International Students
The School of Chemistry welcomes applications from well-qualified international students who have a passion for Chemistry and who wish to extend their education in a world-class international institution. We have a dedicated International Tutor, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have about studying and living in Southampton. We are dedicated to making all international students feel at home in Southampton and in our friendly student community. To ensure this happens as quickly as possible the University offers many support services, including an International Office, a Student Advice and Information Centre, International Student Advisers, and a Centre for Language Study.
The International Office
The University of Southampton's International Office can assist you with any queries you may have before you make a decision to apply or come to Southampton. They can for example provide you with details of exhibitions that they will be attending so that you can have a face-to-face discussion with a University representative.
They also run the coach pick up service - Meet and Greet - so when you arrive at London's Heathrow Airport over the two days before the International Students' Welcome programme they will be there to transport you to the University.
Support for International Students
Once you have arrived in Southampton, we aim to help you settle in quickly. We hold a 2 day International Students' Welcome programme for new international students just before the start of the academic year. This event is the ideal opportunity for you to familiarise yourself with the University and to meet other students and make friends before the start of your programme.
The Student Advice and Information Centre (SAIC) is where you will find the University's International Student Advisors who will be able to help you with any queries you may have on issues such as opening bank accounts, insurance, and working in the UK. SAIC will also be able to provide information on specialist food shops and other useful contacts.
In addition to the International Student Advisors, the University also has Academic International Student Advisors who will be available to assist you in academic matters.
Clubs and Societies
There are over 140 different clubs and societies at the University of Southampton, 24 of these are International and are about a country or culture. Examples include:
Malaysian Student's Association: aim is to look after Malaysian students' welfare and to act as a platform/intermediate between then and the University administration.
Chinese Student Society: aim is to gather all the Chinese Students within the University together. We hope to organize a range of functions throughout the year, for example, a trip to Alton Towers, bowling, snooker competition, paintballing and go-karting etc.
Asian Cultural Society: a representative society for people of all Eastern cultures. Aim is to provide a variety of events and links for students of this ethnicity, to simulate the culture and provide entertainment. This includes cultural shows, festival celebrations and other social events that integrate both Asian and Western cultures.
Important notice for International Applicants
The UK government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has introduced a new scheme called ‘Academic Technology Approval Scheme’ (ATAS) effective from 1st November 2007. This is a replacement for the Voluntary Vetting Scheme.
The scheme is aimed primarily at specific postgraduate research areas, but in some disciplines also includes a number of taught masters and the final two years of four-year undergraduate masters programmes.
From 1st November 2007 all new postgraduate applicants and some MChem applicants (applicants seeking to join an MChem programme part way through) that are subject to immigration control MUST check whether they need to apply for an ATAS clearance certificate before they apply for a visa.
To check if you require an ATAS certificate you will need your programme’s JACS code. The JACS code should be included in your offer letter, if not a member of the School support staff should be able to provide this for you.
The application is an online process and is free of charge. For further information, and to apply you need to follow this link www.fco.gov.uk/atas
If after checking you find that you do need to make a full ATAS application then your offer letter should contain all the relevant information. If any is missing please contact your School office, details of which will be on your offer letter.
For further information please visit the ATAS website: www.fco.gov.uk/atas
News feeds