can be a life-changing journey

Learning resources

You'll find lots of resources to help you with your studies, whether it's books or journal articles from the library, free access to IT facilities or support with study skills - we're here to help! Find out what's available to you below.

Library

The library is your first port of call to find books, journal articles and other useful resources for your coursework. It's also a great place to study.

library

The Library has over 30 staff who are happy to help. If you have a quick question, pop by the helpdesk in the foyer or contact them by live chat. Each School also has a dedicated information librarian who you can contact with more in depth questions about finding resources for your assignments.

Everything in the Library can be searched using the online catalogue which gives details of materials the Library has in print as well as the many other online information sources.

Group work areas are available and study rooms can be booked for working together. You’ll also find quiet and silent spaces for when you need some peace and quiet to get an assignment done. Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.

Get in touch on Twitter and check out HelloLibrary, the online guide for new students.

Mountbatten Library computer facilities

Students have free access to PCs and Macs, printers, and photocopiers on all floors of the Mountbatten Library. There are walk-up only areas where you can use the computers without having to book, and bookable areas where you can book a computer in advance. Check availability here.

You can access smaller equipment like SD card readers, video adapters and laptop mice for use within the Library - these are loaned from the Learning Technologies helpdesk. You can also borrow a laptop to use within the Library from the self-service lockers on the ground floor of the Library - you'll need your campus card to borrow one of these laptops.

If you want to hire a laptop to use off campus, head to the helpdesk on floor 2. The learning technologies advisers can also assist with any general technology issues, including connecting to the WiFi and University systems. If you have any questions, email the team at ltu@solent.ac.uk or call them on 023 8201 5100.

Succeed@Solent

University work doesn’t just involve learning about your subject. It also means learning how to explore what other people have said, develop your own viewpoint, carry out research, and communicate your ideas to the standard your lecturers expect.

This might feel like a big step for you, but don't panic! There's lots of help and advice available to you - any time you need it - through Succeed@Solent.

Don't forget to check out the study skills collection on floor 0C in the Library either.

Access Solent

Access Solent provides advice and guidance to students with a disability and those who are exploring a diagnosis. You can receive specific support including:

Specific learning difficulties (eg, dyslexia, dyspraxia, AD(H)D)
Mental health conditions
Autistic spectrum conditions
Chronic or long-term medical conditions
Physical or sensory impairments
Sensory impairments.

If you require support from Access Solent, we encourage you to meet with an adviser to discuss your needs. Access Solent can explore support in the following areas:

Confidential advice about support at university relating to disability and academic support.
Academic support and strategies (which may include specialist 1:1 study skills, specialist mentoring, and practical support).
Assistive technology - available on campus PCs and in the assistive technology centre. Guidance can also be giving in using assistive software and loaning equipment on a short-term basis.
Support to apply for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).
Screening and advice on obtaining diagnostic evidence.

For more information, contact us Access Solent by email: access@solent.ac.uk or call 023 8201 3427.

Find out more about Access Solent

Mature students

One in every five students at Solent is a mature student (any student aged 21 or over at the start of their studies). We understand that starting university as a mature student can mean you might have different concerns than coming in fresh from further education. We can offer advice and support for all mature students, from study skills to socialising, to finance.

Find out more

If you want to get to know other mature students before you start your course, why not join us at our mature student orientation and networking event! Details will be emailed to you nearer the time.

Our support services are here to help you make the most of your learning and enjoy your life at university. The teams are on hand throughout the week, so just drop in for a chat if there’s anything you’re worried about or need a bit of advice on – there’s no need to make an appointment.

Student Hub

The experienced and professional staff in the Student Hub team can provide information, advice and guidance on all aspects of student life. They're the first point of contact for any queries about your course, or any personal matters that may affect your studies. The Student Hub can advise on the following:

Questions about your course, including policy advice.

Health and wellbeing.
'To whom it may concern' letters, including bank letters.
Council tax exemption certificates.
Replacement campus cards.
References.
Spirituality and reflection.
Student funding and money management.
Access to other services, including counselling and international advice.

Drop by and see them in the main Andrews building concourse, give them a call on 023 8201 5200.

Student Charter

Read about our Student Charter. It sets out what you can expect from us, and what we expect from you.

We’re looking forward to your son/daughter joining us in September. Starting university is an exciting time for any young person. But we understand that it’s also a big change and can be a challenging period for both parents and new students.

Solent University offers students a rewarding learning experience in a vibrant city centre campus. Award-winning teaching, personalised guidance, and industry-led curriculums in a caring and supportive environment ensure that our students graduate with the skills and confidence they need to be ready for anything.

Key dates for 2019/20

International and EU students' induction: 11-13 September 2019
New students' Welcome Week: starts 16 September 2019
Term 1: 24 September - 13 December 2019
Term 2: 6 January - 3 April 2020
Exam period: 6-17 January 2020
Spring break: 6-20 April 2020
Term 3: 20 April - 22 May 2020
Exam period: 5-22 May 2020

The essentials

Before your son/daughter arrives at Solent, there are a few things that need to be considered or done:

Pre-registration. Your son/daughter should have received an email containing a user name and password to access and complete pre-registration online. This also allows them to activate their IT account and University email address, as well as upload a photo for campus cards. This should ideally be completed by 15 September.
Welcome Week timetable. This can be found on Solent Online Learning (accessed using user name and password, as above). This individual Welcome Week timetable gives information on what they’ll be doing and where in their first week.
Apply for accommodation. Students who have chosen Solent as their first choice university receive an email from our accommodation team which tells them how to apply online for accommodation in University residences. Find out more about applying for accommodation.
Tuition fees. Be aware of how much the tuition fees are for their course, and when and how to pay them. Find out more.

What to bring to university

All rooms in our student residences have a bed, chairs, desk, wardrobe and bookshelf space. When thinking about what to bring, it’s easy to pack everything but the kitchen sink, but it’s not always necessary!

See our list of essential items to bring

You can always bring more when you visit, or send them back with some bits and bobs when they come home to visit you.

It’s also important to bring key documents and information such as:

University acceptance letter,
student loan documents,
accommodation contract,
National Insurance number,
NHS health card, passport or driving licence,
bank account details,
insurance document, and
TV Licence (if applicable).

This will help with finalising the registration process during Welcome Week.

Finance and budgeting

Before starting university, it’s a good idea for your son/daughter to devise a budget plan. This will help them manage their finances during their studies. To help make a start, see our information on living costs in Southampton.

Emotional support

Often, both parents and students will experience a mixture of emotions when it’s time to ‘fly the nest’. And while it’s an exciting new chapter in their life with lots of new experiences to be had, your son or daughter may also feel anxious or homesick, especially in the early stages.

It may take a while for them to settle in and adjust to their new environment, but this is completely normal and lots of new students will be feeling the same. Try to stay positive, offer encouragement and be there when they need you. Remind them that they’re not the only one feeling homesick - other students will be experiencing the same emotions.

We are happy to provide general advice and support to parents - feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, or if you have any concerns about your son or daughter's welfare. However, please be aware that due to data protection laws, we will be unable to discuss details about individual students. Email: wellbeing@solent.ac.uk Tel: 023 8201 5200.

Staying in touch

Agree before your son/daughter comes to Solent how often you’ll keep in touch and by what means. Remember also, the first couple of weeks of university can be a bit of a whirlwind. Your son/daughter is likely to be caught up in getting to grips with their timetable, social activities, meeting new friends and exploring the city, so it’s good to try to be realistic about keeping in touch during Welcome Week.

Student support

Solent has lots of student support services. If you have concerns about your son or daughter, encourage them to contact our student support teams in the first instance.

Student Hub
The Student Hub's team of experienced and professional staff provides students information, advice and guidance on all aspects of student life. They're the first point of contact for any queries your son or daughter's course, or any personal matters that may affect their studies. The Student Hub can advise on the following:

Students are able to drop in and see them any time during normal office hours, or call them on 023 8201 5200.

Accommodation support
University life provides the opportunity to be independent and for your son / daughter to stand on their own two feet, but equally we believe that help should never be far away, so a dedicated student residence management team is on hand 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Solent for life

Rest assured that once your son or daughter arrives to study with us, they’ll be well looked after, and provided with all the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their studies – and beyond.

Once our students graduate, the support we offer continues as they become Solent alumni. With three further years of careers advice, as well as up to 50% off tuition fees on postgraduate courses, we’re here to help as they take their next steps out into the world.

At Solent, we’re immensely proud of our students, and we look forward to welcoming your child to Southampton, where we’re certain they’ll make memories for life.

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