FAQs for Before You Arrive

Here you will find answers to questions you might have about what to do before you move in to your accommodation. If you can’t find the answer to your questions then please contact us and we will be happy to help. The best way to contact us is by phone, and you can call the Arrivals Hotline on 02380 59 59 59

 



When must I apply?

You must apply by 1st August (and make Southampton your firm choice) to qualify for the guarantee. Applications received after 1st August 2011 are not guaranteed a place of accommodation at the University of Southampton.

When do I get my offer of accommodation?

You will receive your offer of accommodation approximately 2 weeks after getting an unconditional place at the University of Southampton. You get your unconditional place  usually when A level results are released.

How do I get my University email address?

Go to the iSolutions Subscribe website and follow the on screen instructions. You will need your student number to do this, which you should have received from the University already. If you haven't received your number, or have lost it, call The Student Services Centre on 02380 599 599.

How do I enrol?

You can enrol in your school by going to the enrolment page, and following the steps there.


When can I move into my Hall accommodation?

Generally, accommodation in Hall is available for students from the last weekend in September. Please refer to your contract and http://www.southampton.ac.uk/accommodation/arrivals/index.shtml for details of the exact date on which you should arrive.

What if I need to arrive early?

It may not be possible to accommodate you earlier than the start date of your new contract as we still have students in existing contracts who are resident until the end of September. However, if there is a good reason why you need to come early (for example, your course of study starts earlier than the beginning of your accommodation contract) then please send an email to arrivals@soton.ac.uk and this will be passed to your Hall Manager to consider arrangements.

Do I need a Student Bank Account?

Student bank accounts can be extremely useful for students, as they generally provide a free overdraft limit, where you can be overdrawn but pay 0% interest. If you are thinking about setting up a student account, then have a look at what different banks offer and choose the one that suits you best. Generally the more useful part of a student bank account is how much free overdraft do you get, so normally it is better to consider this above any freebies that they may give out. However, it is not compulsory for a student to have a student bank account.

How do I set up a Student Bank Account?

If you go into your bank and ask what you need to set up a student account then they will be able to help you set one up. Some banks now offer an online setup- check the individual bank websites for details.

Do I need to take out insurance for my belongings whilst I am in staying in a Hall of Residence?

Yes you do. The University of Southampton does not provide insurance for your belongings. You may find that your parents’ home contents insurance may be extended to cover your possessions while you are at University but you need to discuss this with them.  Alternatively, there are insurance companies that specialise in student insurance.

Do I need to have a television licence for a television in my own room?

All students who use a television in their room in Hall need to purchase the relevant TV licence. The TV Licensing Agency may visit Halls of Residence to check that students with televisions in their rooms have the correct licence.

The residences do not have aerial points, so you will be reliant on whatever reception you can get from your own indoor aerial – and this will vary according to where your room is located. We have had some reports from residents that reception is poor even with a booster aerial, and that some rooms have no reception at all, although other residents seem not to have a problem. Our general advice would be to test the reception in your room before buying a licence.

You will find more information at the TV licensing website.

What do I need to know to move into my room?

After you have accepted your offer of accommodation, your contract will tell you the address of your Hall and the date and time period in which to arrive. The schedule will have been designed to manage the arrival of over 5000 students to Halls so we ask that you keep to it as far as you can. If you will not be able to make the allotted date or time, please let us know as far in advance as possible by emailing arrivals@soton.ac.uk. Additionally please see When should I arrive? for further joining instructions.

What do I need to bring with me?

What you need to bring with you will depend on whether you are staying in catered or self catered accommodation. For a list of suggested items to bring with you to Hall, please see our What should I bring? list.

Is there anything I should not bring into Hall?

There are certain items you should not bring with you into Hall, such as your own fridge (unless you have a documented medical reason why this is required, in which case you will need to contact us in advance) and, for first year undergraduates, a car. For more information, please see our What should I bring? list.

Should I register with a doctor?

We urge you to register with a doctor (GP) in Southampton, local to your campus or residence as soon as possible. Failure to register with a GP may jeopardise your ability to obtain emergency treatment if required during the evening or weekend. There are two doctors surgeries on campus, and also several other local practices where you may prefer to register, a full list of surgeries can be found on the nhs direct website. 

Should I get any vaccinations?

We recommend that you get two vaccinations before attending University, and these are Meningitis C and MMR vaccinations. If you do not get these vaccinations before University, you will be offered them when registering with your GP when you arrive. Both of these diseases can occur whenever large groups of young people are working and/or living close together, and so it is highly recommended that you get these vaccinations.

Can I bring any pets with me?

We regret that no pets can be accommodated in any Hall of Residence.

Can I bring my bicycle?

Yes, there are lockable bike sheds available at the Hall sites and on all teaching campuses.

Can I bring my car?

First year undergraduates may not park their car in halls, and will not be given a permit to do so. Cars parked in halls without a permit may be clamped and a release fee will have to be paid. In exceptional circumstances, a permit may be granted for certified medical reasons where a car is essential. You can apply for a permit on the Estates and Facilities website http://www.soton.ac.uk/estates/services/carparking/student_park_permit.html 

Can I smoke in halls?

There is no smoking inside or immediately outside any University building or Halls of Residence. Additionally the University has a zero tolerance approach to drugs and it will contact the police to deal with any incidences of drug use on or around the premises.

What sporting facilities does The University provide?

The University has a wide range of sports teams run by the AU (Athletic Union) and also has a large gym and swimming pool on campus, along with various other facilities. To play for a sports team, or use the gym etc you will need SportRec membership, which can be purchased from the Jubilee Sports Centre on campus if you do not have it when you arrive. SportRec membership grants free access to the facilities listed above, as well as giving discounted coaching courses. To contact the Jubilee Sports Centre please call: 023 8059 2119 or email to sportrec@soton.ac.uk. The SportRec website is http://www.sportrec.soton.ac.uk/ 

Where do I collect my keys from?

In most cases your keys can be collected from the main Reception or Office of the Hall you are moving into. Please see your Joining Instructions which will be sent after you have accepted your offer of accommodation for full details.

What will I do on my first day?

You will collect your keys and move into your accommodation, as well as meeting your new flatmates. There will also be events arranged for you by your JCR committee, an elected group of current students dedicated to your Hall. These form part of Freshers’ Week together with activities run by the University and Students Union, and are designed to introduce you to student life and to help you make lots of new friends!

How do I contact Southampton University Students Union (SUSU)?

The Southampton University Students Union (SUSU) is entirely run by students, and boasts a wide range of clubs and facilities that all students at Southampton University can use. Additionally they host regular events at the Students Union Building on campus. You can find out more about the Students Union by checking out the SUSU website. 

I have a problem that isn't listed here, who can I contact?

The Student Services Centre will be running an Arrivals Hotline to deal with any questions you may have over the course of the summer. You can contact this on 02380 59 59 59. Alternatively you can send an email to ssc@soton.ac.uk. Please quote your student ID number when emailing Student Services.