The University will be closed from Tuesday 24 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive, re-opening on Thursday 2 January 2025. A small number of colleagues will continue to work on essential support services, including looking after our estate and supporting our students – thank you to those of you working at this time.
We recognise that while the winter break can be a wonderful time for many, it can be a difficult and lonely time for others. We have put together a roundup of support available to staff over this period, including opening hours where relevant.
The Employee Assistance Programme gives staff free wellbeing support and access to an expert counselling service to help you and your immediate family at any time – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Remember, more advice and signposting to information is available at the UoS Health and Wellbeing SharePoint site here.
Access to University buildings
As per our usual processes, entry to our campus buildings will be restricted to essential access only, and colleagues who continue to look after our estate and support our students will already have access arrangements in place. For the majority of staff, entry to University buildings over the closure period is not permitted, however in exceptional circumstances individuals can request authorisation. In these cases, you should:
- Complete an Out of Hours Working form and obtain the relevant authorisation.
- Carry a copy of this form and your staff ID card whilst on site.
- Contact the Central Control Room on 023 8059 3311 if you have any issues – this number is printed on the back of your ID card, and we recommend saving it to your phone as well.
- Be aware that many buildings will have limited heating, so dress appropriately.
Closure information for students
The Student Hub is open to support students throughout the winter break. They can reach the team 24/7, including on Christmas Day and New Years Eve, via our online chat, by email, or telephone 02380 599 599. Winter break opening times for our hub sites across campuses can be found on the website. If a student needs in-person wellbeing support over the festive period, our dedicated wellbeing services will be available for walk ins at The Student Hub in Building 37.
More information on support for students over the winter break can be found here.
Library opening hours
| Hartley Library | Health Services Library | National Oceanographic Library | Winchester School of Art Library | ||
| Tuesday 24th Dec | Xmas Eve | 9am-4pm | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Wednesday 25th Dec | Xmas Day | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Thursday 26th Dec | Boxing Day | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Friday 27th Dec | 9am-9pm | 9am-5pm | CLOSED | CLOSED | |
| Saturday 28th Dec | 9am-9pm | 9am-5pm | CLOSED | CLOSED | |
| Sunday 29th Dec | 9am-9pm | 9am-5pm | CLOSED | CLOSED | |
| Monday 30th Dec | 9am-9pm | 9am-5pm | CLOSED | CLOSED | |
| Tuesday 31st Dec | New Years Eve | 9am-4pm | 9am-5pm | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Wednesday 1st Jan | New Years Day | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED | CLOSED |
| Thursday 2nd Jan | 1st day back | 8am-midnight | 8am-8pm | 8am-8pm | 8am-5pm |
Full library opening hours are published on our website: https://library.soton.ac.uk/opening
Southampton Sport opening times:
Jubilee: closed Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December.
Mayflower: closed Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December.
Wide Lane: closed from Tuesday 24 December to Wednesday 1 January inclusive.
Watersports: closed from Monday 23 December to Thursday 2 January inclusive.
SUSU B42 sports facilities: closed from Saturday 21 December to Sunday 5 January inclusive.