Information for new and returning students

If you live in student halls of residence you are already exempt from paying Council Tax and do not need to notify us that you are a student.

In the UK, if you are eligible to vote you are required by law to register. You will need to complete the registration process yourself and provide additional information to prove your identity and address. Once registered, you will be eligible to vote in local and national elections in Southampton.

If your home and university addresses are in two different local authority areas, you can vote in local elections in both areas. This is because they are separate elections. No one is allowed to vote twice in the same national election, even if the votes are in different areas of the country. You may choose to vote in your home seat instead as long as you remain registered there.

• Register to vote
• Information about elections and referenda

There’s so much happening in Southampton all year round that we’re confident you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and engaged. Use the links in this section to find out what’s going on near you.

• Upcoming events
• Visit Southampton
• Arts and heritage

The best way to stay up to date with all the latest news and information from us or about the city is to follow us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re always keen to hear how you’re getting on in Southampton. If you have any questions, enquiries or problems that can’t be answered by the pages above, there are plenty of ways to get in touch with us online.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Sign up for e-alerts

Students living in private accommodation are exempt from paying Council Tax but must still register before applying for that exemption.

You need to enrol for your course the following year before the enrolment deadline in order to secure Council Tax exemption. 

• Register for council tax
• Apply for student exemption or discount

Finding out when your bins are collected and what can go in them can be one of the more bewildering aspects of moving home. Get all the information you need about the bins and recycling services in Southampton right here.

• Find out your collection days
• What goes in your bin?
• Information for students about household waste

In the UK, if you are eligible to vote you are required by law to register. You will need to complete the registration process yourself and provide additional information to prove your identity and address. Once registered, you will be eligible to vote in local and national elections in Southampton.

If your home and university addresses are in two different local authority areas, you can vote in local elections in both areas. This is because they are separate elections. No one is allowed to vote twice in the same election, even if the votes are in different areas of the country. You may choose to vote in your home seat instead as long as you remain registered there.

• Register to vote
• Information about elections and referenda

Your private residence may be in a residents parking zone. If so, you must apply for a residents’ parking permit if you want to park your car on the road. You will need to know the zone number and provide proof of residence and vehicle ownership to obtain a residents' permit.

• Apply for a parking permit
• Find your parking zone

There’s so much happening in Southampton all year round that we’re confident you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and engaged. Use the links in this section to find out what’s going on near to your new home.

• Upcoming events
• Visit Southampton
• Arts and heritage

The best way to stay up to date with all the latest news and information from us or about the city is to follow us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re always keen to hear how you’re getting on in Southampton. If you have any questions, enquiries or problems that can’t be answered by the pages above, there are plenty of ways to have your say and get in touch with us online.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Sign up for e-alerts