If you're new to living and working in the UK, below is some useful information to help you transition into life in the UK.
It is recommended you seek out short term accommodation, whilst you decide where you want to live longer term. This could include hotels or B&B hotels (short for 'Bed and Breakfast' hotels). It would be advisable to research this in advance and to have accommodation booked for at least the first couple of weeks while you looks for more permanent accommodation.
You may also contact the University of Southampton Student Hub if you're interested in staying on a short-term basis in University student accommodation. Please note that this option is dependent on availability and the student accommodation available may not meet your needs.
Once you are in Southampton you may wish to start looking for more long term accommodation. Right Move, Zoopla and Gumtree all offer longer term accommodation.
There are a number of hotels in and around Southampton and Winchester. From the low cost Novotel, Ibis and Etap to luxury hotels such as the Hilton and the Grand Harbour. Most of the hotels are located within the city centre, which is about a 15 minute journey by car to the University (a number of bus services cover the route). More options can be found on hotel booking websites such as Laterooms, Expedia, Trivago, Kayak and Booking.com
When arranging accommodation there are certain things you must consider: rent, gas and electricity, television license, telephone, internet, house contents insurance and council tax. Each of these will require you to pay for them and will differ depending on where you live, how much you want/ use etc.
All residents in the UK have to pay a council tax to the local authority that look after the local area they live in, council tax advice guide
If renting a property you will need contents insurance but if you are buying property you will need both contents and buildings insurance. To find the best deals visit Confused.com or Comparethemarket.com
To watch TV in the UK you have to pay a licence fee, no matter what device you’re watching in it on. You can find out more by visiting TV licensing.
The average working week in Britain may differ from the working week in other parts of the world. Usually Southampton University and its staff work from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. However this may change depending on your job role.
Almost all workers in the UK are entitled to a minimum 5.6 weeks paid leave, which includes 8 public holidays. The amount of holiday you will be entitled to as an employee of the university will depend on your specific contract and job role.
For information on the British Culture visit InterNations and Commisceo Global
There are a range of activities for you to enjoy in the city of Southampton. Please visit trip advisor, lonely planet and our Things to do in Southampton for more information.
Southampton also has a number of parks and leisure spaces, one of the closest is the Southampton Common which is near the University. Please see the council website for more information.
For ideas of things to do in the UK please see the National Trust and English Heritage for more places to visit.
In the UK often the act of socialising itself is considered an activity and many UK residents enjoy visiting the pub or coffee shop for a talk.
Eating out is also a regular pastime in the UK and Southampton has a huge range of eateries to suit every palate. For the most popular places to eat in Southampton please see trip advisor. Among the list include Mango Thai a Thai Tapas bar and restaurant located on Portswood Road which is approximately a 15 minute walk from the University and Coriander Lounge an Indian cuisine that is located near the main shopping centre in Southampton (West Quay).
West Quay is located in the centre of the city and offers over 100 different shops. There is also an eating court and during the winter a Christmas Market is available outside the centre. West Quay also offers an array of restaurants and bars, a cinema and a bowling ally.
At the University of Southampton we have the Nuffield Theatre on campus as well as Turner Sims, one of the finest music venues in the country, with an international programme of outstanding classical, jazz, world and folk music.
For more information about arts and entertainment at the University of Southampton please see Arts at University of Southampton.
If fitness is more you then there are plenty of Gyms and fitness suits in Southampton or local running clubs such as Lordshill Road Runners or why not join Sport and Wellbeing within the University of Southampton.
Culture shock is defined as a feeling of disorientation when you are suddenly placed in an unfamiliar culture. This is completely normal and it is important you orientate yourselves with the new culture around you. Take time to get to know your new surroundings and try and make friends with a wide range of people in order for you to settle in quicker.
Hampshire is a lovely area to bring up children with a host of good schools both public and independent. To find out more about schools in the area click here Education and Learning in Hampshire and here Southampton Schools
If you have young children who aren’t yet at school, you will have access to our Early Years Childcare Centre based the Highfield Campus, which offers stimulating childcare with a focus on learning through play for children aged three months to five years Early Years Childcare
For those individuals relocating from overseas and unfamiliar with the UK’s education system the following information will be useful.
If you have children aged five to 16 years, they will need to remain in education or training until they turn 18. Children start and progress through the school years as follows:
Primary School: for pupils age 4 till 11
Secondary School: for pupils aged 11-16 (quite a few secondary schools have sixth forms for those ages 16-18)
Children leaving school at the age of 16 must remain in some form of education or training until they are 18 years old through either work-based learning, such as apprenticeship, or part-time education or training or volunteering for more than 20 hours per week.
The UK’s Government’s Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (known as Ofsted) is responsible for regulating and inspecting schools and other childcare providers. Ofsted produces inspection reports every few years, which are published on their website for you to view Southampton Schools.
The University of Southampton supports the Council for the Assistance of Refugee Academics (CARA), who assist academics and educational institutions across the globe fighting persecution and threat to their lives.
CARA enables the knowledge and abilities of academics to be used by the public by supporting them to explore their ideas, literature and science free from political, social and religious oppression.
CARA was first established in 1933 by leading British academics and scientists of the day to provide refuge and support for academic colleagues who were being forced by Nazi discrimination and violence to leave Germany and Austria.
For more information about this organisation please see CARA.