OOC allows eligible students to select preferred optional modules online, using the Online Option Choice system in Banner Self-Service. Ìý

Who can make choices and how?Ìý

Eligible students will receive step-by-step guidance on how to select modules for semester two via email prior to the window opening on Thursday 7 November – keep your eye out for an email from The Student Hub.ÌýÌý

You do not need to do anything in the meantime, but you may wish to read the Online Option Choice FAQs on the website.ÌýÌý

You can use the page and or to find out more information about modules before making your choices. You may also wish to speak to your Personal Academic Tutor or the Programme Lead. Ìý

Remember: is your first point of contact for questions and concerns on course administration, exams, fees, finance and more, available 24/7. You can also check this article for more information on module choices. 

What is Online Option Choice?

OOC allows you to select your preferred optional modules online for the upcoming academic year. . Once logged into Banner, select ‘Student Services’ and then ‘Optional Module Choice’.

If you’re eligible to participate in OOC, you were emailed on Tuesday 2 July from The Student Hub with instructions on accessing and using the system, including support and next steps.

If you have any questions on OOC and how to choose your modules, please email curriculum@southampton.ac.uk.Ìý

Your marks will be sent to your university email account, and it is your responsibility to ensure that your email account is accessible. From 14:30 on the same day, you can view them on Banner Self Service via the ‘My Student Record’ icon on your SUSSED account.

In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, remember The Student Hub is contactable 24/7 by using the , by email or telephone 02380 599 599.ÌýYou can also visit the for information on a range of topics, including exams and awards.

The Special Considerations process is your way of letting us know of any exceptional circumstances, so we can determine whether there is sufficient evidence that this has impacted your academic performance.    ÌýÌý

Deadline reminderÌýÌý

You should make a request within five working days of the impacted assessment or exam, but no later than Monday 10 June, whichever comes first. Please note, that this deadline does not apply to students from the Faculty of Medicine or School of Health Sciences. ÌýÌý

Making a requestÌýÌý

You’ll need to fill out a as part of your request and your case will need to be considered by the Special Considerations Board. Filling out the form correctly is important.ÌýÌýÌý

Guidance  ÌýÌý

Before you make a request, we strongly recommend that you and read the guidance so that you can evaluate whether your circumstances are likely to be accepted.ÌýÌýÌý

If you have any concerns, it may be helpful to discuss them with your Personal Academic Tutor. Remember, is here for you if you have any questions or concerns about exams, wellbeing, and more – reach out 24/7.Ìý

Whether you’re feeling worried, anxious, stressed, or just need someone to talk to, our wellbeing advisors are here for you. You can reach out to the team through , on 02380 599 599, via , or email. You can also visit us in person at one of our campus locations.

Our team can offer you a safe space to talk, help you access counselling services, discuss coping strategies, and support you if you’re facing any form of harassment or abuse. No matter the query, the friendly advisors understand the difficulties of student life and are happy to help you access the support you need – so don’t hesitate to ask.

Additionally, you can access our A-Z list of wellbeing resources via the , which also has more information about the wellbeing support on offer.

The exams and assessments period can be stressful, so it’s important to check in with those around you. A simple chat, text or call can make a big difference to someone’s day. , don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing studenthub@soton.ac.uk or calling 02380 599 599.

1. Your timetable
   Take note of your venue, seat number, and room number ahead of your exam, and check your timetable. You can find it on s can help you find your locations.
2. Plan your journey
   Arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time so do plan to get to your venue, enter the exam, and take your seat in good time – attendance to exams will be recorded, and you may be contacted by The Student Hub if you are absent without having already let us know.
3. Instructions
   On the day, make sure you listen to instructions from the invigilators and carefully check the instructions to candidates provided on your paper before you begin. You will need to fill in the answer booklet and attendance slip. Watch the helpful video below to see how.

4. Physical student ID card
   Bring your student ID card with you and place it on your desk where it can be seen by the invigilators. If you need a replacement card you can order it up to three days before your exam.
5. Calculators and dictionaries
   If you need a calculator, ensure you are using an approved model as you can only use Casio models in your assessment. The only dictionary to be brought into an assessment is defined as a ‘direct translation’ dictionary (word to word) with no additional dialogue or explanation, context or grammar guidance.
   Example of an approved calculator model.
   Example of the University approved dictionary.
6. No phones, watches, or electronic devices
   Switch off your phone and any electronic devices before entering the exam and put them in your bag. Leave your bag and other personal belongings as instructed by the invigilators.
7. Water
   Make sure your water to drink is in a clear or non-labelled reusable bottle.
8. Accessing online assessments
   ExamStart is an entry portal to a computer-aided assessment, whether you are completing a computer-aided assessment or completing your exam on a PC rather than by hand. Preview how the software works:
   
   
9. If things do not go to plan
   You may find yourself in a position where your assessments are negatively affected by illness or other exceptional circumstances outside of your control.ÌýTheÌýSpecial Considerations process is your way of letting us know, so we canÌýdetermineÌýwhether there is sufficient evidence that this hasÌýimpactedÌýyour academicÌýperformance.
10. If you feel overwhelmed or want to talk to someone
    The Student Hub is your first point of contact if you have questions and concerns relating to support, exams and wellbeing – contactable 24/7, all year round.Ìý The can also help with academic queries.

This year’s theme is ‘Movement: moving more for our mental health’ and there are plenty of ways to get moving. Why not choose to get outdoors in-between studies, or take part in one of our free Be Active sessions to try a new sport and meet new people? There are events across campuses to choose from if you simply wish to recharge and unwind.

to find out what free events are on, including tennis, badminton, pickleball, and free gym access to Flower Art with ResLife, and more.

You can also visit Sport England’s website for tips, advice, and guidance on how to stay active and build new habits. There are activities for indoors, outdoors, and even fun fitness challenges.

You Are More Than Your StudiesÌý(YAMT)

Your Students’ Union also has free activities to help you check in with your wellbeing during the week and beyond. or head to the forÌýany You Are More Than workshops.

24/7 support, 365 days a year

Don’t forget we are always here for you if you have any questions or concerns about exams, wellbeing, and more – you can reach out to The Student Hub 24/7, where you can speak with one of our dedicated Wellbeing team.

The also provides free, independent, and confidential advice and information on practical matters.

Here is what’s available at weekends during this assessment period:ÌýÌý

National Oceanographic Library (NOCS) – Waterfront CampusÌýÌý

Open at weekends from 09:00-16:00, and 09:00-17:00 on Monday 27 May (Bank Holiday)ÌýÌý

The NOCS Library is the perfect place to study at the weekend if you are near the city centre, or have plans in the area and would like to fit some studying into your day. Easily accessible by bus, NOCS has plenty of study spaces available – including tables in the café overlooking the Solent.ÌýÌý

Health Services Library – University Hospital SouthamptonÌýÌý

Open at weekends from 08:00-20:00, and 09:00-17:00 on Monday 27 MayÌýÌý

Great for those preferring quieter study sessions, the Health Services Library is open until the evening at the weekends. With spaces available for individual and group study, this could be the change of scene you are looking for.ÌýÌý

Avenue CampusÌýÌý

Open at weekends from 08:00-23:00, closed on Monday 27 MayÌýÌý

Situated in a quiet area, Avenue Campus has a set of individual study spaces overlooking the courtyard, dedicated study rooms, as well as a number of height-adjustable desks. A stone’s throw from Southampton Common, Avenue Campus is a great destination for those looking to take a break and enjoy the outdoors during their day.ÌýÌý

Please note, you will need your student ID to access the building.Ìý

Centenary Building (B100) – Highfield CampusÌý

Open from 12:00-19:30 at weekends and on Monday 27 MayÌýÌýÌý

Building 100 has once again extended opening hours during May to give you more options. If you like studying with a view, B100 has plenty of spaces overlooking the city and could offer you a welcome break from the trustworthy Hartley Library, as well as some lovely cityscape photos to go with it.ÌýÌý

Hartley Library – Highfield CampusÌýÌý

Open 24/7 at weekends and on Monday 27 MayÌýÌý

If you are more of a night owl and enjoy your late study sessions, don’t forget that Hartley Library is open 24/7 during the assessment period.Ìý

Make sure you get home safe if you are studying late at night – check out the and the for transport options.ÌýÌý

Useful links and reminders Ìý

• to check the opening times throughout the week for all library facilities.Ìý
• If you would like to borrow a laptop, our libraries have available at Hartley Library, Avenue Campus, Health Services Library, NOCS Library, and Sir James Matthews study space.ÌýÌý
• For those living closer to the city centre, the is open from 08:00-20:00, Monday to Friday (closed on Monday 27 May).ÌýÌý
• SUSU also has plenty of spaces you can take advantage of during the week – for opening times.Ìý
• Watch: Assessment tips for success (semester two 2023/24)ÌýÌý
• for our useful guide, Special Considerations information, and more.ÌýÌý

Watch our assessment tips videoÌý

Watch the below video for useful top tips for upcoming exams and assessments, as well as guidance on behaviours and etiquette that need to be followed to ensure everyone has a positive experience.

Helpful remindersÌýÌý

• Make sure you switch off your phone and leave it in your bag along with any electronic devices such as headphones and smartwatches. Ìý
• Don’t forget to bring your student IDÌýas invigilators will need to check it at the start of your exam. Please note that attendance of exams will be recorded, and you may be contacted by The Student Hub if you are absent without having already let us know.
• If you need to order a replacement ID card, this can be done up to three days in advance of your exam. Alternative forms of ID will be accepted but you must bring your ID number to your exam.
• Check that any equipment you might need for the exam is approved – for example, calculators and dictionaries.Ìý
• Double check your personal timetable for the location of the exam and your seat number.ÌýÌý
• Fill in the front of your answer book and the yellow slip with your details and the information on the exam paper.Ìý

• Always listen to the invigilators’ instructions – and don’t forget, they are happy to help you if you have any questions during the exam.Ìý

Useful linksÌýÌý

• Visit the study space SUSSED piece for inspiration on study spaces for this semester.Ìý
• for everything you need to know during this period.
• for Special Considerations information, as well as other useful content and resources.ÌýÌý

The Student Hub – 24/7 support
If you have any queries or concerns, The Student Hub is your first point of contact, get in touch with us 24/7 via email, , or by calling 02380 599 599. 

We suggest you note down and check your timetable carefully, take note of your building number, and read the candidate instructions. If you need a calculator or dictionary, check the assessment regulations to ensure you are using an approved model.Ìý

Exam and assessment rooms are in several locations across the university campuses. You may be in a hall, a lecture or seminar room, or a computer room. Check the helpful room layout document to help you prepare, along with some imagery of some of the types of rooms that are used for the assessment period.ÌýÌý

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You can visit the assessment timetables webpage on the University website for more information.Ìý