This page was updated on: 29/01/2021
We know it’s an uncertain time at the moment and that you may have questions about the support available.
The wellbeing of our students is our highest priority so we’ve included some helpful resources that we encourage you to use, should you need them. You are always able to access our services to support your mental health and wellbeing, 24/7.
Support services and resources:
Our popular free Virtually Together programme will continue during lockdown. Find out about the free activities taking place to help you stay engaged and feel supported.
You do not need to self-isolate before you travel back, unless you have COVID-19 symptoms or have received a positive test, but you should always comply with UK Government Lockdown restrictions and only travel back if absolutely necessary.
If you are not registered for testing, you must do so now. Register for Covid testing here.
If you returned to the University before lockdown, remember to take a saliva test 1, 4 and 8 days after you arrived back in Southampton or Winchester. You must self-isolate (except to drop off your saliva samples or shop for essential supplies) until you receive two consecutive negative tests.
If you stayed at the University over the winter break and can safely access a drop off point that is local to you, you should resume weekly testing on any convenient day (unless you are self-isolating).
Yes, our support packages will continue to run. Find out more about the student health support available if you need to self-isolate.
Yes, students can form a support bubble with another student if they live by themselves. Find out more about support bubbles.
Our Virtually Together programme will continue to run throughout lockdown and there's lots to get involved with.
We also encourage you to also take a look at SUSUs webpage to find out what activities will be taking place in January/February, including how to get in touch with Clubs and Societies.
Following the latest Government guidance, some of our facilities will be open for use. Visit the Campus Facilities and Halls FAQs page for more details on facilities that are open.
University Libraries: find the full opening hours.
Jubilee Sports Centre: find out about the online activities available.
Yes, it is. According to government guidance:
You should minimise time spent outside your home.
It is against the law to meet socially with family or friends unless they are part of your household or support bubble. You can only leave your home to exercise, and not for the purpose of recreation or leisure (e.g. a picnic or a social meeting). This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You can exercise in a public outdoor place:
Public outdoor places include:
When around other people, stay 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household - meaning the people you live with - or your support bubble. Where this is not possible, stay 1 metre apart with extra precautions (e.g. wearing a face covering).
Students are always welcome to join a club or society if they haven’t already. You can find out more here. Though a number of club and society activities will have moved online due to lockdown, they are still a great way of meeting others.
Government guidance advises that wherever possible students should remain where they are and not return to campus and/or halls of residence. We do recognise that some students may not be able to safely or successfully study away from campus. Therefore if a student feels that they need to return on this basis, then they should return to campus, but follow the guidance to isolate until two negative COVID-19 tests have been received.
If a student can’t travel back to Southampton/Winchester and would like to apply for financial support through the University to support them with their studies, they can do so here.