Skip to main content
Global Initiatives Global Initiatives
  1. HOME
  2. Programs & Partnerships
  3. Global Exchange Programs
  4. UC San Diego Students
  5. Universities
  6. University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Southampton, United Kingdom

This prestigious university on England’s southern coast (a little more than an hour from London) is one of the top 100 universities in the world. Southampton is an excellent choice for students who want to study in an English-speaking country with access to travel throughout Europe. 
The University of Southampton program is the first Global Exchange Program that is exclusively with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). 
Links and Resources:

 

Important Information for 2025-26

  • Global Exchange Program applications open October 1 in TritonsAbroad
  • Check the nomination and application deadlines for 2025-26 to ensure your application is submitted on time. 
  • Please note that Global Exchange Programs have two applications: one for UC San Diego (TritonsAbroad) and the other for the partner university. After applying in Tritons Abroad, UC San Diego will review and approve your nomination and you will be provided instructions for submitting a second application to the partner university.
Visit the How to Apply section for more information on the application process and the Pre-Departure Requirements section for important steps and considerations leading up to your time abroad. 

 

VIDEO: University of Southampton- UC San Diego Student Exchange Information Session

Eligibility and Program Dates

Exchange Details:
  • Academic Level: Undergraduate
  • Academic Years: Sophomore, Junior and Senior
  • Eligible Major(s): Campuswide. Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Earth Sciences, Environmental Systems, Marine Biology and Oceanic & Atmospheric Sciences), particularly those interested in Marine Archaeology, Engineering, and Arts and Humanities majors are encouraged to  apply. 
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
Academic Calendar:
  • Fall Semester: September to January
  • Spring Semester: January to June
Students should arrive in the United Kingdom in time to attend orientation sessions prior to each semester. More information can be found on Southampton's academic calendar.

Course Information

  • Full Time Enrollment and Course Information: Thirty (30) ECTS credits per semester. Courses are categorized into modules that can be worth 10, 15 or 20 ECTS points (the standard is 7.5 ECTS). Contact hours are three hours per module per week. Faculty from SIO and the University of Southampton have already identified courses that might fulfill major requirements at UC San Diego. For more information on these courses, consult your department.
  • Language of Instruction: English 
  • Restricted Courses: Medicine, Health Sciences, and some modules within Engineering disciplines are unavailable to exchange students.

Housing and Dining

Southampton is able to guarantee University accommodation (subject to yearly review) to International Exchange/Study Abroad students. The contact email is accommodation@soton.ac.uk
Students who do not want to apply for university accommodation or are unsuccessful in their application will need to find private rented accommodation.
Dining Options: Kitchens in Residences, Cafeterias and Dining Halls.

Cost of Living

£1,000 per month depending on accommodation type and living expenses. For more information, visit the Cost of Living page compiled by Southampton.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Immigration and Visas

U.S. citizens must obtain a student visa to study in the United Kingdom. For other citizenships, visit the website of the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country of citizenship for visa requirements and processes.
  • Visa Processing Time: If you are applying for Entry Clearance as a Tier 4 student visa holder from overseas, you are permitted to apply for your visa three months in advance of your course start date The earliest start date for a visa is 1 month before the course starts.
Links:

Health and Wellness

  • Medical Facilities: Located on Campus. for more information.
  • Health Insurance: The University of Southampton does not provide any health care insurance for incoming exchange students. It is therefore imperative that all students take out travel insurance. Students staying for less than six months must also take out health/medical insurance.
  • Access to Mental Health Resources: Yes.
  • Support for Students with Disabilities: The Enabling Services team provide support for students with a wide range of specific learning differences, disabilities and health conditions. 

Student Experience and Opportunities

  • Buddy/ Mentor Program: Yes. Students are able to apply for a buddy through the student union (SUSU). 
  • Excursions/ Sightseeing: There are various activities through SUSU. During freshers week at the start of the academic year there are particular welcome events which differ from year to year.
  • Recreation/ Sporting Activities and Clubs: The student union has more than 300 clubs and societies for students.
More information on student life and experience can be found on this video.