Southampton and UK Information for Newcomers

I moved to Southampton and the UK in September 2021. Here are some practical links and information that I wish I had when I made the move.

Calendar

Main university-related dates are listed on Southampton academic calendar. Since you are enrolled into research degree, you don’t have to take classes, but you can audit them if you like. Note that the University distinguishes “terms” and “semesters”. There are three terms (not counting summer), but only two semesters in an academic year. Courses (“modules” in British) are semester-long, but they are not being taught during the weeks which are not a part of some term. Orientation (“induction” in British) activities for new PhD students will be the week of 26 September and 3 October.

Preparing for the Journey

UK is using 230V power with 3 prong flat pin plugs like these. The plugs are the same as in Hong Kong, but different from mainland China. Check your US devices if they work on 230V.

Arriving to Southampton

The closest international airport is London Heathrow (LHR). There is a direct National Express bus service from Heathrow to Southampton. Some buses stop at the University, others in the centre of the city. One-way ticket is about £20. If I am in the UK when you arrive, I will try to meet you at Heathrow.

Campus

Agents, Interaction, and Complexity research group is located in building 32 on Highfield campus, which is the main campus of the University.

Housing

See Postgraduate Accommodations for university housing. Sites Rightmove and Spareroom might be good starting places for non-university housing.

Banking

There are many banks in the UK and some of them are in Southampton. I have heard that banks often require you to have a UK residential address and many landlords require a bank account before they rent you. I have a wise.com multi-currency account that comes with a debit Visa card. The account can be opened outside of the UK, even in China. The card is not available in China. If needed, you can use my address in the beginning.

Mobile Phone

Most phone companies offer better deals to customers with credit history who are ready to commit to two-year plans. People new to the UK do not have a UK credit history and, thus, have to use monthly or pay-as-you-go plans. I am using Smarty mobile phone company that has unlimited plan for £20 with unrestricted tethering in the UK. Let me know if you want me to refer you to them, we both will get a free month :).

Local Transport

The university runs its own bus system UniLink. It provides easy (but not free) access from campus to many places in the city. There are two other bus companies that serve the city.

Shopping

Several supermarkets and many restaurants are located in Portswood, which is about 20 minute walk from building 32. WestQuay is a large shopping mall in the centre of the city. It is accessible by UniLink bus. There is an IKEA store behind the mall. Amazon.co.uk is smaller than Amazon’s American online store, but you still should be able to find most of what you need there. They have free returns policy, but you will need to bring purchase back to one of many easily accessible collection points.

Healthcare

You will be required to pay NHS health surcharge with your visa application. Most medical services in the UK are free. There is a co-pay for prescriptions. You will need to choose your doctor (GP). A possible option is UniDocs, located on campus.

COVID-19

There are currently no covid restrictions in the UK. No pre-flight or post-flight tests are required. No masks are required. Legally, you do not have to isolate even if you have the virus. However, many people on campus continue to wear masks in-door. It is advisable to self-isolate if you have covid or any other contagious disease. Some airlines require to wear masks on airplane. Covid vaccination (including booster shots) is free (paid by NHS) and is available on campus. From my experience, most places offer either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

American vs. British Academic English

Graduate student (American) = Postgraduate Student (British)

Major (American) = Course (British)

Course (American) = Module (British)

Grade (American) = Mark (British)

Faculty (American) = Academics (British)

College as a unit within University (American) = Faculty (British)

Links

• The Student Room Discussion Forum about Southampton (mostly about undergraduate life)

• Chinese Association of Southampton

Your Post Graduate Academic Life

Postgraduate Regulations

• Code of Practice for Research Degree Candidature and Supervision

• Regulations for Research Degrees

• Submission of a Research Paper PhD Thesis (an option that we will discuss)

PGR Manager

The university is using online software PGR (Post Graduate Researcher) Manager online software to manage and track your progress towards your degree. Student Guide can help you to learn how to use this software.

Inductions from September 2022

Here are the recordings of the FEPS induction meetings that you have missed in September 😢. There should be similar presentations again in January 2023:

1. Postgraduate Research Induction, Part 1, Half 1

2. Postgraduate Research Induction, Part 1, Half 2

3. Postgraduate Research Induction, Part 2, Half 1

4. Postgraduate Research Induction, Part 2, Half 2

There is also ECS introductory module for new PhD students that you will take in Semester 2.