About the University of Southampton
1. The University of Southampton is a public university in the United Kingdom and a member of the renowned Russell Group of Universities.
2. The University is located in Southampton, Hampshire, England, where the Titanic set sail. The university was founded in 1862 and is well-established with a rich history and culture.
3. In May 2013, the University of Southampton, the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the Imperial College of Science and Technology and University College London initiated and created the Science and Engineering South Alliance.
4. On 17 January 2022, the University of Southampton launched its new logo. The new coat of arms adds to the original blue text logo, with the inside of the coat of arms consisting of a silhouette of a deer. The top of the shield then holds an open book with two plum-like designs on either side of the book.
5. The University of Southampton’s world rankings have steadily increased. In the QS World University Rankings 2022, the University of Southampton was ranked 77th, 13 places up from the previous year.
6. The University of Southampton is renowned for its science and technology and has produced some of the world’s most recognisable figures in this field. For example, it includes Sir Tim Berners Lee, inventor of the World Wide Web, Dame Wendy Hall, President of the British Computer Society, Tony Hey CBE, Vice President of Microsoft UK, Roy C. Geary, Founder of the Central Statistical Office, and George Deacon, Director of the National Institute of Oceanography.
Campus Life
7. The University of Southampton has three main campuses, with the primary campus being Highfield. This is where most of the Faculty’s programmes occur, and it also houses the University Hospital. Students may have visited this location during the epidemic for practical study experience. The University’s other campus, Avenue, is home to the Faculty of Humanities. This campus is closer to the city centre, and although it does not have as many amenities as the main campus, it does have a cafeteria, car park, and a new crown testing station.
8. The Avenue Campus has an open study area (similar to a library) on the first floor where food and drink are allowed and a group study room when you need to work in a group to complete a task.
9. The school’s attention to the new crown outbreak is still evident. Each classroom is equipped with disposable masks and disinfectant paper towels, which are available for collection. At the entrance of Avenue Campus, there are many self-assessment kits that students can take home without registering, which is very considerate.
10. The school canteen offers a limited variety of food options. However, the food taste is quite good, and the discounts available for students are extremely friendly. You can enjoy a set meal here for only £5-6, making it one of the most cost-effective dining options around
11. Campus societies are affluent in activities, with about 270 large and small societies. Every weekend and holiday, the clubs plan and organise various exciting activities in advance to attract everyone to participate. One of the school’s most prominent clubs, the Ski Club, organises skiing in the Alps during Christmas.
Daily Life of Students
12. The first thing to do after the quarantine period in the UK is to register for a BRP card, equivalent to a domestic ID card and a legal ID for students living in the UK. It would help if you showed it to the relevant people when you buy knives and go in and out of pubs and other places.
13. Renting an apartment is one of the trials and tribulations of studying abroad. In Southampton, there is a surplus of student accommodation, social flats and privately rented houses, which can alleviate the pressure of grabbing a room.
14. Officially provided flats by the school come with a bus pass, which is a good option when renting an apartment. However, it would help if you were constantly reminded to check which campus your major belongs to, so a short commute is the best choice. I’ve heard of students who chose a room without looking at the campus and needed to take the train to the Winchester campus daily.
15. Most students at the University of Southampton live in flats or share houses, and the cheapest way to rent a room is to share a house with 3-4 people, but the roommates are better than a box. The only difference between an en-suite and a studio is whether or not you have a personal kitchen, so if you are a keen cook, you may consider renting your studio. Still, if you are living in an en-suite, you should bear in mind that the caretaker has the right to break in without your knowledge. If this is a problem, inform the caretaker or receptionist beforehand.
16. Regarding travelling, Southampton is a small city with no metro in the whole town. There is only one railway station in the city, and public travel relies on buses and shared scooters. Southampton has two bus apps available for its residents and visitors. The first app is Unilink Bus, which operates within the city and university area. The second app is First Bus, which can take you to the outskirts of the town. Before boarding a bus, check the bus stops and use the appropriate app to purchase your ticket.
17. Also, be warned that buses in the UK don’t stop at every stop! If you don’t wave, the bus will drive straight past you. If you don’t wave, the bus will drive right past you. Similarly, you have to ring the bell to get off the bus; otherwise, the driver will assume that no one is getting off the bus and drive right past the bus stop.
18. Although Southampton is small, it has everything you need. There are shopping malls, Chinese supermarkets, cinemas, chain restaurants, etc. Life in this city is convenient and enjoyable, with locals often seen walking their dogs or jogging on the streets during the morning and weekends. This city perfectly balances vitality and leisure, making it feel like the heart and soul of the place
19. Regarding restaurants, it’s important to mention the local eating habits. Chain restaurants, including popular choices for reunions like Cosmo and Thaikhun, dominate Southampton.
However, it is essential to make a reservation before dining.
Southampton is a small city, but the people here love to gather and socialize, especially on weekends and holidays. The new restaurant in town is almost complete, already creating a buzz among the locals.
20. Just as in other UK cities, Southampton doesn’t practice the habit of tipping. When you settle the bill, you’ll find a 5-10 per cent default service charge added to the total price, eliminating the need for an additional tip (don’t be surprised to see the extra amount on the bill).
21. you can also play in other cities besides the local Southampton. Southampton nestles in southeast England. It’s just an hour’s train ride away from London. So, catching a show there is a breeze. Moreover, Southampton boasts a thriving shipping industry. You can hop on a ferry right here and head straight to France.
22. Southampton has a temperate maritime climate, with temperatures averaging 5-10 degrees Celsius in winter. Hence, a jumper and a jacket are enough to survive the winter. Summer is also warm and pleasant; the highest temperature is not more than 30 degrees in a few days, and a few T-shirts and trousers can ultimately cope.
23. It is also very easy to shop online in Southampton, usually using sites such as Boots, Amazon and Shein. As long as you don’t run out of stock, it’s a 2-3 day delivery. It will be delayed if there are weekends or holidays, but it is better than the rumour that it will take half a month to see the parcel.
24. Although the efficiency of online shopping is a rumour, the inefficiency of the British is indeed “notorious”. The efficiency of Southampton staff is on par with the rest of the country – surprisingly low. For example, if you forget the keys to your flat, it can take over five hours from the time you call to call security to fix the problem. And in the process, they’ll tell you they’re going out to dinner first.
25. Besides the laughable inefficiencies, watching some audio-visual programmes in Southampton is as difficult as at home. For example, if you want to follow the Winter Olympics and popular TV shows in real-time, you’ll have to use a VPN. This is an inconvenience not only in Southampton but also in other parts of the world.
26. If you want to work part-time in Southampton, it is effortless to do so. For example, Cosmo offers part-time jobs at around £9 per hour, which is a good amount of money if you work 10-20 hours a week on a student visa.
Study in Southampton
27. Most British master’s degrees are one year, with three semesters. In the first and second semesters, you’ll dive into learning and actively engage in class discussions, fully immersing yourself in our vibrant educational environment. As you reach the third semester, it becomes your dissertation semester. During this time, you’ll craft, write, and submit your dissertation, a significant step on your academic journey. Therefore, if you want to return to your home country earlier, you should contact your dissertation supervisor to discuss whether you can finish the dissertation discussion and revision online.
28. The University of Southampton is a comprehensive university with outstanding advantages in science and technology. The School of Electronic Information and Computer Engineering (ECS) is one of the UK’s top electronic and computer schools. The TIMES has recognized its excellence, ranking the electronic engineering program as the No. 1 in the UK and placing the computer science program at a commendable No. 2 spot in the UK. This recognition is a testament to ECS’s commitment to providing an authentic, high-quality education that prepares students for a future filled with possibilities.
29. the University of Southampton’s outstanding coastal location has given it a specialism in oceanography that is unrivalled by any other university. It is home to the UK’s National Centre for Oceanic Research (NOCS) and the Queen Mary II. The world’s largest ocean-going passenger ship was designed and built by the University of Southampton.
30. Besides the specialised courses, the University of Southampton offers several free courses. The University provides lectures, career training, and counselling sessions. These services are available across all faculties. The programme is called The Southampton Language Opportunity, and you should check your email inbox at the beginning of the new semester.
