Last updated: Thursday 9 December 2021. If you are reading after this date, please refer to the pages linked for the most up-to-date information.
Due to the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, planning for winter break this year may be more difficult for you than before. Therefore, no matter what you choose to do, we have compiled the most up-to-date information for travelling and testing, as well as the services we have available during the break if you are staying with us.
The Student Hub will continue to be available 24/7 over the winter break – whether you are in Southampton or not. This includes one-to-one wellbeing chats, which can be in person or via Microsoft Teams. Visit The Student Hub website for more information about the support available to you.
Opening Times
If you are in Southampton or Winchester during this time, please rest assured that our facilities will remain open to you. Below is a list of what is available. We advise that you check the webpages linked when you are planning your visit for the most up-to-date opening times:
- Hartley Library will be open every day, except for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. The Health Services Library will be open on the same days, with an additional closure day on the 27 December. Please visit the library website for the specific times.
- Except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Jubilee Sports Centre and Mayflower Gym will stay open every day during the break. Check the schedule for all our facilities on the website.
- University Health Service and Highfield Health will also be available for you at the usual times throughout this winter break, except for weekends and Bank Holidays.
Multiple teams across the University are planning events across the break, from quizzes to arts and crafts activities and fitness sessions! Keep checking your inbox for more information on events to get involved with, including celebrations on key dates.
COVID-19: Testing, Travel, and Support
If you are travelling during the winter break, here is a breakdown of what you are required to do to keep yourself, your loved ones, and our community safe, depending on your destination. Before you travel, please make sure you check the latest government guidelines (links below), as well as your university inbox, for any changes that may occur before your return.
Please note that you are now legally required to wear a face covering on public transport.
Students are expected to continue taking two saliva tests until the end of term. More details about how to register for the scheme and the testing programme winter closure can be found on the SUSSED post published on 8 December.
If you are travelling within the UK during this period, please make sure you take two tests (ideally three days apart) before leaving. This way you will be reassured before you see your friends and family. Over the winter break please continue to test twice a week using lateral flow devices (LFDs), including immediately before returning to the University.
If you are travelling overseas, please check the guidelines for your destination country in advance, as many countries have recently introduced new restrictions. During your stay, ensure you monitor the testing and quarantine arrangements required to enter the UK for when you return, and plan accordingly. Additionally, please keep checking the red list of countries for any updates, as different testing and quarantine arrangements are required for red list country arrivals. If your country is added to the red list during your stay, please contact The Student Hub for support.
If you are staying in Southampton or Winchester this winter break and have to take a PCR test and/or self-isolate because you develop symptoms or come into close contact with a positive case, please let us know by filling in the form on our website. This way we will ensure you are supported throughout this challenging time.
Data Centre Closure
Between Monday 20 December and Tuesday 4 January, the University is undertaking some essential electrical testing work at its primary data centre. This will affect some of our online systems and services. For more information about what it could mean for you please visit the Student FAQ page on the Data Centre Closure SharePoint site.
If you live in University-owned accommodation, please fill out the linked form in order to receive relevant communications related to how these works could impact you.
For any questions or support please contact The Student Hub via email, online chat, or by calling 02380 599 599.
