Welcome to Southampton
We're pleased to have you with us! On this page, you'll find the essential tasks you will need to complete before you start at the University. You'll also find some useful information about joining your new community.
Your essential tasks
Complete these tasks to help make your start at university go as smoothly as possible.
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Check whether you need a visaIf you are not a British citizen or Irish national, you may need a visa to study with us. -
Set up your IT accountSet up an account for your University email and other IT systems, including Blackboard.
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Upload your documentsYou must upload the identity documents we need before you start your studies with us.
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Enrol at the UniversityEnrolment is when you officially join the University. You'll need your IT account details to do this.
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Apply for a student ID cardOnce you've set up your IT account and enrolled, you can apply for your ID card.
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Sort out your accommodationYou need to finalise your accommodation or let us know you'll be living at your home address.
Inductions and community
Once you've completed your essential tasks, you'll need to complete your induction on Blackboard, our online learning environment, before your studies begin. You'll be able to access Blackboard once you've set up your University IT account and enrolled with the University.
You can also start exploring your new community and, if you’re joining us from abroad, why not also let us meet you at the airport?
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Undergraduate inductionThis Blackboard induction module for undergraduate students introduces you to what studying at Southampton is like. It will also provide you with the tools and resources you need to access teaching and learning.
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Postgraduate inductionThis Blackboard induction module for postgraduate taught students shows you how to meet the higher expectations at this level, including developing your research and independent study skills further.
Download the MySouthampton app
The MySouthampton app gives you easy access to everything you need as a University of Southampton student, including:
- your personalised timetable once it becomes available
- your University email account
- your digital ID card
- support services
- key platforms and resources such as Blackboard and our Libraries
- campus maps for directions to locations and facilities
- the latest news and upcoming events you can take part in as you join our community
The MySouthampton app is available on Android and iOS devices. If you can't download the app, you can access a desktop version of MySouthampton using your web browser.
Key Welcome dates
- Welcome Weekend: Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025
- Welcome and Inductions Week: Monday 22 September to Friday 26 September 2025
- Start of teaching: Monday 29 September 2025
Campus maps
You can view our interactive campus maps to start finding your way around our campuses.