The Ask a Current University of Southampton Student Thread!

I'm studying spanish and portuguese, from the timetable I've got at the moment (it's not complete yet) there doesn't seem to be one as my language classes go from week 1 to 11 but I'm not sure if there's a reading week in there too. If you could ask around that'd be great thanks :biggrin:

I have been able to follow this up and got a reply back from the very helpful Modern Languages Academic President (every academic unit/school has a student president who helps represent students and is a point of contact - you can find out more about them here).

There will be a reading week, although it's not been decided when yet, but it's usually 6 or 7 weeks into the term. The final details will be given during freshers week :-)

Reply 21

FloydRix

13

Another guy mentioned consumption, uh this might be a problem as I watch streams which use up a lot of data 10-15gb / day, I don't wanna get blocked or anything, what is the Universities view on this?

Reply 22

Joli

6

Original post by 1platinum

Thanks Joli for all your detailed answers in this thread! Just wondering how you would go about getting a part time job that can be flexible around studying and what sort of jobs are available? Thanks!

Original post by crowsy

Have you got any info about the ease of getting a job whilst studying at Southampton? Like is there a "job centre" thing in the union or anything? Also if you know anything about the available journalism opportunities as extra curriculars available that would be great!

As has been said above, there's plenty of opportunities. At university, there's jobs at the students union (working in your halls bar, working in the student union shop/cafe/reception/bar/nightclub etc.) and various jobs within the university (from helping out on open days to admin work), plus commercial projects you can get involved in through your societies or groups that you're interested in (for example, the student group SUSUtv which does everything video have commercial projects which lead to money). Beyond this, there's loads of jobs around as the students keep coming and going, so jobs come and go. Pubs, supermarkets, clubs etc.

As for Journalism, we've got a great community - there's the Unions own publication The Wessex Scene along with the more specialised entertainment-based journalism in The Edge, the independent student publication which has grown incredibly strong, The Soton Tab. (For other forms of media, there's also the radio station, tv channel and such, and often they all come together). All of these are really easy to get into and have lovely communities, and because of the big media interest, there's a broader Southampton University Journalism community as well - everyone sharing ideas, opportunities and such with each other. If you want to get involved, you definitely can, in many ways! All these forms are all student-run as well, so if you want, you can get involved in the running of these too.

In terms of my budget, I can cook, I pride myself on the fact that I didn't once have a ready meal in my first year :biggrin:

so going self-catered is definitely for me. Obviously not that bothered about an en-suite! I do go out A LOT though (how is Soton nightlife too?) which is where my majority budget is. I would also probbaly look at joining a gym (is there a uni one), although if it's a relatively flat place (which I believe it is!) I could probably fore-go that! I would also want to join the Tennis society/team/thing.

I've found Soton nightlife is varied and numerous - no matter what sort of night out you want, what sort of music you like, what sort of environment you want, or how much (or little) money you have. Take a look at the list on the wiki here for a bit of an idea here - some others have done some of the hard work already! There's tons of stuff at the students union on campus going on, tons of clubs and pubs (from Jesters with it's 50p pints and legendary reputation, to The Hobbit Pub with it's LOTR cocktails and surreal atmosphere). You won't be left wanting.

It's the people that make a good night out too, so definitely get involved with your JCR (your hall community, basically), sports clubs, societies and such. There are tons!

Do you have any particular preferences, if so I can give you a better idea!

Thank you so much, I know I'm a whiny bugger; I haven't been able to get to any open days cause of work (and the fact that Soton is about as far away as I can get!) oh, one last thing whilst I'm at it. I'll be 21 when moving into halls, and I'm a little bit like "oh i don't know if i want to live with screamy 18 year old who've left home for the first time" is this likely to happen, or is there anything in place to put similar aged students together, like I have seen at some other unis?

There's campus tours as well as open days, so just because you missed them doesn't mean you shouldn't visit! There's some details on the next ones here (There's some coming up in October, November). Or just come and visit - drop a message on here and have a personal tour!

Regarding accommodation, there's no standard answer as far as I am aware as some older students starting like to join with everyone else, whereas some don't. Your best bet is to give accommodation a ring and let them know any preferences, they can be accommodating (haha. sorry.) - details here

Reply 23

Joli

6

Original post by Leyton

TL;DR: What are the rules regarding video streaming in the halls and on campus? Do on-demand services require you to have a TV licence? If video services are restricted, where is the nearest free internet hotspot?

This is a great idea for a thread! Thanks! :biggrin:

I have a question about watching videos online for entertainment purposes; what sites are permitted, if any? I'm not planning on downloading or watching anything illegally/illicitly on non-licensed websites, so this isn't so much a legal thing as it is a University policy question, since there might be bandwidth issues or other issues.

There are three main categories of video sites I wanted to check:

1) On-Demand services; I've read quite a few people saying that people who watch this might need a TV licence, or that so long as the device isn't plugged into the mains you are covered by your parents' TV licence...? I'm pretty confused about all of this

2) YouTube; no need for a TV licence, but still possibly issues with bandwidth consumption.

3) CrunchyRoll; pretty obscure, but it is a legal, licensed video site that has (on-demand) TV from Japan. I'm pretty sure I don't need a TV licence for this, but again possibly issues with bandwidth consumption.

Thank you! :smile:

Video streaming is fine and tons of people do it. The bandwidth is beyond what's necessary for decent HD streaming, so that's not a problem. There's no limits or regulations on what you can (although to avoid trouble, stay legal - all your internet access will be tied to your username...)

A TV license is required for broadcast TV (ANY live TV - even if it's not the BBC - watching the live TV streams, or using something like TVCatchup over the internet), but not for on-demand television (watching pre-recorded programs).

Technically, mobile devices are exempt from needing a TV license, which is where a laptop not plugged in to the mains counts, but plugged in doesn't. This is all a little sketchy though - if you're going to be watching broadcast TV, get a license and support the BBC :P

In terms of policy, allowances, etc. - go ahead! In terms of data concerns, you'll be fine. Hope this helps :smile:

Reply 24

Joli

6

Original post by FloydRix

Another guy mentioned consumption, uh this might be a problem as I watch streams which use up a lot of data 10-15gb / day, I don't wanna get blocked or anything, what is the Universities view on this?

You should be fine! Plenty of people watch TV streams and such all the time (of course, it's much better to be out and enjoying university life, rather than watching TV :wink:

)

There's no specific limits nor regulations on what you can and can't do, apart from the obvious:

1) Try to stay legal - your usage is associated with your username and can be traced back to you in the event that a complaint is raised. It has happened in the past.

2) Don't hammer the connection - it's a very fast, very stable connection. Just because you can download constantly, all day, every day, doesn't mean you should. Particularly if it starts affecting other users. Normal or even high usage is fine - watching TV streams in the background, downloading stuff from steam etc. but mass downloading for the sake of it isn't (and you'll be noticed, particularly if it's not legal...)

Other than that, it's a great connection and lacking many regulations, caps and restrictions you might find at other universities. They trust you, as long as that trust isn't abused, you can enjoy!

Hope that helps clarify :smile:

Reply 25

crowsy

2

Original post by Joli

Do you have any particular preferences, if so I can give you a better idea!

Cheers for that (again) I'm really interested in kind of broadcast journalism too so that they have a student TV station is good.

I can't really get down for an accommodation tour so that'll have to wait for (fingers crossed) post-offer open days. I live in Manchester and I work full time so it's a bit difficult!

The sort of music I'm into is really indie music. I live in Manchester which is notorious for it's indie music nightlife scene. But I'm pretty flexible, as long as there is *somewhere* that at least slightly appeals to my music taste! If you could compare the nightlife to anywhere else how would you say it was? Southampton is one of the few cities I haven't visited friends in!

Reply 26

princess.leia

Original post by Joli

I have been able to follow this up and got a reply back from the very helpful Modern Languages Academic President (every academic unit/school has a student president who helps represent students and is a point of contact - you can find out more about them here).

There will be a reading week, although it's not been decided when yet, but it's usually 6 or 7 weeks into the term. The final details will be given during freshers week :-)

aaah brilliant! thank you! :biggrin:

Reply 27

mikeorchard

1

Original post by Joli

A TV license is required for broadcast TV (ANY live TV - even if it's not the BBC - watching the live TV streams, or using something like TVCatchup over the internet), but not for on-demand television (watching pre-recorded programs).

Just wanted to correct this. You only need a TV license if you're watching it live through BBC iPlayer or TVCatchup. If you wait even only one minute after it's finished airing and then start streaming it, you're fine. No license required.

Another question though: How does the laundrette work? I'm in Monte 3. Cost? Have to provide own conditioner/powder? 24 hours access? :P

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 28

Existentialistic

9

I have 2 clashes on my timetable, is this normal and will this be sorted out by next week? Or do I need to email the timetable admins?

Also, is it really worth me bringing a kettle? I've read that some flats end up with 5+ kettles because everyone brings one, is this likely to be the case?

Reply 29

mikeorchard

1

Also do we need ironing boards/irons?

Reply 30

fishLuke

Hey guys, current Marine Biology MSci student very excited about going into 2nd year :smile:

Original post by Existentialistic

I have 2 clashes on my timetable, is this normal and will this be sorted out by next week? Or do I need to email the timetable admins?

Also, is it really worth me bringing a kettle? I've read that some flats end up with 5+ kettles because everyone brings one, is this likely to be the case?

Sometimes clashes may just be the same module repeated again in the same spot, but if you think you have a clash then you will want to get in contact with your school. You'll probably be advised on what to do during your induction time anyway.

As for kettles and stuff like that I'd personally leave it until everyone is moved in as chances are someone will bring a kettle. Then you can go on a fun trip round town to pick anything up that you're missing :smile:

.

Original post by mikeorchard

Also do we need ironing boards/irons?

Can't comment on other halls but my experience of Romero Halls was that I think some flats had an ironing board, but these were probably left behind by previous occupants. But if you want to iron your clothes (which a lot of people don't actually bother doing) then you'll probably want to bring an iron. You'll probably want to bring an ironing board also although you could try ironing on a towel on either your desk or the floor but an ironing board makes it easier. Otherwise you could just wait until you get there and see if anyone else has stuff to iron with. I did take and iron and an ironing board (after Christmas) and found that my flat forever wanted to borrow them :P.

Reply 31

Existentialistic

9

Original post by fishLuke

Sometimes clashes may just be the same module repeated again in the same spot, but if you think you have a clash then you will want to get in contact with your school. You'll probably be advised on what to do during your induction time anyway.

As for kettles and stuff like that I'd personally leave it until everyone is moved in as chances are someone will bring a kettle. Then you can go on a fun trip round town to pick anything up that you're missing :smile:

.

Cool, thanks!

Reply 32

IndecisiveMikey

Hello there! I was just wondering, as the History department is located at Avenue Campus would you need to stay at the halls there (if there are any) or would you stay on main site and just get the bus link to it everyday? Thanks in advance

Reply 33

fishLuke

Original post by IndecisiveMikey

Hello there! I was just wondering, as the History department is located at Avenue Campus would you need to stay at the halls there (if there are any) or would you stay on main site and just get the bus link to it everyday? Thanks in advance

I don't think there are any halls on any of the campuses but there are certainly some within walking distance such as the small halls on Archers Road (Romero and Gateley). Otherwise to get to Avenue you can certainly get there on the U2 bus but not sure about other busses. Southampton uni campuses are very well linked by bus services so you'll have no trouble wherever you live, just if you live up by Highfield campus you'll probably have a longer commute.

Reply 34

tuile

1

Original post by mikeorchard

Also do we need ironing boards/irons?

there is an ironing board at the flat im in right now (montefiore 3) but havent seen an iron anywhere, so if you are not bothered with carrying an iron with you, you could bring it :P

I'm not as experienced as Joli to answer questions, but I'm staying at the Wessex Halls and getting to know the area and the campus atm so some questions I can help with as well :smile:

Reply 35

mikeorchard

1

Cool, I can always buy them when I'm there if I feel the need to iron things... :P

Reply 36

mikeorchard

1

I've just had a search and couldn't find much info tbh.

Do we need student contents insurance? I've just read through the t&cs of endsleighs policy and it seems like everything has an excess and almost everything isn't covered, and if you make a claim on what is covered you then have to pay an excess AND another premium to continue the policy. Just seems like another expense that I might not need depending on how secure the rooms are?

Plus they only offer 12 month policies when we're only gonna be there for 9 months? Just seems like some bright spark at the NUS came up with a great way to get even more money from students.

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 37

fishLuke

Original post by mikeorchard

I've just had a search and couldn't find much info tbh.

Do we need student contents insurance? I've just read through the t&cs of endsleighs policy and it seems like everything has an excess and almost everything isn't covered, and if you make a claim on what is covered you then have to pay an excess AND another premium to continue the policy. Just seems like another expense that I might not need depending on how secure the rooms are?

Plus they only offer 12 month policies when we're only gonna be there for 9 months? Just seems like some bright spark at the NUS came up with a great way to get even more money from students.

Hey mate.

If you want your stuff to be covered at uni you either have to check if you are covered on your parents policy or get your own. I went through Endsleigh last year and am continuing this year. Fortunately I did not have to claim at all, I know about paying excess on things but didn't know about any premiums. Also in my opinion I thought the cover they offered to be very good, but obviously if you want some things covered sometimes they have to be optional extras. My room is Romero Hall was behind a passcode door, a flat door and my door so it was quite secure, but I opted for it for piece of mind as it was £9 a month or potentially ruining my life.

Yup the policies are 12 months and you'll find a lot of things in life are 12 months, like my house rental for this year but you have to live with it I guess. At least during the time you are not at university you still get use of some cool parts of your insurance like the mobile phone/laptop cover etc.

Also note, as with my insurance, they automatically renew your policy at the end of your current one and assume that you're moving to shared rented accommodation. They will let you know that they're going to do this a couple of weeks before they do and give you the option to phone and cancel. To be fair this was quite useful to me as I didn't have to do anything as I was going to renew anyway and the renewal was cheaper than setting up a new policy.

Anyway good luck if you're moving in tomorrow, I'm moving back to Southampton tomorrow and will be hitting up Jesters :smile:

.

Reply 38

Existentialistic

9

Is there any point in buying tickets from Boxoffice.Susu.org or can I just pay at the door?