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 this Hello Uni section, 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.

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. 

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.

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 on 13 September at 3.30pm! 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.
• Chaplaincy service.
• 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, or send them a tweet.

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 2018/19

• EU and international students arrive: 13 September 2018
• UK students arrivals weekend: 15-16 September 2018
• New students' Welcome Week: starts 17 September 2018
• Term 1: 24 September - 14 December 2018
• Term 2: 7 January - 5 April 2019
• Exam period: 7-18 January 2019
• Spring break: 8-22 April 2019
• Term 3: 23 April - 24 May 2019
• Exam period: 7-24 May 2019

See also fee payment deadlines

To help make the process of becoming a student at Solent as easy and worry-free as possible for both you and your child, we’ve created this guide to help with the transition.