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Southampton Solent University
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a University > University Guides > Southampton Solent University
 Southampton Solent University, mainly based in the city of Southampton in the south of England, came into being in the summer of 2005. It can trace its history back to 1856, a private school of Art. FacilitiesLibrariesThe main place to find books and other services is the Mountbatten Library. It's spread over a few floors, so it might be a good idea to have a tour or find your way around early on in your time there. As well as the usual book services, there is photocopying and printing and microfilm readers. The library is also good for part-timers as it will photocopy and reserve things for you if you're only a part time student and can't make it in easily. There are also computer facilities in the library, including points for laptops to be plugged in. You might also be able to hire out a laptop - the service is based up on the second floor of the building. IT and computingThere are three main places you can get computer access- the library, the Andrews Learning Resource Centre and the James Matthews Building. The former two also offer laptop hire services. In all the three places give you access to voer 600 PCs and 100 Macs and they are generally only open until 9pm, so no all nighters on the computers. The IT resource centre also provides you with an email and storage account on the uni network and offers printing services. You also can make use of scanners in most locations. Across campus there is a wide coverage of a wireless network in both uni buildings and in halls, so you can make use of that almost where ever you end up being.
SportsSport is popular at the university, with over 30 sports clubs. You can play at loads of different levels, depending on what you want and your ability, from university to teams, to playing against others at university to just having a bit of fun and keeping fit. The uni has a sports hall, numerous sports pitches and fitness suite and even saunas. You can also get good advice on training, nutrition and fitness from qualified advisers. The sports hall is open until pretty late during the week, so you can still make use of the facilities after a very busy day. You're also able to take courses in coaching for sports like basketball, cricket, football and volleyball. There are also additional sports facilities in the city too. There is the swimming pool down at The Quays and loads of golf courses around. Southampton is also a BIG place for sailing if that's what you like!
WelfareThe uni offers you a load of support as a student. These services include a counseling service which gives you train professionals to listen to your problems and talk through them with you. There is a mental health service as well as services offering support and advice to disabled and international students. There are also finance, student and study advice services. The first gives you help and support on money issues, the second on any non-academic issues and the third on focused on study matter, training ans key skills. Finally there is the medical centre, the chaplaincy and the careers service, all of which can offer you different types of help (of which you can read more below). HealthcareThe uni requires all students to register with a doctor. There is a GP surgery for students at Lucia Foster Welch Halls of Residence for the usual services and info you'd expect. Though this isn't a convenient location for all students. You might need to contact the information centre for a surgery nearer to where you actually end up living. In Southampton city there is also an emergency dental clinic for dental treatment, but despite this, you should also try to register with a local dentist. ShopsThe University has a general newsagent type shop in the Andrews building which also sells disocunted newspaper. Across the park in the Matthews building there is a newsagents on the opposite the building. The entire University is a few minutes walk away from Southampton town centre which makes access to shops of all types very easy. RestaurantsThe Andrews building has its own canteen which is open during the day. The entire Uni is near the town centre, so it only takes 5 minutes to find a whoel host of comemrcial food outlets. BanksThe SU has a NatWest and a Barclays cash machine. TransportThe main East Park Terrace campus is right by Southampton city centre, so you'll not need to do much travelling if there. The other campuses are a little further out from the centre, but have good transport/bus links. If travelling to and from the uni you probably will use either Southampton Central Train Station (which is not too far from East Park Terrace) with it's good links to pretty much any major city in the UK. Or you might want to use the cheaper but slower coach network, with National Express stopping at Southampton.
Parking opportunites are fairly poor as the Uni is in the town centre. However, an all day car park can be found behind the Andrews building in St Mary's. Careers serviceThe service will help you with planning your career. You can get quick 'drop in' assistance for small issues including having your CV and applications looked at. They are also good at giving you more substantial help if you're really stuck over what to do, but you'll need to book for that. The service is also open to you after you graduate for up to three years. The Careers service also has a job shop which advertises graduate jobs from a whole range of national and local employers. Part-time jobsAgain, the Careers service job shop might be a good place to search (you can do it online). They have a range of part time, temporary and volunteer opportunities advertised with them for while you're at the uni. You can also see loads of ads in the shops and bars around town, so go an have a look there too and see what you can find. Religious facilitiesThe chaplaincy provides a supportive and non-judgemental environment for all students. You can find them at East Park Terrace where you can either drop by or make an appointment. If you've over at Warsash, then they aren't there - instead you'll have to see a student adviser who can make contact with them over at East Park Terrace. There is a faith room in Herbert Collins building building for use by all students of all faiths. You can also use the room for meeting but must book it. There is another faith room at Warsash in the Mountbatten Library building. Also in Herbert Collins building is a new prayer room for student use which can be split up with curtains to provide different or more private areas. As well as providing these services at the university, the Chaplaincy is also a source of information - both about religion and about links with local groups for pretty much any major religion. SocialBars, pubs and clubsEventsGenerally each there is the Freshers Ball, Graduation Ball and the Summer Festival. Though there are many more themed nights and events through the year. Clubs and societiesThere are loads of student societies that you can join. These include:
AccommodationThe good thing about Southampton Solent's accommodation is that it's about 10-15 years old, so still relatively new and it's all within walking distance of the city centre! In all there are over 2300 places - a fair number, but by far, not enough for all students to get a place in it. Accommodation policyFive of the residences (Kimber, Hamwic, Chantry, Deanery and the Lucia Foster Welch) as set aside most for first years with the old other year student in them. Then Emily Davis is used just for non-first year students. If you're a first year you should get accommodation and usually all first years who want it get it, but the uni doesn't guarantee this. And it doesn't matter where you come from - whether local or from the other end of the country you'll be considered equally for accommodation on a first come, first served basis - so get your applications in as soon as you can! Facilities
ResidencesKimber
Hamwic
Chantry
Deanery
Lucia Foster Welch
Emily Davis
Private sectorStudent unionThe SU has a building over several floors. It has two bars and a shop and serves food in one of the bars. The Executive also have their offices in there and the student advice centre also finds a home. You can also get wireless internet in parts of the building. PricesEnvironmentArchitectureLocal areaTeaching qualityApplying to Southampton SolentThinking of applying to Southampton Solent University? Why not read some Personal Statements which were used for applying here? Other Southampton Solent ArticlesWhy not read these other Southampton Solent University Articles? Links | 
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