You have two options for accommodation during your studies at the University. You can apply to stay in University accommodation (Halls of Residence) or you can stay in private rented accommodation. Please note: University accommodation is not available for visiting/socrates students.
University accommodation
Guaranteed for International students
If you would like to stay in University accommodation during the Welcome Programme and during your studies you will need to apply for each period and academic year separately. Please note that welcome week accommodation is not available unless you have confirmed your offer of term time accommodation in Halls of Residence.
Please note that if you are bringing family members with you to visit, they will not be able to stay in your room with you. The Accommodation Service are unfortunately unable to provide University accommodation for family members during the welcome week.
If you are bringing your family to live with you, we would advise that you arrive on your own to find accommodation and then send for your family once you have arranged the accommodation. There is a limited amount of family term time accommodation that can be applied for. Please contact unihouse@soton.ac.uk for information on applying for family accommodation for the academic year 2010/11.
Welcome Programme University Accommodation
During the Welcome Programme only students who have confirmed a place in University term time accommodation can stay in University accommodation. Students not staying in term time accommodation will need to seek accommodation in the private rented sector.
The deadline to apply for this accommodation is the 1st September 2010. Please note that in order to apply for Welcome Programme accommodation you must already have applied for term time accommodation before the Accommodation Service deadline 1st August 2010.
The cost per night for University accommodation will be:
Room with a private bathroom - approx. £18
Room with a washbasin only with a shared bathroom - approx. £15
How to apply:
- You can make a choice as to what type of accommodation you would prefer, i.e. if you would like an ensuite where you will have your own bathroom facilities or if you would like a less expensive room where you share bathroom facilities. Please note preferences are not guaranteed.
- Complete the accommodation section on the online international welcome form (available June 2010).
- You will need to bring with you approximately £350 for expenses during the Welcome Programme, this will include the cost of your accommodation during this time. You will need to pay for each night when you arrive in the UK and check-in (You do not need to pay a deposit or any money in advance).
The deadline to apply for this accommodation is the 1st August 2010. If an application is submitted after this date the Accommodation Service can no longer guarantee a place in University halls of residence but will do their best to find you accommodation.
How to apply:
- Look at the accommodation website and the accommodation booklet to decide which University accommodation you would like to apply to stay in. You will need to choose a room type and hall complex and make at least 3 different preferences on your application
- Make sure that you have your offer letter with you before completing the online application form as you will need your 8 digit student identification number and other details
- Complete the online application for accommodation. You will find instructions and help with the form available on the Accommodation Service website
- If you are a new postgraduate student you will need to pay a deposit of £350. You will need to make this payment when you accept your offer of accommodation, where you will need to enter the details of a valid, working credit or debit card
- To be able to accept your offer of accommodation all students will need to set up a payment plan. This means entering debit/credit card details or UK bank account details for future accommodation instalments. No payments will be taken from these details until after you arrive and you can change these details at any time after accepting your offer should you wish to
- New first year undergraduate students will not need to pay a deposit
- Ensure you track the progress of your application form online. Please check the 'contracts' section regularly as this is where the offer will appear once it has been made.
- You will have 7 days to accept the offer from the date the offer is made
The University is part of SASSH (Southampton Accreditation Scheme for Student Housing). The SASSH website has lists of private rented properties that are available in Southampton as well as message boards where students can enquire and speak to other students about private rented housing. You will need a password to enter the SASSH website which you can request by emailing accommodation@soton.ac.uk. For all other private rented housing enquiries please email privaterented@soton.ac.uk.
You should also read the 'Private Rented Housing Guide' before starting your search for Private Rented Accommodation, do not sign to rent a house without reading this vital information. It is very important that you do not sign a private rented contract if you are unsure of anything regarding the property or the contract. The Accommodation Service and Students Union Advice and Information Centre are able to check contracts for you and give advice on private rented properties. Please read through all contracts thoroughly paying attention to detail.
Further details are available on the Accommodation Service website.
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8059 5959
Email:accommodation@soton.ac.uk
What you will need to bring with you
Please click here for information on what is provided in the rooms in the Halls of Residence. Please click here for information on what you will need to bring with you, or purchase when you arrive.
You can also order some essential items before you arrive from companies such as All-unied.com.
All-unied.com are a company that will deliver a starter pack of all essentials needed when you move into a hall of residence and save you the bother of carrying them with you or having to go shopping the minute you arrive. Visit their website or download their leaflet to find out more. Please note that all-unied.com are a private company and not connected to the University of Southampton.
It is also possible to purchase a bedding pack from the Hall of Residence Reception when you arrive. If you arrive during the night or if the reception is closed, the residential support team can provide a bedding pack on request which you will be required to pay for the next day. Please note that bedding packs are subject to availability.