Southampton enjoys a privileged location in the south and warmest coast of England. Its port is one of the largest in the country – the Titanic left from Southampton and the city is a frequent stop for international cruise ships every year. Southampton is only just over 1 hour by train from central London and 15 min by train from Winchester, the old capital of England and home of the Round Table. The Isle of Wight (famous for its sailing and beautiful beaches) is only 30 min away by ferry, and the nearby New Forest (protected Natural Park) offers a peaceful environment full of English picturesque cottages and wild ponies.

Southampton International Airport has regular flights with mainland Europe, which can also be reached by ferry from the nearby Portsmouth. The University ‘Unilink’ bus connects Southampton campuses with the University facilities and the rest of the city. Winchester School of Art joined the University of Southampton in 1996 and is now the only campus outside Southampton city, with its own hall of residence, art gallery and specialised library as well as access to all the facilities available at the Southampton campuses.

International students have guaranteed accommodation at the University’s Halls of Residence if they apply for their accommodation by the deadline of 1 August. Rooms at the Halls of Residence are usually allocated in August and you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place, once the Accommodation Office has already informed you of your room.

If you are an incoming MUSAC student during the second semester, you should contact the International Office by mid-November regarding your accommodation. In most cases the Accommodation Office is able to find a place for the second semester only at the Halls of Residence, provided that the student has informed the University in advance.

Our International Student Advisors at the Students’ Union Information and Advice Centre (http://suaic.susu.org) provide assistance with immigration issues, financial problems and all type of every day issues that affect international students. Staff at the International Office also offers professional support.

International students have access to all the facilities in campus such as the Hartley Library and the Jubilee Sports Centre, and most services are also available online through the University intranet. International students can seek advice from their tutors (in seminars and tutorials), the Students’ Union Information and Advice Centre and the Counselling Service. The University’s Chaplaincy is open to all the faiths represented in our diverse student and academic community.

The National Health Service guarantees health treatment to international students coming to the UK for a period longer than six months. Mexican students coming for less than 6 months are advised to take out private medical insurance. The University of Southampton has two doctor’s practices on campus, where students should register as soon as they arrive.

Inés Teresa-Palacio

Country Development Manager

International Office

University of Southampton

Highfield

Southampton SO17 1BJ

RU

Email: I.Teresa-Palacio@soton.ac.uk

Tel: 0044 23 8059 4066

Fax: 0044 23 8059 8878

Web: www.soton.ac.uk/international