Southampton Solent University

• Founded: in 1989 (university status since 2005)
• Location: Southampton, South England, United Kingdom
• Total number of students: 16000
• Number of foreign students: 1000
• Type of accommodation: residence
• Type of program: mixed
• Language of instruction: English.

Southampton Solent University (University of Southampton Solent) is a prestigious higher educational institution in the UK, whose history dates back to 1856, when the private School of Arts was established in its place. The status of an independent higher education institution was awarded to the Institute in 1989, and the official title of the university was awarded in 2005. Currently, Southampton Solent University attracts students from all over the world with a high level of education, built on the application of practical skills during study. For example, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and improve their skills during real projects. Thus, by the time the diploma is awarded, graduates have not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical experience that helps them to become popular specialists in the modern labor market.

The University of Solent aims to create an excellent university education that allows students to become responsible and enterprising citizens, to demonstrate their leadership qualities. To increase students' confidence in their abilities, as well as increase their importance in the labor market, Southampton Solent University offers the latest academic programs created on the basis of a combination of applied sciences and intellectual challenges for students with a diverse, comprehensive and supportive learning environment. It is especially worth noting that more than 95% of the graduates of the institution find work in the first year (according to data for 2017).

Solent University has received a number of awards and recognition from international educational organizations due to the high standards of education, a wide range of opportunities and great experience with students from all over the world:

• TEF Silver (The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework)
• Entered the world university QS rating in January 2017
• The "Most Improved Student Experience" Award for Achievements in Higher Education
• Winner of the CIPR regional conference on public relations.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What are the currently popular courses at UK universities?

UK universities are known for their diverse subject offerings. Business, medicine, and engineering traditionally see high demand, with growing interest in computer science. 

All students have the opportunity to receive comprehensive support for everything from finding off-campus housing to finding their first job. Staff and educators offer additional subject classes, mentoring services, tailored curricula, and other tools to help students achieve academic excellence.

The university has several specialized faculties and departments:

• Business, Law and Digital Technologies,
• Creative industries, architecture and engineering,
• Sport, Health and Social Sciences,
• Warsash Maritime School,
• Art, music.

The university's goal is to conduct innovative research that has a wide-ranging and significant impact on students' experiences and learning, as well as on the lives of people in local, national, and international communities. Research projects cover four areas:

• Environment, Engineering,
• Functions, human health,
• Media, culture, art,
• Social Research, Politics.

Not only highly qualified specialists, but also bachelor's, master's and doctoral students take part in the research.

Solent Food Garden is part of the Students' Union's campus greening initiative, implemented in partnership with management. The garden with a variety of plants, vegetables and fruits aims to create a safe space for people who would like to spend time in tranquility, gardening. The green space is available to all students, however, only applicants can make changes and grow fruits, vegetables and herbs in the beds. The garden has 10 high beds, extensive places for growing plants in the ground. Everything that grows in the garden is used in the preparation of dishes in the restaurants and cafeterias of the university.

Southampton is a historic city in the UK, located an hour's drive from London. In this city everyone can find an occupation for themselves - magnificent parks, rich nightlife, fascinating exhibitions and museums, inimitable music concerts, cafes and restaurants with delicious dishes, cinemas, shops and much more.

The campus and 7 residences are located in the city center, which makes studying comfortable for students. Dormitories are located in close proximity to each other, which gives the area a sense of student community. The University of Solent offers more than 2300 rooms for its students. In all residences each room is equipped with everything necessary for living and studying. In addition, students of the hostel can use the shared kitchen, equipped with a stove, microwave and refrigerator.

For students for today, there are the following accommodation options (cost per week / price for a standard period of stay):

1. Chantry student residence (208 rooms, without private bathroom):

• Room - 105 £ / 4365 £
• Large room - 123 £ / 5005 £.

2. David Moxon residence (117 rooms, each of which has a private bathroom):

• Number - 137 £ / 5703 £.

3. Deanery student residence - a hostel that provides 422 student rooms, divided into blocks for accommodation at 7.8 or 10 students. Here, first-year students, second and third-year students, graduate students and students undergoing the exchange program can be accommodated:

• Room for 1 person (bathroom - total) - 137 £ / 5703 £.
• Room - 137 £ / 5703 £
• Large room - 147 £ / 6140 £.

4. Hamwic student residence (228 bedrooms equipped with bathrooms):

5. Kimber student residence (274 rooms with en-suite bathrooms) is located closest to the main campus and offers a scenic view of Hoglens Park:

• Standard Room - 144 £ / 5994 £
• Great - £ 154 / £ 6402.
• The standard room is 118 £ / 4917 £.

6. Lucia Foster Welch student residence offers 805 modern bedrooms (bathroom - common) for students. This is the largest hostel offering accommodation for students 1,2,3 course and exchange students. This residence consists of 7 separate buildings that are located near the Ocean Village waterfront with its boats, bars, cafes and cinemas:

7. Emily Davies student residence (240 rooms) places students 1, 2, 3 years of study, post-graduate students and exchange students:

• The small room is 90 £ / 3753 £.
• Standard - £ 101 / £ 4219
• Great - 113 £ / 4699 £
• Double room (single occupancy) -124 £ / 5179 £
• Double room (double occupancy) - 71 £ / 2982.

Note that the standard placement period is September 13 - July 1.

For students who want to spend more time in the UK or continue studying the chosen specialty during the holidays, there is the possibility of additional accommodation (from September 13 to August 15):

1. Lucia Foster Welch student residence (price per week / cost for the whole period of accommodation) - 104.65 £ / 5023.2 £.

2. Emily Davies student residence:

• Small room - 79 £ / 3830 £
• Standard - 92 £ / 4335 £
• Great - £ 101 / £ 4872
• Double room (single occupancy) -117 £ / 5661 £
• Double room (double occupancy) - £ 65 / £ 3158.

In addition, during the period from July 7 to September 1, students can be accommodated in one of the residences. The cost of accommodation per 1 week is 63 £.

Students who love independence can rent accommodation in the private sector. In partnership with the University of Southampton and the City Council, Solent University compiled an accredited catalog of private student hostels in the city and its environs.

A wide range of thematic clubs, sports sections and creative associations gives students the opportunity to find something to their liking, immerse themselves in their favorite business in a circle of like-minded people, achieve success and earn a scholarship.

Sport is one of the main areas of extracurricular activities. There are more than 30 sports clubs on the university campus, including:

• American football
• Cricket
• Athletics
• Badminton
• Basketball
• Mountaineering
• Tennis,
• Rugby
• Volleyball
• Yachting
• Netball
• Equestrian
• Cheerleading, dancing,
• Soccer
• Swimming.

National teams compete in a variety of tournaments, including the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues. In 2017, Solent Sport won the title of "Best University" in the BUCS National Awards, climbing an impressive 13 positions. Varsity is an annual sporting event launched in 2016 where teams compete against Bournemouth University in a local derby: the event consists of 25 sports matches attended by more than 1,700 spectators.

Student societies serve as a place where students can develop their interests in a circle of like-minded people, they reflect the diverse hobbies of the student body, for example:

• Accounting, Business,
• Asian Community,
• Airsoft,
• Community of Doctor Who fans,
• Catholic Society,
• Filmmaking
• Anime, manga,
• Video games,
• Yoga
• Social networks.

All theme clubs and sports teams are managed by the Student Council, which also organizes most of the activities on campus. Every year, the educational area receives dozens of guests at its musical concerts, theatrical performances, master classes and lectures. International and national holidays, costume parties, historical dates, teachers' anniversaries and other events are celebrated in a big way at Southampton Solent University.

Getting education at the elite University of Solent has several advantages:

• Confidence in the future. Excellent educational programs, personalized support and highly qualified teachers will allow each student to prepare for an independent life.
• Location. The campus and six university residences are located in the center of Southampton, which is located near London.
• International recognition and unique international atmosphere of the campus, allowing students to learn the culture and traditions of different countries, learn to respect these differences and build friendly relations with students from all over the world.
• Practical orientation of education. Theoretical knowledge becomes useless without practical experience of their application. So, the students of the directions of communications, engineering, sports, etc. get the opportunity to influence the real world in the framework of various projects.
• Modern equipment and the latest technology.
• Readiness for work. Studying at the institute is not only cramming and meeting with friends, but also an opportunity to become popular on the labor market. Sector-specific courses aimed at helping students find a job will be the key to success after receiving a diploma.

Southampton Solent University has an excellent infrastructure. Solenta pupils can use the following auditoriums for scientific or research work:

• Extensive library
• Computer and Computing Laboratory
• Laboratory of Physiology, accredited by BASES
• Laboratory of Biomechanics
• Psychological laboratory
• Inspection vessel
• Engine Room Engine Simulator
• Marine Engineering Workshops
• Radio center
• Berth and rescue ship
• Medical Training Center
• Fire school
• Several gyms and fitness centers
• Coalporters Golf Club
• Andark, a partner of the university, present an opportunity for students to try themselves in diving and water sports
• Equestrian center of Gleneagles (partner of the University)
• Laboratory of Acoustics
• TV studios
• Cisco Networking Labs
• Digital music studio
• Radio Studios
• Music Halls
• Rehearsal rooms for musicians to work on their material for performances and assessments.
• Press Center and News Broadcasting
• Advanced production laboratory
• Laboratory of Applied Mechanics and many others.

Tuition fee is 20,000 £ per year per student. The price includes studying the selected academic program, teaching materials, and some extra-curricular activities.

Additionally, air tickets and transfer (round trip), accommodation, excursions and classes not included in the academic program, visa, pocket expenses are paid.

Applicants go through several stages for enrollment, some of them are available online:

• Submission of a personal application, required documents,
• Payment of registration fees,
• Passing an interview, entrance exams,
• Receiving an official invitation to enroll,
• Making a deposit to book a place, applying for a scholarship, reserving a place in a residence,
• Arrival at campus and start of classes.

Every year, the institution conducts a survey of graduates, which collects statistics - more than 90% of students are employed or continue their academic path within 15 months after receiving a diploma.

For admission to the bachelor's program at the University of Solent, you must provide the following documents:

• Online application for education
• Diploma of higher education or a certificate of completion of the school and a certificate of passing courses A-levels or IB.
• Certificate in English IELTS
• Teacher feedback.

For applicants who intend to enter the magistracy, it is necessary to submit a bachelor's diploma, an IELTS certificate and, in some cases, a certificate of the "Pre-Masters" course.

For admission to such specialties as medicine, economics and business + some others, it is necessary to undergo additional tests.

A wide range of scholarship support helps many students pay for tuition, maintain motivation for high achievements in studies and extracurricular activities. The university has dozens of programs that award especially outstanding students: athletes, scientists, art historians, linguists, doctors and others. The award is paid for one academic year, can be extended if a good level of grades is maintained.

Financial support is also available for those who find themselves in a difficult life situation and have external benefits - for example, students from large families, the military, single-parent families.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision